25 Best MC Lyte Songs

Standouts from the timeless catalog of the rap great.

"Cha Cha Cha" - 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." (Photo: Atlantic Records)
"Ruffneck" - 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.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)
"Poor Georgie" - Lyte's stories about love, while always blissful in the beginning, also always end horribly. And "Poor Georgie," about the love of her life, who dies due to a drinking problem, was no different. Another great aspect of the song was the video, which featured future hip hop icon Lauryn Hill, who was one of Lyte's dancers.  (Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Jordan Brand)
MC Lyte - MC Lyte is regarded as a pioneering emcee, especially when it comes to inspiring women in the game. The New York City native released her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, in September of 1988 and rapidly became noted for her strong self confidence and punchy lyrics. She's one of the most respected and iconic rappers in hip-hop history. (Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for BET)15. "Kickin' 4 Brooklyn," MC Lyte - Around-the-way girl MC Lyte takes out-of-towners for a trip over the bridge on this hard-as-nails track from her criminally overlooked 1988 debut, Lyte as a Rock.  (Photo: Derick E. Hingle/PictureGroup)

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"Ruffneck" - 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.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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