Psalm One is a dope, experienced, independent rapper from Chicago who I just love. Her most recent album, Bigg Perrm, is one of my favorites of the year. She's also an author! Her first book is a memoir, Her Word Is Bond: Navigating Hip Hop and Relationships in a Culture of Misogyny, and it's great for the reasons she is: direct, unflinching, shocking, relatable, and funny.

The way Psalm One talks about her career—making high-quality work for years, watching peers rocket to success, feeling and battling resentment, and powering through it all with love for her craft and belief in herself—I find it hella affirming. I was stoked to talk to her, and I'm stoked to share our conversation with you.

Content warning: domestic violence, exclusive funeral, bonding through complaining, thinking you've transcended.

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Follow Psalm One on Twitter: @PsalmOne

Listen to and buy her music on Bandcamp.

And get Her Word Is Bond straight from the publisher, Haymarket Books.

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Transcript: This Is Your Afterlife on Podscribe

Music = Future: "Use Me" / James Blackshaw: "The Cloud of Unknowing" / Johnnie Frierson: "Miracles"