Rapsody fans know how important this week truly is. Appearing on Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking To Pimp A Butterfly as of its Monday sneak attack release, it is presumed that the Kooley High alum and Jamla Records artist is meeting many ears for the first time. However, for those who have followed the North Carolina MC for the last seven-plus years, this is an overdue awakening to the mind behind The Idea Of Beautiful and She Got Game.

It is with that in mind that Rapsody seizes the moment. She releases the visual to “The Man,” a highly-personal, highly-relevant comment on absentee fathers, and the damage of broken families. The video, shot in beautiful black & white, featuring snow-scapes, really enhances Rap’s raps. With a storyline attached the video, the butterfly effect of distant fathers are examined, and the actors’ eyes tell the real story.

Just as important as the intimate visual, Rapsody shared this letter, with approval, from one of her fans who got a preview of the Cam Be-directed video:

“OPEN LETTER TO THE MAN THAT IMPREGNATED MY MOTHER”

I want to start this off by saying, I made it without you. And please do not perceive this open letter to be anything other than to acknowledge that. I made it. I am not writing this because I am bitter – I am actually numb. I just want you to know that, because of you – I am more of a man than you could ever be. As a matter of fact – I would like to change the title. Let’s call it, “Open Letter to the Coward of a Person That Impregnated My Mother.” I can’t even identify your actions as that of a man. In my lifetime, I have been introduced to many men who played the part. From teachers, to preachers, to the corner store guy who gave me a bag of Doritos when I was hungry. I got mentors! All of these people (and more) shaped me to the man I am today. You, sir, had nothing to do with it.

I have to pause, because I feel as if you are still going to misconstrue this as a diss. Not even close. If this letter comes off aggressive, it is only because of the aggressiveness I had to learn while I navigated these streets. This aggression is what helped me survive. My skin is hard – my hair is hard and my heart has been hardened. Plenty beat-downs and fights taught me that. I have to laugh, because your absence helped me develop a good scrap game. This gave me confidence – and I actually learned that if I wanted something…..I had to take it. That theory got me in jail for 2 years. No need to go into that, because I have moved on. I am no longer “that” man. I am a man that is now holding down a job. I am now a man who has two beautiful daughters that you will never see. I am a man that believes that a strong work-ethic can get me places. I am a man that believes that the sky is the limit. I am a man that helps other boys learn that life has more to offer – if you have your priorities straight. I got nothing but respect for my lost boys in the streets – I was one of them. Now I lead them. But not because of any help from your ass. My anger fueled me.

The last time we talked I asked you a question. I was really naïve. Do you remember? I asked if you were coming back. Yeah, I was really naïve. At 8 years old, I thought you were really going to come back. Do you remember your answer? I do – you said “YES.” That was the last time I smiled for or because of you. Now I have nothing but a numb hatred. The kind of hatred that makes me want …..nevermind. It’s not worth it. If I wanted to “get” you, I would have the last time I saw you. Yeah – I saw you. You were with another woman and another child. I’m glad to know that somebody gets a piece of you. I just hope they know who you really are…….you are dead to me.

I wish you all the worst of conditions. Mainly because you left us in the worst of conditions. You should know that my mother would have done anything to make you stay. I remember the tears from hear and feeling helpless. All I could do is lay beside her and for days – I lost a father and a mother. What kind of bastard must your father have been…? What kind of role model was my grandfather….I mean, grandperson?! What did he teach you about love and about family? Did he try to make you a man? Mission not accomplished.

The more I write, the more enraged I become. I hate you with a passion. I truly hope you fucking die alone. I have no emotions left to give, but wish I had one minute with you alone in a room. I swear I have nothing left. But I will put all of my energy into building MY family. I will make sure MY mother wants for NOTHING. I will make sure MY daughters have all they need. I’m not perfect, but I am a success story. Thanks for nothing…

~Reggie

Like Kendrick’s meteoric rise starting in 2011 (having started putting in incredible work much earlier), is Rapsody the next voice to take the baton within her class?

Related: Crossing The Oceans To Rock Stages, Rapsody Looks To The Lens As Godzilla (Video)