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]
Throughout her career, MC Lyte had collaborations with mainstream artists such as Sinéad O'Connor, Will Smith, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Moby, Aerosmith, Beyoncé and will.i.am; and has been cited as an influence to many women in hip hop. Billboard & Vibe ranked her as one of the 50 greatest rappers (2023).[13] She has received the "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Lifetime Achievement from the BET Hip Hop Awards, and was honored at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors. In October 2014, Lyte become the first female artist to perform Hip Hop at the White House.[14] In September 2016 she was awarded with the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, Harvard University's highest honor in the field of African and African-American studies.[15] In addition to her career as a rapper, she has worked in parallel as voiceover talent for various events, writer, DJ and has starred in various roles in film and television. In 2022 has her directional debut with the short film Break Up In Love.[16] Lyte has also worked with several charities, including her own foundation, Hip Hop Sisters.[17]
Early life
Lana Michele Moorer was born in the Queens borough of New York City[18] and was raised in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York City. She began rapping at the age of 12.[19] MC Lyte's original stage name was Sparkle.[20] She began recording her first track at age 14, although it took two years before it was able to be released.[21]: 1
She regards Milk Dee and DJ Giz, the hip hop duo Audio Two, as "totally like [her] brothers", because the three grew up together. Audio Two's father, Nat Robinson, started a label for them called First Priority.[20] After making the label, Robinson cut a deal with Atlantic under a condition that Lyte would get a record contract with Atlantic as well.[22]
Musical career
Beginnings: Lyte as a Rock and Eyes on This (1987–1990)
In 1987, at the age of 16,[23] Lyte released her debut single, "I Cram to Understand U (Sam)", being one of the first songs written about the crack era.[24] She was 12 years old at the time she wrote the song.[25]
MC Lyte in 1988 at Firehouse Studios in Brooklyn with her producers Gizmo, Milk D and King of Chill and engineer Yoram Vazan.
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.[37][38][39] 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.[40]
1991–1995: Act Like You Know and Ain't No Other
On May 1, 1991, Lyte performed on "Yo! Unplugged Rap", the first MTV Unplugged to feature rap artists, alongside A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and LL Cool J.[41] Her performance was praised by Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker, who commented, "MC Lyte performed her song 'Cappucino' like a rapping Aretha Franklin: Lyte brought out the soul in her lyrics."[42] In September 1991, Lyte released her third album, Act Like You Know, which incorporates a softer R&B/New Jack Swing sound across some of the tracks.[43] This release received more mixed reviews than her previous albums and commercially it performed more weakly than its predecessor, Eyes on This. From this album came the singles "When in Love" and the socially conscious "Poor Georgie" (Lyte's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and her third #1 on the Hot Rap Singles) and "Eyes Are the Soul".
That year she also participated in the socially conscious single "Heal Yourself" by the collective "HEAL Human Education Against Lies", which also included Big Daddy Kane, Boogie Down Productions, Run-DMC, Queen Latifah and LL Cool J.
Also during that year Lyte began work on her next album, titled Ain't No Other, which was released on June 22, 1993. With this album, in which she adopts a more hardcore hip hop sound, Lyte achieved better critical reception than her predecessor. "Ruffneck" was released as a single,[21] which would become her first top 40 single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #35, and fourth #1 on the Hot Rap Singles, also earning her first gold certification. With "Ruffneck" MC Lyte would also get a nomination for the 36th edition of the Grammy Awards in the Best Rap Solo Performance category. In October of that year, Lyte performed at the 1993 Budweiser Superfest with SWV, Bell Biv Devoe, LeVert, Big Daddy Kane and Silk.[49]
In February 1996, MC Lyte collaborated on the R&B group Xscape's single "Can't Hang". In that month also collaborated with Lord Finesse on the interlude "Taking It Lyte" from his album The Awakening. In March, after signing with East West Records, she released "Keep On Keepin' On", the first single from her forthcoming album. This new collaboration with Xscape reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest position on this chart as main artist, getting a gold certification. "Keep On Keepin' On" would also be part of the soundtrack of the film Sunset Park. In September win the Best R&B, Soul or Rap Video category in the 3th edition of Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards with this song.[55] In August of that same year, Lyte released her fifth album, Bad as I Wanna B. With tracks with a Pop/R&B-oriented sound[56] the album would receive mixed reviews. In November, is released as single a Sean "Puffy" Combs remix of "Cold Rock a Party" featuring Missy Elliott.[21] This single peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and would become her fifth #1 single on the Hot Rap Singles (fourth as lead artist), earning a gold certification. It also enters the top 40 of various charts outside the United States, being #1 and certified platinum in New Zealand.[57]
In February 1997 "Keep on Pushin" was included in the soundtrack of Dangerous Ground, in which MC Lyte, Bahamadia, Nonchalant and Yo-Yo collaborate under the production of Pete Rock.[58] In March 1997, she collaborated with R&B singer Billy Lawrence on the single "Come On", which was included in the soundtrack of the movie Set it Off. Between June and July of that year she embarked on a USO Tour, performing for American troops in Italy and Greece.[59] In November she collaborated with LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes on the debut album of the R&B supergroupLSG on the track "Curious", which was later released as single. That year Lyte also collaborated with Parliament-Funkadelic's Bootsy Collins on the single "I'm Leavin U (Gotta Go, Gotta Go)" from his album Fresh Outta 'P' University.
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.[59]
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 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 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.[64] 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.[65] During that time also performed on the "Ebony Black Family Reunion Tour" along with Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, and Whodini.[66]
In 2007 MC Lyte joined The Roots and Big Daddy Kane on the "VH1 Hip Hop Honors Tour".[67] 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.[68] 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 Jared Lee Gosselin, MC Lyte released The Almost September EP. This features an R&B/Soul oriented sound.[69] Later she embarks with the group on a tour in Europe.[70] In June is released the song "Closer", a collaboration with her cousin Charles Hamilton.[71] In October of that year performed "Cha Cha Cha" at the 3th edition of the BET Hip Hop Awards.[72] In December MC Lyte collaborates with Jay-Z on "BK Anthem".[73]
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".[74]
In 2011 MC Lyte performed again at the Essence Music Festival[75] 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 appMC Lyte App, where publishes her exclusive musical releases.[76]
2013–present: Legend and following projects
In January 2013 MC Lyte receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at Russell Simmons's Hip Hop Inaugural Ball.[77] In June of that year releases "Cravin'" in collaboration with Stan Carrizosa as the first single from her forthcoming album.[78] 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.[79]
In September 2014, "Dear John" (featuring Common & 10Beats) was released as the second single.[80] 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.[81] 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,[82][83] becoming the first female artist to perform Hip Hop at the White House.[14] In November released "Ball" as the third single.[84]
In April 2015, MC Lyte released Legend, her eighth solo album and her first full-length studio album in 12 years.[85] As part of Record Store Day, the album was available for 24 hours only on a limited-edition vinyl collector's item.[86] Shortly before the album's release, the fourth and final single "Check" was released.[87]
In July 2016 Lyte performs at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.[88] In September she is awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, the Harvard University's highest honor in the field of African and African-American studies.[15] In October collaborated with Eric Benét on the track "Holdin' On" from his eponymous album.[89]
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.[92]
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.[93]
In 2024, Lyte scored and acted as music supervisor for the film adaptation of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts. The psychological thriller film, titled The Memo, starred Kyla Pratt.[94]
Other ventures
Acting
Her first acting role was in 1991, an off-Broadway theater play titled Club Twelve, a hip-hop twist on Twelfth Night alongside Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Lisa Nicole Carson. After she made her film debut in the 1993 movie titled Fly by Night [fr], starring alongside Jeffrey Sams, Ron Brice, and Steve Gomer, she also starred other films, such as A Luv Tale (1999), Train Ride (2000), Civil Brand (2002) and Playa's Ball (2003). In 2011, she guest starred in the Regular Show episode "Rap It Up", portraying a member of a hip-hop group also including characters voiced by Tyler, the Creator and Childish Gambino. Lyte signed with the production unit, Duc Tha Moon, for three years and eventually made a deal with Sirius Satellite Radio. Lyte also made appearances on the following television shows: Lyric Cafe, Hip Hop Honors, and Black in the 80s.[citation needed]
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[95] and coached Shar Jackson to a hip hop emcee victory in a mere eight weeks.
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."[98]
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 Michael Jordan's 50th Birthday Celebration, at his 2013 wedding reception, and at Jay Leno's farewell party. Lyte has gone on to provide music for The Image Awards, Nissan, Google, Black Enterprise, and many others.
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[99] in South Africa to empower the continent's youth and up-and-coming leaders.
In February 2006, her diary, as well as a turntable, records, and other assorted ephemera from the early days of hip hop, were donated to the Smithsonian Institution.[103] This collection, entitled "Hip-Hop Won't Stop: The Beat, the Rhymes, the Life" is a program to assemble objects of historical relevance to the hip hop genre from its inception.[104]
MC Lyte served as the President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy (the Grammy organization) from 2011 to 2013.[105] She was the first African American woman to serve in this role.[105]
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.[106]
MC Lyte was considered by both the specialized press and fans as one of the best and most important Hip hop artists,[13][138][139][140] mainly among female artists.[141][142][143][144][145]
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.[146]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.[147]Billboard, The Washington Post, and NPR have cited her as a "hip-hop pioneer".[148][149][150]
In 2016, producer and rapper Q-Tip revealed on his Apple Music 1 show Abstract Radio that he used to date Lyte in his days before landing a record deal with A Tribe Called Quest. In the early 1990s, Lyte was in a relationship with Todd "Todd 1" Brown (1970–2019), then the producer of Yo! MTV Raps[161] and at that time she would also make public in an interview that they were engaged. Brown later said that the latter was part of a joke started by one of the hosts of the show Tyrone "T Money" Kelsie "he came up with the marriage idea and then mayhem ensued. After the initial show, the story got so big that an interviewer actually asked Lyte about her "marriage"... and instead of her shooting down the rumor, she went along with it."[citation needed] Later it was speculated in the media that for a few years she had a relationship with actress Tichina Arnold. Later these rumors were denied by Arnold.[162] In May 2015 some media speculated that Lyte had dated R&B singer Janelle Monae, but these rumors have not been confirmed by either of them.[163][164]
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.[165][166]
In August 2020 she filed for a divorce after three years of marriage.[167]
^ abcRouhani, 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.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ abMC Lyte. "MC Lyte". HalftimeOnline.net (Interview). Retrieved September 2, 2016. Actually Milk and Giz are totally like my brothers but they are not my blood brothers but I was basically raised within that family.
^"Hip-Hop legend wants to keep the history of the culture alive". WWMT. February 9, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2021. When you talk about MC Lyte, she'll say when I was 11-years-old coming up to Harlem i use to hear Sha Rock on cassette tapes, and she influence me to do what i do today,
^"MC Lyte Made Hip-Hop Take Notice". thegumbo.net. September 14, 2020. Retrieved April 8, 2024. Nat Robinson, founder of First Priority: She was unique, had a raw, powerful voice that just dominated
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.
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