Happy Birthday, MC Lyte! A Tribute To An Icon
MC Lyte is a true hip-hop luminary. Born Lana Michelle Moorer on this day 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, Mc Lyte has been a force in the music industry for decades. Her prolific career has produced an impressive discography and included several significant milestones that extend beyond the recording studio.
Mc Lyte's influence is not confined solely to her incredible music but also to her pivotal role as a host and presenter at various award shows. One of her most memorable moments was when she took on the role of MC at the BET Awards, where her charisma, wit, and deep knowledge of the hip-hop culture shone. Lyte's presence at award shows extended to events like the Grammy Awards. Through these roles, Mc Lyte has inspired upcoming artists and underscored the importance of representation in the industry.
In a career of over 30 years, MC Lyte has left a mark on hip-hop, and her influence remains as powerful as ever. Her fearless approach to her artistry has always been evident in her lyrics, tackling subjects ranging from social issues to personal empowerment. As we pay tribute to this iconic artist on her 53rd birthday, let's explore a playlist that reflects her timeless and trailblazing contributions to hip-hop.
"I Cram to Understand U (Sam)" - 1991
A 16-year-old MC Lyte launched her career and garnered notice in 1987 after releasing this single about a relationship that unravels due to her beau's addiction to crack. Lyte instantly became an MC to watch because of her slightly husky voice, masterful rhyme writing and biting honesty. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)
"Paper Thin" - 1988
Where Lyte expressed pain at love torn apart by drug addiction in "I Cram to Understand U," she developed enough self-confidence to kick the fool to the curb on the classic "Paper Thin."
"Lyte as a Rock" - 1988
You can't talk about this track without discussing it in the context of its video, where Lyte not only stylistically rips her competition but portrays herself as a strong Black leader. A queen during Ancient Egypt. A madam gangsta in the Harlem Renaissance. And then as a Black Panther head during the Black Power era. Women's pride at its best.
- advertisement
"Poor Georgie" - 1991
Lyte's stories about love, while always blissful initially, also end horribly. And "Poor Georgie," about the love of her life, who dies due to a drinking problem, was no different. Another significant aspect of the song was the video, which featured future hip hop icon Lauryn Hill, who was one of Lyte's dancers.
"Cha Cha Cha" - 1989
A straight, party-rockin' brag-fest, this cut — with its sample of Fearless Four's "Rock It" (1982) — established Lyte as a top hip-hop lyricist. "I got the power to spit out and devour," she explained, "and, at the same time, I'll eat you up with a rhyme."
"Ruffneck" - 1993
As West Coast gangsta rap reshaped hip-hop in 1993, Lyte scored her first top 40 hit and most popular song with "Ruffneck," which celebrated the neighborhood ruffian. This classic was the first single off her first gold-selling LP, "Ain't No Other."
- advertisement
"Cold Rock a Party" (featuring Missy Elliott) - 1996
Sean Combs (when he was known as Puff Daddy) produced this 1996 club banger for Lyte, which featured Missy Elliott. With its sample of Diana Ross' disco classic "Upside Down," this cut was the perfect soundtrack to the era of ghetto fabulous.
