Born on this day in 1970, Lana Michelle Moorer has been a pillar of feminism and respect for women in Hip Hop since her 1986 debut. After her first single, “I Cram to Understand U” sent shock waves through the growing New York Hip Hop scene, Lyte was awarded a record deal from First Priority Music and given the ability to take her message to the street.
MC Lyte was the first woman to tackle any issue of feminism in Hip Hop and was in no way quiet about it. Her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, was a middle finger to Hip Hop’s male standard, serving as the first full-length album from a female rapper. Here stood a young woman lyrically holding her own in a sea of some of the most hungry and prolific MC’s in the genre’s history while simultaneously checking the whole industry on their lack of respect for the fairer sex. Her ability commanded a positive response and made her a new force to be reckoned with.
Her follow up album only did more for her career, creating her image as Hip Hop’s female kingpin, demanding respecting and delivering nothing but fire. This album, titled Eyes on This, also housed Lyte’s first hit single “Cha Cha Cha” which spent 18 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart proving that MC Lyte was here to stay.
On this date in 1989, Brooklyn rapper Lana Moorer aka MC Lyte dropped her second full-length studio LP Eyes On This.
Released on her family’s First Priority imprint through the parent company Atlantic and produced by her brothers Audio Two, King of Chill, and Nat Robinson, Eyes On This was Lyte’s introduction into stardom, with the NYC skyline(including WTC) and two ’89 Porsche Carreras on the album’s cover as proof.
Some of the album’s standout tracks include “Cappucino,” “Cha Cha Cha,” and “Shut The Eff Up(Hoe)!,” which was the second installment in her battle with female rap phenom Antoinette.
The 13 track album made it to #86 on the Billboard 200 and is still recognized as a classic by real Hip Hop aficionados around the globe. Salute to Lyte, Milk, Giz, and the King of Chill for giving the people this dope album!
MC Lyte is gearing up for her new album, 1 of 1. Lyte appeared on Audacy Check to support the release and recalled how she landed her first record deal.
“[My friend] called me one day while I was in high school, and he asked me, did I want to go meet a record label that was looking for a female MC And I was like, sure – of course I had to ask my mom,” Lyte said. “And literally, the decision as to whether it would happen or not was all hers. Because she had to allow me to get on the Staten Island ferry to go to Staten Island…”
Coming off Hip-Hop’s 51st birthday, Lyte also spoke to how Hip-Hop is still embedded in her life, “I didn’t even know that the love for Hip-Hop was still embedded in me the way that it is. And it was sparked, and because of that, I got into a real zone about what I wanted to say, how I wanted to say it, what I wanted to say it on, [and] who I wanted to say it with.”
She added, “It just became laser-focused. And it hadn’t been that way for a while because life, you know, I’m trying to do this and that and that, and broadening the business. And, so it is easy to take your eyes off of something that means so much to you when you have all of these other things going as well as distractions. And so once I was able to sit down and get it going, I just was really excited…”
Listen to the interview below to hear more from MC Lyte, including about working with Stevie Wonder, how she got into voiceovers, and more.
Earlier this summer, in a powerful collaboration just in time to close out Black Music Month, Hip-Hop legends MC Lyte and Queen Latifah have released a new single titled “King King.” The track showcases their musical prowess and delivers a heartfelt tribute to Black men, celebrating their resilience and strength.
Produced by the talented Nottz and Grammy Award-winning Warryn Campbell, “King King” is poised to become a summer anthem. The song opens with MC Lyte’s signature lyrical brilliance, praising the journey and dedication of men who overcome challenges to embrace love and responsibility. With lines like “I see you here doing your thing king,” Lyte’s verses resonate deeply, offering a rare musical acknowledgment of Black men’s positive roles in their families and communities.
The chorus features MC Lyte and Queen Latifah harmonizing, “It’s your crown, hold it / Even if the world falls down, show it,” emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. This collaboration between two iconic figures in Hip-Hop brings a powerful message of unity and strength.
“There has never been an anthem like this that celebrated men who are committed to their families,” MC Lyte explains. “It’s about time we recognize them as Kings who deserve praise for their guidance and protection.” This sentiment is especially poignant as Black Music Month draws to a close, providing a fitting tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of Black men.
“King King” is distributed by Vydia and is set to make waves in the music industry. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms on June 28th. This dynamic collaboration promises to be a standout track of the season, delivering a message of empowerment and respect for all listeners.
Queen Latifah, an icon in her own right, brings her unique blend of strength and grace to “King King,” making the collaboration even more impactful. Together, they celebrate the essence of Black manhood, providing a much-needed anthem that honors their contributions and sacrifices.
“King King” invites listeners to recognize and celebrate the kings in their lives, acknowledging their struggles and triumphs. As the summer progresses, this track is set to become a staple in playlists, reminding everyone of the importance of love, commitment, and family.
The release of “King King” marks another milestone in MC Lyte’s illustrious career. Known for her powerful voice and impactful lyrics, she has paved the way for many artists and continues to inspire with her work. Her involvement in voiceovers and conferences further cements her as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
This past Saturday, The Roots brought the best parts of their annual festival, Roots Picnic, to the Hollywood Bowl for a special concert, Love Of My Life. Named after a song from the Philadelphia band’s 1999 fourth studio album Things Fall Apart (which was itself inspired by Common’s metaphorical 1994 storytelling track “I Used to Love H.E.R.”), the concert was dedicated to celebrating the group’s 30-year love affair with this thing called hip-hop. To that end, they recruited a slew of guests from the genre’s Golden Era to join them onstage to perform some of their greatest hits.
Arrested Development, Black Sheep, Common, Digable Planets, The Pharcyde, and Queen Latifah were all billed as performers, but throughout the evening, surprise guests ranging from Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am to an all-star roster of pioneer women in rap, including The Lady Of Rage, MC Lyte, Monie Love, and Yo-Yo, all joined The Roots on the legendary stage. And, as befits any live performance played the Philadelphian ensemble (the most recent of which I have to compare it to was their New Year’s Eve show at the Wiltern in LA just seven months ago), those hits were reinterpreted, remixed, and transformed by the addition of the live band.
When the crew launched Roots Picnic back in 2008, I felt so left out, living on the West Coast. While endless sunshine and pretty people never really gets stale, it did feel a bit like I was missing out on all the best bits of culture taking place in the northeast. As social media became more commonplace, allowed more footage from the festival to enter the public consciousness, that feeling was only intensified. For someone who counts The Roots among his most formative acts, watching Black Thought freestyle for 15 minutes on a phone screen was as exciting as it was disheartening that I couldn’t see it live.
On Saturday, I did. It was glorious. I’ve seen LeBron James play basketball in person in a high school gym in the hood (another of those perks of growing up in LA). I got the same, transformative feeling watching Tariq Trotter, a master of his craft in the same respect, do things very few other earthly powers have ever been able to come close to reproducing. When Common came out to perform “I Used To Love H.E.R.,” to see nearly 17,500 other people rap EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. was akin to a spiritual experience.
The biggest pops, though, were reserved for Queen Latifah and the cadre of hip-hop sistren who joined her for a mini-set that proved that women have always run hip-hop — and always should. Not expecting Lyte, Rage, or Yo-Yo to put in appearances, I was genuinely surprised by the surprise guest appearances. And I was awed. These women, all well into their 50s, hit every bar. The mics were ON. I get why younger artists often look like deer in the headlights at these festivals, but I’m going to recommend that you festival organizers start sending out media packages for study with the booking contracts. This is what it’s supposed to look like.
The night ended, somewhat fascinatingly, with a singalong of Black Sheep’s “The Choice Is Yours.” It was a high point, but there were so many singalong moments that could have been the finale: Thought and Com running through the title track of the evening. Arrested Development crooning “People Everyday,” Will sitting in with Pharcyde for a rendition of “Passin’ Me By,” or the Jungle Brothers popping out to perform the Native Tongues posse cut “Buddy” with more than a few of the original artists in attendance.
The best part of the show was the best part of the Roots Picnic as an event. Getting to see all these pillars of hip-hop together, not just on the same stage performing their own sets, but as a group, playing off each other, enjoying each other’s company and vibing together. That’s the one-of-a-kind experience that makes Roots Picnic one of the premiere festivals throughout the year. Even getting to sample it at an iconic venue like Hollywood Bowl? You can’t beat that with a bat.
In a powerful collaboration just in time to close out Black Music Month, Hip-Hop legends MC Lyte and Queen Latifah have released a new single titled “King King.” The track showcases their musical prowess and delivers a heartfelt tribute to Black men, celebrating their resilience and strength.
Produced by the talented Nottz and Grammy Award-winning Warryn Campbell, “King King” is poised to become a summer anthem. The song opens with MC Lyte’s signature lyrical brilliance, praising the journey and dedication of men who overcome challenges to embrace love and responsibility. With lines like “I see you here doing your thing king,” Lyte’s verses resonate deeply, offering a rare musical acknowledgment of Black men’s positive roles in their families and communities.
The chorus features MC Lyte and Queen Latifah harmonizing, “It’s your crown, hold it / Even if the world falls down, show it,” emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. This collaboration between two iconic figures in Hip-Hop brings a powerful message of unity and strength.
“There has never been an anthem like this that celebrated men who are committed to their families,” MC Lyte explains. “It’s about time we recognize them as Kings who deserve praise for their guidance and protection.” This sentiment is especially poignant as Black Music Month draws to a close, providing a fitting tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of Black men.
“King King” is distributed by Vydia and is set to make waves in the music industry. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms on June 28th. This dynamic collaboration promises to be a standout track of the season, delivering a message of empowerment and respect for all listeners.
Beyond her music, MC Lyte continues to thrive in various ventures, including voiceover work and empowerment conferences. Her career, spanned decades, has set a benchmark for male and female MCs, making her a pivotal figure in Hip-Hop. MC Lyte remains a source of inspiration, demonstrating her versatility and influence in the entertainment industry.
Queen Latifah, an icon in her own right, brings her unique blend of strength and grace to “King King,” making the collaboration even more impactful. Together, they celebrate the essence of Black manhood, providing a much-needed anthem that honors their contributions and sacrifices.
“King King” invites listeners to recognize and celebrate the kings in their lives, acknowledging their struggles and triumphs. As the summer progresses, this track is set to become a staple in playlists, reminding everyone of the importance of love, commitment, and family.
The release of “King King” marks another milestone in MC Lyte’s illustrious career. Known for her powerful voice and impactful lyrics, she has paved the way for many artists and continues to inspire with her work. Her involvement in voiceovers and conferences further cements her as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Queen Latifah’s participation in “King King” adds depth to the track. Her career, marked by numerous music, acting, and production achievements, complements MC Lyte’s powerful message. Together, they have created a song that entertains, uplifts and empowers.
For those looking to immerse themselves in this celebration of Black excellence, “King King” is available on all major streaming platforms. You can also see MC Lyte at a show nearest you. Her list of current dates is available here.
In a powerful collaboration just in time to close out Black Music Month, Hip-hHp legends MC Lyte and Queen Latifah have released a new single titled “King Kong.” The track showcases their musical prowess and delivers a heartfelt tribute to Black men, celebrating their resilience and strength.
Produced by the talented Nottz and Grammy Award-winning Warryn Campbell, “King Kong” is poised to become a summer anthem. The song opens with MC Lyte’s signature lyrical brilliance, praising the journey and dedication of men who overcome challenges to embrace love and responsibility. With lines like “I see you here doing your thing king,” Lyte’s verses resonate deeply, offering a rare musical acknowledgment of Black men’s positive roles in their families and communities.
The chorus features MC Lyte and Queen Latifah harmonizing, “It’s your crown, hold it / Even if the world falls down, show it,” emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. This collaboration between two iconic figures in Hip-Hop brings a powerful message of unity and strength.
“There has never been an anthem like this that celebrated men who are committed to their families,” MC Lyte explains. “It’s about time we recognize them as Kings who deserve praise for their guidance and protection.” This sentiment is especially poignant as Black Music Month draws to a close, providing a fitting tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of Black men.
“King Kong” is distributed by Vydia and is set to make waves in the music industry. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms on June 28th. This dynamic collaboration promises to be a standout track of the season, delivering a message of empowerment and respect for all listeners.
Beyond her music, MC Lyte continues to thrive in various ventures, including voiceover work and empowerment conferences. Her career, spanned decades, has set a benchmark for male and female MCs, making her a pivotal figure in Hip-Hop. MC Lyte remains a source of inspiration, demonstrating her versatility and influence in the entertainment industry.
Queen Latifah, an icon in her own right, brings her unique blend of strength and grace to “King Kong,” making the collaboration even more impactful. Together, they celebrate the essence of Black manhood, providing a much-needed anthem that honors their contributions and sacrifices.
“King Kong” invites listeners to recognize and celebrate the kings in their lives, acknowledging their struggles and triumphs. As the summer progresses, this track is set to become a staple in playlists, reminding everyone of the importance of love, commitment, and family.
The release of “King Kong” marks another milestone in MC Lyte’s illustrious career. Known for her powerful voice and impactful lyrics, she has paved the way for many artists and continues to inspire with her work. Her involvement in voiceovers and conferences further cements her as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Queen Latifah’s participation in “King Kong” adds depth to the track. Her career, marked by numerous music, acting, and production achievements, complements MC Lyte’s powerful message. Together, they have created a song that entertains, uplifts and empowers.
For those looking to immerse themselves in this celebration of Black excellence, “King Kong” is available on all major streaming platforms. You can also see MC Lyte at a show nearest you. Her list of current dates is available here.
Iconic Hip Hop Legends MC Lyte, Salt, and Big Daddy Kane Join Forces with R&B Crooner Raheem Devaughn for Powerful Anthem “WOMAN”
Mogul, VoiceOver Artist, and Hip-Hop legend MC Lyte honors Women’s History with a hard hitting anthem to women across the globe with her new single “Woman.” Produced by Warryn Campbell, this track is a bold, lyrical celebration of womanhood featuring fellow hip-hop pioneers SALT of Salt-N-Pepa and Big Daddy Kane along with R&B crooner Raheem DeVaughn.
Grammy award-winning producer Warryn Campbell lends his incredible talent as Executive Producer of this highly anticipated single from the upcoming MC Lyte project.
There have always been women at the forefront of hip-hop’s 50-year reign over pop culture, and perhaps none is more iconic than Queen Latifah. The “U-N-I-T-Y” rapper is widely acknowledged as one of the genre’s greatest of all time, and last night at the Kennedy Center Honors, she received loving tributes from some of her most iconic peers and proteges.
First up, Missy Elliott repaid Latifah for her touching Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction speech introduction, recalling hearing “Ladies First” for the first time as a teenager and having her life changed by Latifah’s “Queen” moniker and positive messaging.
Then, there were performances. Queen Latifah’s fellow hip-hop pioneers MC Lyte and Monie Love performed her signature hit “Ladies First,” with Lyte taking over Latifah’s verses and Monie performing her own.
Rapsody then performed one of Latifah’s best, but most underrated songs, “Just Another Day…” (Would have been cool if she performed “Hatshepsut,” the song on which they collaborated from Rap’s 2019 album Eve, but extra light being shed on the smooth Black Reign cut is never a bad thing.)
The Kennedy Center Honors simply seal a legendary legacy which includes such accolades as Grammys, Emmys, and Oscar nominations, as well as roles ranging acting to heading one of hip-hop’s first women-led labels. She is, indeed, an icon and a queen.
As far as pioneering female rappers go, MC Lyte is beyond untouchable. She was the first woman in rap to release a studio album, paving the way for everyone else after her. Breaking onto the scene at 16, her talent was undeniable from her debut album. However, she kept the ball rolling with her sophomore project, Eyes on This.
Since Hip Hop was birthed 50 years ago, several exceptional artists have come and gone. Nonetheless, MC Lyte is etched in the genre’s history permanently. She has significantly contributed to the untouchable legacy of Hip Hop with her impressive discography. Eyes on This is now a 34-year-old album worthy of all the praise it has received over the years. After the success of her debut album, MC Lyte proved that she was no one-hit wonder.
The Road To Sophomore Success
In 1988, at 17, MC Lyte released her debut album Lyte as a Rock. It was a critical and commercial success, featuring hit tracks like “Paper Thin” and “10% Dis.” The album established Lyte as a prominent voice in the male-dominated Hip Hop scene. Due to the success of her debut album, there was a lot at stake for the rapper. Understandably, she had something to prove with her follow-up. This was especially important because it was set to arrive at a time when Hip Hop was beginning to gain significant mainstream attention.
Additionally, the genre diversified in styles and voices; she was already a unique figure. All things considered, MC Lyte had to put out an album good enough to arrest people’s attention. She took on the challenge, releasing Eyes on This on October 3, 1989, just a year after her debut. The project accomplished its main goal, further solidifying MC Lyte’s position as one of the leading voices in Hip Hop.
MC Lyte’s Artistic Evolution
Eyes on This represented a maturing of MC Lyte’s style. Her lyricism became sharper, and she tackled more topics than she had in her previous album. On songs like “Cappuccino,” “Not With a Dealer,” and “Please Understand,” she addressed issues like sexism, gun violence and empowerment. Furthermore, the album displayed her growing versatility as a rapper. It especially demonstrated her ability to balance party anthems like “Slave to the Rhythm” with socially conscious tracks.
The Innovative Approach To Eyes on This
Eyes on This was created when sampling was prevalent in Hip Hop production. The album’s production was handled by a handful of prominent producers, including Audio Two, Marley Marl, and PMD among others. They utilized samples from various genres, creating a diverse musical backdrop for MC Lyte to express her creativity. All 13 tracks on Eyes on This contain samples, some more than others. “Shut the Eff Up! (Hoe),” however, has the most samples on the album. The track borrows from eight different songs, and three of them were songs by MC Lyte herself.
A Second Win For MC Lyte
Upon its release, Eyes on This was lauded for its lyrical content, delivery, and production. Critics praised MC Lyte’s confidence and the album’s ability to address societal issues with intelligence and wit. The album also had a relatively successful commercial run. However, most notably, it was the first solo album by a female rapper to appear on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at number 86. Its three singles, “Cha Cha Cha,” “Stop, Look, Listen,” and “Cappucino,” also performed moderately on the charts. All three songs peaked within the top 10 of the Hot Rap Songs chart. However, only “Cha Cha Cha” managed to reach the top spot on that chart.
The Album’s Legacy
Eyes on This is one of MC Lyte’s primary works that influenced subsequent generations of female rappers, including Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliot, and Eve. It showed that women could excel in a male-dominated industry, particularly the second time. In summary, Eyes on This continues to be celebrated as a classic album in the Hip Hop industry. The rapper had grown in confidence, skill, and tenacity in just one year.
Born on this day in 1970, Lana Michelle Moorer has been a pillar of feminism and respect for women in Hip Hop since her 1986 debut. After her first single, “I Cram to Understand U” sent shock waves through the growing New York Hip Hop scene, Lyte was awarded a record deal from First Priority Music and given the ability to take her message to the street.
MC Lyte was the first woman to tackle any issue of feminism in Hip Hop and was in no way quiet about it. Her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, was a middle finger to Hip Hop’s male standard, serving as the first full-length album from a female rapper. Here stood a young woman lyrically holding her own in a sea of some of the most hungry and prolific MC’s in the genre’s history while simultaneously checking the whole industry on their lack of respect for the fairer sex. Her ability commanded a positive response and made her a new force to be reckoned with.
Her follow up album only did more for her career, creating her image as Hip Hop’s female kingpin, demanding respecting and delivering nothing but fire. This album, titled Eyes on This, also housed Lyte’s first hit single “Cha Cha Cha” which spent 18 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart proving that MC Lyte was here to stay.
