Legendary producer and hip-hop curator Salaam Remi brings the MuseZeuM art gallery experience to life once again during Art Basel weekend in Miami, Florida. Running from December 5th-9th, the four-day exhibit at 2032 NW 2nd Ave marks the final U.S. showcase before the collection embarks on a global tour.
This year, MuseZeuM highlights hip-hop’s rich legacy and iconic storytellers with an exclusive GRAND PUBA and MC LYTE art unveiling on Friday, December 6th, hosted by Miami’s own Supa Cindy. This momentous event, kicking off at 8 PM, will celebrate two of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
The gallery offers a rare glimpse into the stories of hip-hop legends through visual art. Previous pop-ups have captivated audiences in Miami, Washington D.C., and New York City. Returning to its Miami headquarters, MuseZeuM showcases an expanded collection, featuring tributes to Trina, Notorious B.I.G., Celia Cruz, and more.
Additionally, the full collection curated by Salaam Remi includes Art That Has Creative Approvalby icons such as Bob Marley, Nas, Marvin Gaye, Slick Rick, Fab 5 Freddy, Amy Winehouse, Celia Cruz, Dennis Brown, and more.
Guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind art pieces, along with unique authenticated merchandise that celebrates the legacies of these groundbreaking artists.
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of hip-hop, culture, and creativity.
The NFL’s Inspire Change initiative spotlighted hip-hop legend MC Lyte this week, featuring her song “King King” from her latest album, 1 of 1. The powerful track, which features Queen Latifah, pays tribute to NFL players who use their platforms to advocate for social justice and uplift communities.
In the feature, MC Lyte engages in a candid conversation with NFL legend Anquan Boldin, co-founder of the Player’s Coalition. Boldin, who launched the organization after his cousin’s tragic death to gun violence, works alongside more than 1,400 professional athletes across leagues to address social justice and racial equality.
The two discuss the shared responsibility of athletes and artists to amplify voices for positive change, demonstrating the impact of uniting sports and music for a greater cause.
“Hip-hop and sports have always been at the forefront of driving social justice movements, coming together to amplify voices and spark meaningful change,” said hip-hop legend and activist MC Lyte. “My single ‘King King’ is a tribute to the athletes who use their platforms to champion equality and justice. These individuals take significant risks to stand up for what’s right, inspiring progress and uplifting communities in the process. I want to thank Anquan Boldin, the Players Coalition, and the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative for fostering these vital conversations. Their dedication fuels a movement that will resonate for generations.”
“I had the honor of sitting down with legendary hip-hop artist MC Lyte to discuss her new single King King,which she has dedicated to Players Coalition in recognition of the tireless work we have undertaken addressing issues that have directly affected our communities,” said Anquan Boldin, NFL Legend and co-founder of Players Coalition. “The first time I heard King King, it reminded me of the responsibility of men and what Players Coalition, over the past seven years, has impacted including police-community relations, education, civic engagement, and reducing gun violence. A line in the single ‘learning ’bout what it takes to make it through the season’ reminds me that every season brings on new challenges and that Players Coalition is in a position to take the lead and champion issues to create positive change.”
If fans were asked to sum up West Coast rap pillar Snoop Dogg in just one word, the answers would vary so much, it might be hard to recognize that they are all talking about the same person. For six-year-old viral sensation VanVan, who just joined the cast of Snoop’s children’s YouTube series, Doggyland, as Vancy the Dalmatian, the rap elder statesman-turned-mentor is, simply, “kind.” VanVan, who has become popular online due to her freestyle raps and incredible memory for lyrics, both acts and raps as the new addition on songs like “Thanksgiving,” which released earlier this week in honor of the upcoming holiday.
It’s a sentiment echoed by VanVan’s manager, another hip-hop veteran whose legacy precedes even Snoop’s. “I just think that it’s so great that he has enveloped her and shown his kindness, which she can feel, and so happy that they’ve landed on something that’s so positive and so uplifting,” says MC Lyte, whose Sunni Gyrl, Inc. has signed on to manage the prepubescent rapper’s career. “It was the conversations that they had where they felt comfortable enough knowing that we would get out and do what we needed to do to expound on her short-lived career at this point. But since joining forces, she’s been able to do some amazing things.”
Here’s where I admit, that as a rap fan of a certain age, the idea of a “kid rapper” still sparks some skepticism for me, even as I have championed the expansive nature of the form (God’s working on all of us, as Desus and Mero would say). But it helps that the show’s creator is such a force in the hip-hop world. Claude Brooks is perhaps best known as the creator of another rap-centric kids’ show, Hip-Hop Harry, but real heads know he got his start in showbiz as the creator of the 2000 MTV series, The Lyricist Lounge Show, which brought the popular New York underground rap showcase to the screen as a sketch comedy show in which the talent (which included Mos Def and the TV debut of Tracee Ellis Ross) rapped their way through bank robberies and traffic accidents.
He says the surprising part about VanVan’s smooth addition to the cast is that they “weren’t looking to add another character.” However, “it came up so organically. She was buzzing doing her thing on social, and we were doing ours. But we did start talking and realized how much of a true hip-hop head she is. So we leaned in and we sent her a track. We gave her ‘The Affirmations Song’ and gave her eight bars to work something in. She ended up killing this thing and this thing goes crazy viral. So, eventually we find out, ‘They want to do something with Doggyland.’ And so we did ‘The Cleanup Song’ with her, which is great. And then ‘I’m Grateful’ was just this amazing song that just came out this week.”
VanVan actually had a hand in the design of her character, from Vancy’s breed to her wardrobe. “She’s really fancy, and I like that she’s a Dalmatian,” says the precocious proselytizer, lighting up at the chance to get to talk fashion. “And she wears my style. My mom styles me. My favorite outfits are the ones where I have a tank top and I have [points at legs], so it all be colored. It all has to be the same color. So I like when I have the tank top and I have the jacket and I have the pants and the bow. And one time I had that, and I loved it. That’s my favorite style.” As surprising as VanVan’s viral freestyle ability can be, it’s a fun reminder that she’s still allowed to be just a kid — a kid who is still just now learning to read.
Lyte notes how important it is to protect her charge, and the complications that her age brings to VanVan’s burgeoning career. “I think it’s more about, wow, she’s only now six, which means the thought of when she did the BET Awards, she could only be on set for a certain amount of time because they only allow minors [for a limited time]. So we have to strategize, okay, she’s got to rehearse, but then we got to get her out of the building and not let the six-hour maximum time be spent frivolously. And if she was going to sit and watch the show, the show is three hours, so it’s almost like we had to split it up three and three and be very careful about it.”
The young rapper isn’t sweating the hard work, though, because for her, it’s all fun. “You can have fun while you have to work really, really hard,” she enthuses. “You can just play, you can dance… it just makes me happy when I’m done with raps and my dad just hype me up.” As to her stint on Doggyland, she says she “really wanted to be a character,” and despite her young age, she recognizes the value in the work. “I like that they play some songs that teach kids to start doing stuff that they say on videos. I really like that they do that.”
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.
