MC Lyte
MC Lyte | |
---|---|
Born | Lana Michele Moorer October 11, 1970 New York City, U.S. |
Other names | Lytro |
Education | Hunter College (no degree) |
Occupation | |
Years active | 1984–present |
Organization | Hip Hop Sisters Foundation |
Works | |
Title |
|
Spouse |
John Wyche
(m. 2017; div. 2023) |
Relatives |
|
Awards | East West America/Elektra Records iMUSIC/BMG DuBose Music Group[3] Sunni Gyrl, Inc./Omnivore Recordings |
Formerly of |
|
Website | mclyte |
Lana Michele Moorer (born October 11, 1970), better known by her stage name MC Lyte, is an American rapper. Considered one of the pioneers of female rap,[5][6][7] MC Lyte first gained fame in the late 1980s, becoming the first female rapper to release a full solo album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock. The album spawned the singles "10% Dis" and "Paper Thin".[8][9]
In 1989, she joined the
Throughout her career, MC Lyte had collaborations with mainstream artists such as
Early life
Lana Michele Moorer was raised in the East Flatbush section of
She regards
Musical career
Beginnings: Lyte as a Rock and Eyes on This (1987–1990)
In 1987, at the age of 16,[22] Lyte released her debut single, "I Cram to Understand U (Sam)", being one of the first songs written about the crack era.[23] She was 12 years old at the time she wrote the song.[24]
In April 1988[25] she would release her debut album Lyte as a Rock.[20] In addition to "I Cram to Understand U (Sam)" were released as singles "Paper Thin", the eponymous "Lyte as a Rock", and "10% Dis" (a diss track to then-Hurby Azor associate Antoinette).[20] The album peaked #50 on the then Billboard Top Black Albums. Despite not having a great commercial performance, it is considered one of the best and most important rap albums, both in the 80s and in history.[26][27][28][29] That year The Village Voice magazine would rate Lyte as "the best female vocalist in hip-hop".[30] Lyte was also featured in the remix and music video of "I Want Your (Hands on Me)" by Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, which debuted in May of that year on MTV.
In January 1989 Lyte joined
In 1990 MC Lyte performed at Carnegie Hall.[35]
MC Lyte's DJ since the start of her career, DJ K-Rock, is a cousin, Kennith Moorer; aside from a break in 1992, the two have toured consistently to the present.[36][37][38] During that time she also had her own dancers, Leg One and Leg Two, who performed with her both in shows and in music videos.[39]
1991–1995: Act Like You Know and Ain't No Other
On May 1, 1991, Lyte performed on "Yo! Unplugged Rap", the first
Between 1991 and 1992 Lyte participated in "The Greatest Rap Show Ever" concert held at
In October 1992, as part of the Mo Money soundtrack, MC Lyte collaborated with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, known primarily for their work with Janet Jackson, on the single "Ice Cream Dream".[46] In 1992 she also performed on Kris Kross's Back to School Jam tour, which also featured A Tribe Called Quest and Fu-Schnickens.[47]
Also during that year Lyte began work on her next album, titled
In May 1994 MC Lyte participated on the performance on the finale of
In early 1995, she collaborated with Queen Latifah and Yo-Yo on the remix of
1996–1998: Bad as I Wanna B and Seven & Seven
In February 1997 "Keep on Pushin" was included in the
In August 1998 MC Lyte released her sixth studio album Seven & Seven. This would have a poor commercial and critical reception despite having the collaboration of famous producers and artists such as The Neptunes, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, L.E.S. and Trackmasters, which would lead to Lyte's departure from EastWest Records. That year she also embarks again on a USO Tour, performing in Germany.[58]
1999–2012: Collaborations and releases independently
In November 1999 MC Lyte collaborated in the remix of Jammin of Bob Marley in the remix album Chant Down Babylon. This track would later be released as single. During that month she also collaborated with Will Smith and Tatyana Ali on "Who Am I" from Smith's album Willennium.
In March 2000 MC Lyte collaborated with Common and Bilal on the track "A Film Called (Pimp)" on Common's album Like Water for Chocolate.
In September 2001 her first compilation album The Very Best of MC Lyte was released.
In April 2002 the soundtrack for the TV series Dark Angel is released, which includes Lyte's songs "Dark Angel Theme" (in collaboration with Public Enemy) and "No Dealz" (with Ericka Yancey). In May of that year, MC Lyte collaborated with Angie Stone on the album version of "Jam for the Ladies" by electronica musician Moby. In November she collaborates with Erick Sermon and Rah Digga on the track "Tell Me" on Sermon's album React. During that time Lyte also became honorary member of Sermon and Redman's supergroup Def Squad.[4]
In March 2003, Lyte released the independently produced record
In May 2004, MC Lyte collaborated with Teena Marie and Medusa on the song "The Mackin' Game" from Teena Marie's album La Doña.[62] In August he collaborated with Boyz II Men on their cover of "What You Won't Do for Love". That year Lyte was also nominated at the 4th edition of the BET Awards in the Best Female Hip Hop Artist category.
In 2005, she released two songs produced by Richard "Wolfie" Wolf called "Can I Get It Now" and "Don't Walk Away". MC Lyte's song "My Main Aim" was the title song of the basketball video game NBA Live 2005 by EA Sports. That year also collaborated with the Polish-born German producer DJ Tomekk on the track "Partyverlauf" from his album Numma Eyns.
In July 2006 MC Lyte releases "The Wonder Years" in collaboration with DJ Premier.[63] In October of that year, Lyte was one of the artists honored at the 3th edition of the VH1 Hip Hop Honors, where she perform with Da Brat, Lil' Kim, Yo-Yo and Remy Ma. Lyte would be the first female solo rapper to achieve this recognition.[64] During that time also performed on the "Ebony Black Family Reunion Tour" along with Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, and Whodini.[65]
In 2007 MC Lyte joined The Roots and Big Daddy Kane on the "VH1 Hip Hop Honors Tour".[66] On July 9 performed at the opening of the 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series in Brooklyn. That month also performed for first time at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.[67] In 2007 Lyte also released the singles "Mad At Me" and "Money" with KRS-One, the latter part of KRS-One's album Adventures in Emceein.
In May 2008, as member of the group Almost September with Philip "Whitey" White and
In February 2009 Lyte collaborated with India Arie on the track "Psalms 23" from her album Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics. In June of that year, Lyte collaborated again with Teena Marie on the track "The Pressure" from her latest album Congo Square. In that year also released the single with a Reggae-oriented sound "Brooklyn".[73]
In December 2010, she performed on the concert/TV Special VH1 Divas Salute The Troops, which also featured Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Keri Hilson, and Heart.
In 2011 MC Lyte performed again at the Essence Music Festival[74] and released the single "Dada da Da".
In March 2012 collaborated with Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray on the interlude "Really (Skit)" from her album Covered. That year she also released the single "Dopestyle" and her own Mobile app MC Lyte App, where publishes her exclusive musical releases.[75]
2013–present: Legend and following projects
In January 2013 MC Lyte receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at Russell Simmons's Hip Hop Inaugural Ball.[76] In June of that year releases "Cravin'" in collaboration with Stan Carrizosa as the first single from her forthcoming album.[77] In October, Lyte was honored with the Icon Lifetime Achievement "I Am Hip Hop" at the 8th edition of the BET Hip Hop Awards for her contributions to hip-hop culture.[78]
In September 2014, "Dear John" (featuring Common & 10Beats) was released as the second single.[79] That same month she reunited with Queen Latifah, Brandy and Yo-Yo to perform "I Wanna Be Down" at the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards in celebration of its 20th anniversary.[80] On October 14, 2014, MC Lyte performed "Cha Cha Cha" and "Dear John" to the President Barack Obama at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legislation that created the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts,[81][82] becoming the first female artist to perform Hip Hop at the White House.[14] In November released "Ball" as the third single.[83]
In April 2015, MC Lyte released Legend, her eighth solo album and her first full-length studio album in 12 years.[84] As part of Record Store Day, the album was available for 24 hours only on a limited-edition vinyl collector's item.[85] Shortly before the album's release, the fourth and final single "Check" was released.[86]
In July 2016 Lyte performs at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
On June 11, 2017, during
Also released the single "Money on My Mind."During 2018, she continued to release a strand of singles, one of which was 'Easy', in response to her British audience claiming that artists who recorded new jack swing were sexually explicit. In July of that year she was special guest on Queen Latifah's show "Ladies First" on Essence Music Festival along with Brandy, Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Monie Love and Remy Ma.[91]
In January 2019 received The Trail Blazer Award at the Trumpet Awards in Atlanta with Yo Yo, Lil Mama, Da Brat, Big Tigger, and DJ K-Rock helping to celebrate with a performance of Lyte songs.[92]
Other ventures
Acting
Her first acting role was in 1991, an off-Broadway theater play titled Club Twelve, a hip-hop twist on
In June 2006, MC Lyte was interviewed for the documentary The Rap Report, Part 2. MC Lyte talked about her career in rap music and what it was like during the beginnings of hip hop. She also performed a concert of her most famous hits. The program was produced by Rex Barnett.
In 2007, Lyte joined the cast of MTV's Celebrity Rap Superstar[93] and coached Shar Jackson to a hip hop emcee victory in a mere eight weeks.
In 2017 Lyte played Detective Makena Daniels in the drama series
.In 2020, Lyte starred in Bad Hair directed by Justin Simien,[94] and Sylvie's Love, a period piece set in the 1960s opposite Tessa Thompson.[95]
In 2021 and 2022, Lyte starred as Tina Nixon in VH1's Hip Hop Family Christmas and its respective sequel, Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding alongside Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Terrence J, Redman, and Serayah.
Business and commerce
MC Lyte opened Shaitel, a Los Angeles boutique that specialized in accessories from belts to sunglasses. "We sell a mixture of new and vintage [items]," she explained. "We also have a few signature pieces that are done just for the store. We boast to bring a little New York flavor out here to California."[96]
In 1997, MC Lyte launched Sunni Gyrl Inc., a global entertainment firm that specializes in artist management and development, production, and creative services and consulting.
Voiceover
In 1996, MC Lyte began doing voiceovers, working on a short-lived BET show called The Boot and doing some branding for the Starz network, Tide, AT&T, the National Urban League, and many others. She did the voice of Tia for the Mattel toy line Diva Starz from 2000 to 2002.
DJing
DJ MC Lyte served as the DJ of choice at
Speaker
MC Lyte has spoken at colleges and universities, for organizations around the globe, and with notable people like Iyanla Vanzant, Russell Simmons, and Soledad O'Brien bringing a message of empowerment from her book Unstoppable: Igniting the Power Within to Achieve Your Greatest Potential. She also partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund on the iLEAD international tour[97] in South Africa to empower the continent's youth and up-and-coming leaders.
Leadership and philanthropy
In 1991, MC Lyte was featured in TV informercial promoting pro-choice abortion rights political action "The Most Exciting Women in Music" alongside
In February 2006, her diary, as well as a
She is the founder of Hip Hop Sisters Foundation,[17] which presented two $100,000 scholarships to college students each of the first two years of its inception and three $50,000 scholarships as a part of its #EducateOurMen initiative during its third year during the Soul Train Music Awards Red Carpet Preshow.[104]
Artistry
Influences, style and rapping technique
MC Lyte has considered artists such as
Her style of rap has been described in the book Listen to Rap! Exploring a Musical Genre as "mid-tempo but aggressive (lots of plosives) and carefully articulated, with emphasis on end rhymes."
Legacy
MC Lyte was considered by both the specialized press and fans as one of the best and most important Hip hop artists,[13][136][137][138] mainly among female artists.[139][140][141][142][143]
Greg Prato of AllMusic, referred to her as one of the first female rappers to "point out the sexism and misogyny that often runs rampant in hip-hop", often taking the subject "head on lyrically" in her songs.[144] The Birmingham Times has credited her for helping transition hip-hop from the "feel-good, party vibe" of the late 1970s into a "socially conscious form of expression," as the rapper addressed issues like racism, sexism, and the drug culture had been affecting the African-American community.[145] Billboard, The Washington Post, and NPR have cited her as a "hip-hop pioneer".[146][147][148]
MC Lyte has influenced the work of later female rappers such as
Personal life
In 2016, producer and rapper
In early 2016, she started dating Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur John Wyche, after meeting him on Match.com. They announced their engagement in May 2017. "What can I say, except thank you Lord!!!... It's been a long time, this single life, and I thank you all for your prayers and kind words of hope," she wrote in an Instagram post dated January 21, 2017. "God has sent me true love. For all of you waiting on LOVE- don't give up – keep God first and he will see that you meet your match." In August they exchanged their vows during a musical wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Reggae Congo bands played as Lyte walked down the aisle, and the couple's friend Kelly Price serenaded them during the ceremony. Afterward, an intimate gathering with only close friends and family members was held.[163][164] In August 2020 she filed for a divorce after three years of marriage.[165]
She is an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Lyte as a Rock (1988)
- Eyes on This (1989)
- Act Like You Know(1991)
- Ain't No Other (1993)
- Bad as I Wanna B (1996)
- Seven & Seven (1998)
- Da Undaground Heat, Vol. 1 (2003)
- Legend (2015)
- Collaboration albums
- Almost September with Almost September (2008)
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1992 | Fly by Night | Akusa | |
1997 | An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn | Sista Tu Lumumba | |
1999 | A Luv Tale | Alia | |
2000 | Train Ride | Katrina Daniels | |
2002 | Civil Brand | Sgt. Cervantes | |
2003 | Playas Ball | Laquinta | |
2006 | Da Jammies | Syrin (voice) | Video |
2013 | The Dempsey Sisters | Taylor Powell | |
2017 | Patti Cake$ | DJ French Tips | |
Girls Trip | MC Lyte | ||
2019 | Loved to Death | Tiffany | |
Praying & Believing | Head Correction Officer | Short | |
2020 | Bad Hair | Coral | |
Sylvie's Love | Mikki | ||
Lost Girls: Angie's Story | Pastor Kim | ||
2021 | Hip Hop Family Christmas | Tina Nixon | TV movie |
2022 | I, Challenger | Diane | |
Bury Me | Diane | ||
Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding | Tina Nixon | TV movie | |
2023 | Favorite Son | Sister Mae | TV movie |
2024 | One Night Stay | Jasmine | TV movie |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1990–2003 | Showtime at the Apollo | Herself | Recurring Guest |
1991 | MTV Unplugged | Herself | Episode: "Yo! MTV Rap Unglugged" |
1992 | Sesame Street | Herself | Episode: "Episode #23.41" & "#24.30" |
1992–2003 | Soul Train | Herself | Recurring Guest |
1995 | New York Undercover | Female Rapper | Episode: "You Get No Respect" |
1996 | Moesha | Herself | Episode: "A Concerted Effort: Part 2" |
New York Undercover | Herself | Episode: "Kill the Noise" | |
1997 | All That | Herself | Episode: "MC Lyte" |
1998 | In the House | Lu Lu | Episode: "Working Overtime: Part 2" |
Cousin Skeeter | Herself | Episode: "A Family Thing" | |
1998–2002 | For Your Love | Lana | Recurring Cast: Season 2–3, Guest: Season 5 |
1999 | Get Real | Beth Hunter | Episode: "Denial" |
2002 | The District | Karla | Episode: "Russian Winter" |
2003 | Platinum | Camille FaReal | Episode: "Loyalty" |
Strong Medicine | Nikki | Episode: "Prescriptions" | |
2004 | Star Search | Herself/Judge | Main Judge |
Def Poetry Jam | Herself | Episode: "Episode #1.4" | |
And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop | Herself | Episode: "Back in the Day" | |
My Wife & Kids
|
Herself | Episode: "The Return of Bobby Shaw" | |
2004–2006 | Half & Half | Kai Owens | Recurring Cast: Season 2–4 |
2005 | Black in the 80s | Herself | Recurring Guest |
Love Lounge | Herself | Recurring Guest | |
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List | Herself | Episode: "Adjusted Gross" | |
2011 | Regular Show | Demel-ishun (voice) | Episode: "Rap It Up" |
2011–2017 | Unsung | Herself | Recurring Guest |
2015 | Sisterhood of Hip Hop | Herself | Episode: "U-n-i-t-y" |
2017 | Tales | Makena Daniels | Episode: "Cold Hearted" |
The Comedy Underground Series | Herself/DJ | Main Guest | |
2017–18 | Queen of the South | The Professor | Recurring Cast: Season 2, Guest: Season 3 |
2018 | Wild 'n Out | Herself | Episode: "International Women's Day Special" |
Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta | Herself | Episode: "Too Lit to Quit" & "In My Feelings" | |
S.W.A.T. | DEA Special Agent Katrina 'KC' Walsh | Episode: "K-Town" & "Vendetta" | |
Power | Jelani Otombre | Episode: "When This Is Over" | |
2018–19 | Hip-Hop Evolution | Herself | Episode: "Do The Knowledge" & "Life After Death" |
2019 | Hip Hop Squares | Herself/DJ | Main DJ: Season 6 |
Untold Stories of Hip Hop | Herself | Episode: "Queen Latifah & Maino" | |
Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America
|
Herself | Episode: "Ladies First: 1989" | |
2021 | Partners In Rhyme | Lana Crawford | Main Cast |
2022 | Kid's Crew | School Teacher (voice) | Recurring Cast |
2023 | Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World | Herself | Episode: "Still Fighting" |
Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1994 |
"Ruffneck" | Best Rap Solo Performance[166] |
Nominated |
2004 |
" Ride Wit Me " |
Best Female Rap Vocal Performance | Nominated |
Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1995 | "You Want This" with Janet Jackson | Music Video of the Year | Nominated |
1996 | " Xscape |
Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video | Won |
MTV Video Music Award
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1995 | "I Wanna Be Down" featuring Brandy, Yo-Yo, and Queen Latifah | Best Rap Video | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1997 | Herself | Top Rap Artist | Nominated |
"Cold Rock a Party" | Top Rap Song | Nominated |
BET Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2004 | Herself | Best Female Hip-Hop Artist |
Nominated |
Other accolades
- 2006 – VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Honoree[64]
- 2013 – Hip Hop Inaugural Ball – Honored with the Lifetime Achievement[76]
- 2013 – BET Hip Hop Awards – Honored with the Icon Lifetime Achievement I Am Hip Hop Award for her contributions to hip-hop culture[78]
- 2016 – W. E. B. Du Bois Medal[15]
- 2019 – Trumpet Awards – Trail Blazer Award[92]
References
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- ^ a b "Artists Pick Their Faves of 2002". HITS Daily Double. December 20, 2002. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
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- ^ "MC Lyte Released Her Second Album 'Eyes On This' 33 Years Ago Today". MadameNoire. September 12, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
- ^ ISBN 978-0313343216.
- ^ a b c Rouhani, Carl Lamarre,Gail Mitchell,Keith Murphy,Michael Saponara,Datwon Thomas,Mark Elibert,Eric Diep ,William E. Ketchum III,Heran Mamo,Neena; Lamarre, Carl; Mitchell, Gail; Murphy, Keith; Saponara, Michael; Thomas, Datwon; Elibert, Mark; Diep, Eric; III, William E. Ketchum (February 8, 2023). "50 Greatest Rappers of All Time". Billboard. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
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Actually Milk and Giz are totally like my brothers but they are not my blood brothers but I was basically raised within that family.
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External links
- https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0529310
- Official website
- MC Lyte Interview, 2009
- MC Lyte Documentary
- Let's Talk About The Female MCs Who Shaped Hip-Hop
- MC Lyte Billboard
- MC Lyte on Spotify
- MC Lyte: The Blueprint For Today's Female MC
- Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop & Rap Music (2021). Curation of the Anthology was headed by a committee including MC Lyte. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian Folkways.