It’s been more than four years since Rapsody released her critically-acclaimed album, Eve. In the time that she’s been away, Hip-Hop has seen a proliferation of women MCs. Names like Ice Spice, Latto, Glorilla, Sexyy Red and Scar Lip, now dominate Rap charts and playlists.

Though the traditionally male-dominated genre has diversified greatly, it has not always been seen as a positive. Just this past weekend, Nikki D, the first woman MC to ever be signed to Def Jam, blasted the way in which women in rap are being promoted.

Nikki saw Ice Spice’s recent performance at Power 105’s Powerhouse concert, in which the “Munch” rapper wore an extremely revealing Betty Boop costume, as the embodiment of what Nikki dubbed the “prostitution era” of female Rap.

Her comments followed a similar sentiment echoed by Fabolous over the Summer. The “Breathe” MC said in an Instagram story on July 16, “I love hearing female rappers talking some real s**t. Women are so strong. Have so many stories and perspectives that we need to hear in pure form. No disrespect to any female rappers out there but I think there’s only one style of female rap/Hip Hop being promoted, programmed and looked at as successful now.”

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Indeed, the substance of a number of Ice Spice’s songs and those of many of her contemporaries diverge widely from the reality raps that put Nikki D on the map. “Daddy’s Little Girl,” her breakout single, told the story of Nikki’s struggle not to disappoint her father by the lifestyle she was leading.

With Nikki and so many others lamenting the one dimensionality with which women rappers are seemingly being promoted, the stage could not be better set for one of Hip-Hop’s most talented MCs…who also happens to be a woman. Rapsody announced her triumphant return with the release of “Asteroid.”

The Hit-Boy-produced song sets the stage for her new album, which Rapsody recently announced was done. Similar to predecessors like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill and Nikki, Rapsody always has covered a diverse array of topics in her music.

Her raps range from challenging Black men to be more supportive of Black women to deep dives on power dynamics in society. Whatever the topic may be, Rap consistently keeps it real.

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“Asteroids” is no exception. Rapsody keeps it 100 from the song’s opening line, starting by referring to herself by her government name. “First name Marlanna, last name Evans / Underappreciated, but I’m still the most respected / My insecurity is the fear of being rejected / When you this raw they listen with an erection,” she raps.

Later, she stands confidently in her skin, rapping lines like “I ain’t no millionaire” and doubling down on the point with “How I’m underpaid when a mother****** like me is nice like this?”

Rapsody also reflects on the price she’s paid by refusing to sell out and due to sexism in Rap. “If I went basic I’d be in the Wraith / If I had a d**k I’d be in the greatest debates,” she raps.

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The song is a fitting and welcomed return from one of the most talented MCs in Hip-Hop, male or female.

“Asteroids” is the latest addition to Ambrosia For Heads’ weekly updated playlist. Life is too short to listen to bad music. We sort through the nonsense so you don’t have to. Other recent adds include new music from Little Brother, Del The Funky Homosapien, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist, J. Cole, Paul Wall, JID, Westside Gun, Nick Grant and more. If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify to stay up to date.