Rapsody with Live Band

Rhyme and Resonance: Rapsody with Live Band at Blue Note

HOLLYWOOD, CA – The narrative power of hip-hop meets the improvisational soul of jazz as Grammy-nominated lyricist Rapsody brings her “Please Don’t Cry” live experience to Blue Note Los Angeles. The North Carolina native is scheduled for a special one-night-only residency on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, featuring two intimate performances.

Accompanied by a full live band, Rapsody is expected to perform material from her deeply personal 2024 album, Please Don’t Cry. The project, which features collaborations with Erykah Badu and Lil Wayne, has been hailed as a masterpiece of vulnerability and self-reflection. By stripping away digital backtracks in favor of live instrumentation, the Blue Note shows offer a rare opportunity to hear her intricate wordplay and storytelling in a high-fidelity, acoustic setting.

A Master of the Craft

Widely considered one of the greatest lyricists of her generation, Rapsody has built a career on substantive content and technical mastery. From her Grammy-nominated Laila’s Wisdom to her tribute to Black womanhood on Eve, her work consistently challenges the boundaries of the genre. The live band format allows her to lean into the soulful, boom-bap roots of her music, creating a “jazz-club” energy that highlights her rhythmic precision.

The Blue Note Atmosphere

Located in the heart of Hollywood, Blue Note Los Angeles provides the ideal backdrop for this fusion of styles. Following in the tradition of “Blue Note Jazz & Hip-Hop” crossovers, Rapsody’s residency places her alongside a lineage of artists who prioritize musicality and lyrical depth.