Unlike many of today’s Hip-Hop albums, Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly LP did not feature a lot of guest contributions. There were no verses from previous collaborators like Drake, J. Cole and A$AP Rocky. None of Kendrick’s TDE label mates such as Jay Rock, Ab-Soul or Schoolboy Q joined the project either. There were select vocalists and musicians such as George Clinton, Bilal and Anna Wise but there were only two other MCs on the entire album, Snoop Dogg and Rapsody.

Many understood the Snoop connection, given the multi-generational West Coast and Dr. Dre ties, but, especially to more casual fans, Rapsody’s inclusion on “Complexion (A Zulu Love)” may have been a head-turner. For those familiar with the talented MC, however, Rapsody’s appearance was a welcomed surprise but it was not shocking. The artist who is a longtime-affiliate of 9th Wonder and Jamla Records signee, has been steadily perfecting her craft for 10 years, having worked with artists from Big K.R.I.T. to Chance The Rapper to Jay Electronica. In fact, this was not even the first collaboration between Rapsody and Kendrick. Back in 2011, it was Rap who invited Kendrick to guest on her For Everything mixtape, on the song “Rock the Bells.”

Much has changed for both MCs in the last four years, however, and Rapsody spoke with VIBE about how their latest joint effort came about and what it’s meant for her. Check out the video.

Here’s Rapsody and Kendrick’s 2011 collaboration, “Rock the Bells.”

Related: With Millions Stuck On Her Words, Rapsody Commands The Moment (Video)