She’s a Queen Queen.
Born Lana Michele Moorer, the incomparable MC Lyte emerged during hip-hop’s golden age, swiftly establishing herself with a commanding presence and profound lyricism. Today, the 53-year-old rap icon remains at the forefront and is set to release her first album in a decade, following her 2015 project, Legend.
During an interview with DJ Remedy of North Carolina’s K97.5 at the Broadcast Brunch during BET Awards Weekend, Lyte unveiled the title of her upcoming album, One Of One, scheduled for release on July 19. In addition to her new single “King King” featuring Queen Latifah, her highly anticipated album features collaborations with esteemed artists such as Common, Muni Long, Stevie Wonder and Toni Braxton. A clip from the interview was posted to DJ Remedy’s Instagram account on July 9.
In March, MC Lyte dropped “Woman,” the lead single from her forthcoming album, which features hip-hop legends Salt (of Salt ‘N Pepa) and Big Daddy Kane, alongside R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn.
The Brooklynite kept her foot on the gas in June, dropping her single “King King” alongside another heavy hitter in the hip-hop world, Queen Latifah. According to Lyte, the song is an ode to men who are “dedicated to their families” and loved ones. It’s unclear if the track will appear on her new album.
“This is a time, right now, where everybody needs to know and be told that they are seen, that they are loved and that they’re appreciated — and that’s what the song is about,” Lyte said of the new tune.
Mc Lyte is loving the state of female rap.
The two-time Grammy-nominated rapper, actress and director consistently juggles multiple projects, yet she prioritizes staying in touch with emerging artists by regularly tuning in to the radio. For Lyte, “radio is a vital part” of how communities of color get to know the “essence” of their city.
The hip-hop star told DJ Remedy that she has so much love and respect for many female rappers emerging on the scene like Tierra Whack, Rapsody and Megan Thee Stallion, who she showered with praise for her impressive performance skills on stage.
Mc Lyte’s incredible career.
MC Lyte’s journey into the world of rap began in the late 1980s when she released her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, in 1988. The album showcased her sharp rhymes and laid the groundwork for what would become a storied career. With tracks like “Paper Thin” and the title track “Lyte as a Rock,” she established herself as a formidable force in a male-dominated industry.
What set MC Lyte apart was not just her skillful wordplay but also her role as a pioneering female MC. She shattered stereotypes and defied expectations, proving that women could excel in hip-hop on their own terms. Her sophomore album, Eyes on This (1989), continued to showcase her lyrical prowess with hits like “Cha Cha Cha” and “Cappucino.”
Throughout the 1990s, MC Lyte continued to push boundaries and evolve her sound. Her third album, Act Like You Know (1991), featured collaborations with artists like Xscape and KRS-One, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and respected artist.
Thanks to her relentless dedication, the hip-hop legend became the first female rapper ever nominated for a Grammy Award with her hit song “Ruffneck” from the album Ain’t No Other. This achievement marked her as the first female artist to earn a gold single, as recognized by the Kennedy Center.
MC Lyte continued to break barriers throughout her illustrious career, including being the first rap artist to perform at Carnegie Hall and the first female rapper to be honored on VH1′s Hip Hop Honors. Beyond music, she showcased her versatile talents in acting, appearing in films such as Girls Trip and Blue Crush. Recently, she executive produced Netflix’s 2023 documentary Ladies First, which celebrated the influential women of hip-hop and repositions their pivotal role in the genre’s history from its inception to the present day.
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