How Rapsody Paid Tribute To Grace Jones With An Afro-Futuristic Royal Look

Grammy award-winning Rapsody embodied an essence of a regal, raw, and resilient spirit for the 67th Grammy ceremony, staying true to her anti conformist nature.  

Born Marlanna Evans, she dedicated her look to the iconic trailblazer, Grace Jones, drawing inspiration from her art.

“During the holiday break, I was drawn back to her music, watching old interviews, and while I was studying style on Pinterest, she was all over my pinned boards. I was attracted to how free she is in her art, conversations, and style statements,” Rapsody told Essence Magazine. 

The Please Don’t Cry artist had no idea she’d take home her first Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance on “3:AM,” featuring Erykah Badu. But what she did know, the energy around her for the special day had to be filled with purpose. 

That vision materialized through Rapsody’s custom Saint Jermaine gown, facilitated by Brooklyn-based designer Fe Noel and Byrd Olivieri. In total, 13 artisans worked on the piece, with the help of students from a Brooklyn non-profit, completing it in 10 days, using 2500 cowrie shells.

Before the elegant dress came together, it was birthed from a sketch, penned by Rapsody, alongside her good friend, Byrd. 

“I met Fe in 2020 through the style architect Misa Hylton, and I’ve been a fan of her brand ever since. I shared the concept with her and design, and I was elated that she wanted to assist me in bringing this vision to life,” Rapsody tells Essence. 

“She then reached out to Jerri to create the dress and stitch the cowrie shells, and she found the amazing Shakira Javonni on Instagram to stitch Grace on the dress,” she continued. 

Misa’s love and friendship with Rapsody played a role in Rapsody’s healing journey, which ultimately led to Please Don’t Cry. Misa was also part of the style team for Rap’s “Back In My Bag” visual, reinforcing the deep creative synergy built on genuine connection and storytelling.

Every detail was stitched with intention—from the embroidery to the crystals and cowrie shells—making it no surprise that the "Stand Tall" rapper had Grace placed near her legs, almost as if the two were walking in alignment. Like Grace, Rapsody earned her crown in the culture by staying in the light and staying true to herself, in an industry where many chase algorithms and compromise their artistry for clout. 

Rapsody—rooted in authenticity, Blackness and meaningful lyricism—stood ten toes down and reaped a spiritual harvest of surrender, self-love, freedom, growth and gratitude, themes reflected in PDC. Through her art, Marlanna showed the culture how to use pain as an opportunity to channel divine intervention, reconnect with your true self, and the power of pure joy and laughter, no matter what life looks like around you. 

“Change the 'something happened to me,' to 'something happened FOR ME,'” is what Erykah Badu told Rapsody during their previous 3:AM conversation. So it was natural for Rapsody to pay homage to Grace Jones and weave in a piece that reflected her connection to the Godmother of soul. 

Rapsody wore a crown with Black Swarovski crystals, and the most powerful and protective stones on the planet—blue onyx, black obsidian, raw emerald—crafted by fashion alchemist, Ashaka Givens, who worked with Erykah Badu, made the look come full circle. 

Reflecting on working with her team, Rapsody said, “It was a joy to create this with all sistahs and brothas! It was spiritual.”

In the same way Rapsody pours intention in her music, she brought that same energy to her Grammy-winning moment, owning her truth while honoring those who paved the way.