It’s no surprise when I tell you MC Lyte is one of the flyest female rappers in hip-hop. If that comes to you as a surprise, then you don’t know real hip-hop (#notsorry). Growing up in my household, MC Lyte was one of the many rappers that my older sister and brother used to blast and I thank them for introducing me to her at such a young age. I mean, have you even heard “Cappucino”? Lyte always pointed out misogyny in the hip-hop community and New York City violence in her lyrics. Why wouldn’t I have mad respect for her?
BET was also grateful for having such a strong female rapper in the game. Argo, BET awarded Lyte with the “I Am Hip Hop Award” at the eighth annual BET Awards. On Saturday September 28th, the 1980s Brooklyn rapper was given the big award at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Lyte now joins previous honorees such as Grandmaster Flash, Salt-N-Pepa, and Russell Simmons.
Lyte was honored on stage by Eve, another amazingly influential female rapper and BUST-y girl. Lyte was also presented with a video tribute that featured Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Queen Latifah, who’s previously worked with Lyte herself. When receiving the award, Lyte urged all female rappers to “keep the dream alive.”
Lyte’s career soared when she released her first full-length album, Lyte As A Rock back in 1988. She’s had chart toppers like “Cha Cha Cha”, “Ruffneck”, and “Poor Georgie”. As Essence Magazine reports, Lyte has continued to thrive in the hip-hop community by setting up a non-profit organization called Hip Hop Sisters Network, which helps “promote positive images of women and bring leaders together in the industry to support young women.”
Lyte back in the day with her first album, “Lyte As A Rock”
Stay on the lookout for Lyte’s new reality show, Hip Hop Sisters, which is a docudrama that follows the re-boot of several female rappers careers. The show is set to follow the likes of Lyte, Lil Mama, and Monie Luv. The show will be featured on the BET network.
Thanks to Essence Magazine and Eurweb.com
Images via Essence Magazine and BET
