Latasha tells Alicia, “I’m in the most found place I’ve ever been.” And her sense of self, her deep connection to her work, and her artistic genius seem to radiate in waves around her. “I’m practical magic,” she says at one point. And it’s easy to believe it. But the lyricist, singer and self-described “energy worker” also knows the music game so she calls it like she sees it: she’s clear that Cardi B’s realness beat out Nicki Minaj’s invented self, that women rappers are still held back by the industry, and that she won’t change who she is to be famous.

Follow Latashá on Twitter and IG at @callmeLatashá. If you loved this episode, listen to Amara La Negra, iLe, and DaniLeigh for more on finding your creative voice. Show your love and become a Latina to Latina Patreon supporter!