This years honoree Missy Elliott a hip hop icon will be celebrated in style with performances by two women making waves in rap music. Rapsody and Leikeli47 will bring sassiness and attitude to the 2018 ESSENCE Black Women In Music event. The annual event occurs during Grammy award season and highlights the contributions of black women to the music industry.

Rapsody’s latest album Laila’s Wisdom nominated for two Grammy awards, is also the North Carolina rapper’s first release with a major label distribution.  Rapsody however, is no new artist. Her steady grind in hip hop has solidified her position as top tier lyricist across the board.

Brooklyn rapper Leikeli47 may be newer on the scene yet her fierce style and sets her apart from many. Leikeli47’s debut album Wash And Set was well received by fans and industry peers. Leikeli47’s music has also been featured on hit television series Insecure. 

Both Rapsody and Leikeli47 are sure to deliver. The ESSENCE 2018 Black Women in Music is sponsored by Lincoln Motor Company and AT&T and will take place January 25 2018 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City just ahead of the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.