In her interview with Madeleine Byrne in The Wire 433, US rapper Nappy Nina discusses her jazz inheritance, her move from West to East Coast and her latest album Dumb Doubt, as well as the MCs that have influenced her own style. Here, she expands on that list in an exclusive playlist.

Stas Thee Boss “Tried it”
From S'Women (2017)

I have been trying for years to out-rap Stas Thee Boss, formerly of TheeSatisfaction. This song always puts me in the mood to brag a bit, Stas's smooth bars make you forget you're listening to somewhat of a diss track.

Missy Elliott (featuring Jay-Z) “Wake Up”
From This Is Not A Test (2003)

It's impossible to pick one Missy song to put on this playlist but this is a jam that isn't necessarily a hit single but I love the production and Missy’s flow. She is flawless, she's talking about some real shit and Jay-Z does a good job too.

Isaiah Rashad “Dressed Like Rappers”
From The Sun's Tirade (2016)

This is an emotional song to me, the synths are so sad and so is Rashad’s flow, he speaks about his own mortality but somewhere mid-track there is this feeling of confidence. It is definitely a love song of sorts but not really to one thing and those are my favorites.

Nelson Bandela “earseed00002”
From Bandela BeatTape 001 (2019)

This is the first track off of Bandela BeatTape 001. A true groove in Bandela fashion, I listen to this jam to get me in rap mode, Bandela's beats always challenge me to be a better rapper so these are always a great starting place.

Dane “Stoned & Low”
From goodbye and hello (they won't all be like this) (2019)

Dane was the executive producer for both my albums The Tree Act and Dumb Doubt. He has a great ear when it comes to making music with me, but I also really love the makes for himself. I played this song over and over for a couple of months because it resonated so heavily with me.

Quelle Chris “WYRM”
From Guns (2019)

The keys on this beat sound so good. I love piano beats and I think Quelle is flawless in the delivery on this song and the idea of being around so long but possibly not being remembered is hella real.

The Fugees “How Many Mics?”
From The Score (1996)

I feel like this song doesn't need any comment from me. Lauren killed it, like she did on every track on the album.

Zenizen “Es Is”
From POC (Proof Of Concept) (forthcoming)

I love this song, this grove, this band. Opal's voice is inspiring... the way she bends words to fit the mood and moves from pitch to pitch so smoothly. When I think about being able to really ride the groove, I think of Zenizen.

Mavi “Self Love”
From Let The Sun Talk (2019)

I've spent so much time with this track in my headphones, it's introspective rap at its finest. Mavi inspires me to be more honest with myself on my own tracks, he doesn't back down from that.

Pink Siifu (featuring Awhlee & Liv.e) “Pray Everyday”
From Ensley (2018)

I'm sure my roommates are tired of hearing this track. After meditating this is my go to shit, the collaboration between the artists on this just leads me to imagine what a once in a lifetime session this was made in.

Nappy Nina is featured in The Wire 433. Subscribers can read now via the digital archive.