[double posting these today. i forgot i said i was going to do it even though i literally wrote like 3 of these in advance]
Let’s wrap up these runner-ups! My 2nd favourite album from a female rapper was the one, the only… Leikeli47. She’s another east-coaster well-known for her iconic balaclavas and hard-hitting bars. “Zoom” was the first single off this album to drop, and I like the concept of the song, telling stories about fights she’s been in and talking about how she’s always on guard and on target. The hook has a quick, catchy rhythm to it, but the verses use the simple snares and bouncing bass on the backing track to help paint the picture in full color. Keep your hands where she can see them. However, she’s not JUST about getting violent- the very next track, Done Right, is one of her songs that showcases a gentler side about reciprocating love and communicating with your partner. I quite like the style of Free to Love as well, and it discusses the falling out of a relationship- maybe the same one- with some biting bars and calling her man out for inconsistency and infidelity. I think the final few bars are the best part, with the wordplay about heaven and hell in these short staccato lines coupled with some absolutely DARLING vocal riffs. Some other high points include Chitty Bang with its wild instrumental and headbanging delivery, BITM & Jay Walk with these club instrumentals and excellent lyrical work (and a feature from Jay Alexander himself), and Carry Anne, which goes so insane it’s indescribable.
