Rapsody has credited actress Sanaa Lathan with helping her make her upcoming fourth studio album Please Don’t Cry a reality.
Speaking to AllHipHop, the Grammy nominee credited Lathan as one of the friends who played a big role in the personal journey that started with the project’s first single, “Stand Tall.”
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“Sanaa was one of my guides and supporters on that journey,” Rapsody shared. “She offered so much insight, support, and tools to usher me through; as well as inspiring me with her own vulnerability. I’m grateful to have a friend in her and why I wanted to have this conversation with her first. She’s one of the biggest reasons I was even able to finish the album.”
The words echo an exchange between the two stars, which takes place at the beginning of the “Stand Tall” video, released on Friday (March 15). In the clip, Rapsody is being interviewed by Sanaa Lathan and seems to be referencing the actress’ role as a Hip Hop journalist in Brown Sugar as the audio of their conversation becomes clear.
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“On a personal level, the things that you poured into me at the time that I needed it? God aligned it for me,” Rap says. “‘Cause I was going through such a transition and a healing phase and really getting to learn who I was again. And you gave me so much. So many words and tools to help me on a journey. And for the fans, like, the album does not come without you.”
Lathan, also renowned for her roles in Love & Basketball and The Best Man also praised Rapsody’s artistry to AllHipHop, saying: “Rapsody never ceases to amaze me with her poetic genius. So thrilled to see her put out her latest masterpiece with this new level of vulnerability and authenticity; all layered over infectious beats. Can’t wait for the world to experience this one.”
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Please Don’t Cry is set to be Rapsody’s first album in five years.
When announcing the album, she said: “The last four years have been a beautiful, challenging, exciting, scary, journey back to self. A becoming. A reintroduction. An unveiling. An unlearning. A knowing. An unplugging. A welcome home. A reality check.
“A love story with the reflection in the mirror. And I love her. She’s raw. Imperfect. Real. Goofy. Intelligent. Cool as a cucumber. Patient. Kind. Mad. Emotional. Funny. Quiet. Swear she gangsta. Thoughtful. Grateful. Forgetful. Overwhelmed.”
She added: “Once a month she got an attitude. She cares deeply. Sometimes too much. She’s a lot of things. She’s complex. But, I think that’s what makes her special. And I can’t wait for you to get to know her. Love [kiss emoji] The Homegirl.”
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The album is set to feature a total of 22 songs and features from Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, Hit-Boy and Baby Tate as well as The Cosby Show star Phylicia Rashad.
The 41-year-old rapper will release the album on May 17 through Roc Nation and 9th Wonder’s Jamla.
