25 Best MC Lyte Songs

Standouts from the timeless catalog of the rap great.

MC Lyte's Top 25 Songs - When MC Lyte debuted 25 years ago, she broke barriers for female MCs, possessing mic skills that weren't just on par with the best male MCs but having a mastery of rhyming that made her one of the absolute best — no matter the gender. And there's been a plethora of music released to prove it. Here's her top 25.  (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

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MC Lyte's Top 25 Songs - When MC Lyte debuted 25 years ago, she broke barriers for female MCs, possessing mic skills that weren't just on par with the best male MCs but having a mastery of rhyming that made her one of the absolute best — no matter the gender. And there's been a plethora of music released to prove it. Here's her top 25.  (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

MC Lyte - The first Black female rapper to release a full album, MC Lyte (born Lana Michele Moorer) blazed a path as one of hip hop’s earliest feminists. Lyte soon took her talents to Hollywood, appearing in TV shows like In Living Color and films such as Playa's Ball. Today, she’s the president and CEO of Sunni Gyrl, Inc., an entertainment and production firm, and founder of Hip Hop Sisters, which provides scholarships to college students. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

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"I Cram to Understand U" - A 16-year-old MC Lyte launched her career and garnered notice in 1987 after releasing this single about a relationship, which 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)

MC Lyte - 1988's acclaimed Lyte as a Rock made MC Lyte the first solo female rapper to drop an album. Classics like "Paper Thin" and "10% Dis" established her outright as one of rap's best, male or female.(Photo: Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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"10% Dis" - On her 1988 debut LP, Lyte as a Rock, MC Lyte set off her hit-making career with this biting response to fellow female MC Antoinette, who accused Lyte of biting (ie. copying) the voice and style of Rakim. Needless to say, being that this cut is a classic, Lyte won the battle.  (Photo: Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

"Paper Thin" - Where Lyte expressed pain at love torn apart by drug addiction on "I Cram to Understand U," she developed enough self-confidence to kick the fool to the curb on the classic "Paper Thin."  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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"Paper Thin" - Where Lyte expressed pain at love torn apart by drug addiction on "I Cram to Understand U," she developed enough self-confidence to kick the fool to the curb on the classic "Paper Thin."  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

"Cappuccino" - Lyte proved her story-telling abilities on this cautionary (and fictional) cut. While buying her favorite caffeinated beverage she becomes an innocent bystander in a drug-related shootout. Her point: whether coffee or cocaine, drugs are affecting everybody.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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"Cappuccino" - Lyte proved her story-telling abilities on this cautionary (and fictional) cut. While buying her favorite caffeinated beverage she becomes an innocent bystander in a drug-related shootout. Her point: whether coffee or cocaine, drugs are affecting everybody.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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"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)

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"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)

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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)

"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)

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"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)

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"Kickin' 4 Brooklyn" - On this underground classic, Lyte offers a hard-core party ode to her native city of Brooklyn, New York. For anyone from this era, you're instantly reminded of clubs like the Latin Quarters, Roof Top and Union Square along with dances like the running man and the Kid n' Play.   (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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"Lyte as a Rock" - You can't talk about this 1988 track without also 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. Woman pride at its best. (Photo: Derick E. Hingle/PictureGroup)

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LYTE AS A ROCK - MC Lyte is still nice with the mic. Lyte was among the performers at the Roots & Friends concert at Club Nokia.(Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET)

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"I Am the Lyte" - Off of her 1989 LP, Eyes on This, this beat-ladened, braggadocious cut was another example of Lyte's massive mic skills."Every human is lurkin' and loomin'/ Hooper on the beat and you know the s**t is boomin'," she affirmed.  (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET)

Photo By Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET

MC Lyte - It would be negligent to talk about female rappers without mentioning MC Lyte. Lyte was one of the most trailblazing rappers of her time, leaving the hip hop community with classics like "Paper Thin," "Lyte as a Rock" and "Ruffneck." (Photo by Michael Caulfield/Getty Images)

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"Shut the Eff Up" - Leading off with a sample of OG female rapstress/singer Millie Jackson, this underground classic showcases Lyte blasting female haters and female MCs alike (including Antoinette). To borrow a phrase from Big Daddy Kane, she gets raw.   (Photo: Michael Caulfield/Getty Images for VH1)

Hip Hop Honoree - In 2006, Lyte was one of the rap pioneers honored at VH1’s Hip Hop Honors broadcast. She was joined by fellow female MC’s Da Brat, Remy Ma and Lil’ Kim and they all performed some of her biggest hits, including, “Lyte as a Rock, “Paper Thin” and “Ruffneck.” (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

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"Stop, Look, Listen" - "I'm the super duper with the roper doper," Lyte explains on this battle track. "You gotcha clean draws on? Yeah, I hope you do." This was another track to kick the party live.  (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

Living Legend - MC Lyte took the mic during Girls' Night Out. (Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images for BET)

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"When in Love" - Armed with new jack swing style rhythm, Lyte used this cut to speak about the ups, downs, and insane moments of being in love. (Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images for BET)

Photo By Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images for BET

"Cold Rock a Party" - 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. (Photo: Rick Davis / Splash News)

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"Cold Rock a Party" - 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. (Photo: Rick Davis / Splash News)

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"Keep On, Keepin' On" - Lyte boldly flexed her sexy on this 1996 track, which was featured on the soundtrack for the high school basketball film Sunset Park.   (Photo: HRC/WENN)

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"Keep On, Keepin' On" - Lyte boldly flexed her sexy on this 1996 track, which was featured on the soundtrack for the high school basketball film Sunset Park.   (Photo: HRC/WENN)

"Eyes Are the Soul" - When hip hop and house music combined forces to create the short-lived genre "hip house," Lyte lit up the dancefloors with this Soul II Soul-esque cut, where she rhymed about a guy whose life is torn apart by an addiction to crack.  (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For Bloomingdale's)

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"Eyes Are the Soul" - When hip hop and house music combined forces to create the short-lived genre "hip house," Lyte lit up the dancefloors with this Soul II Soul-esque cut, where she rhymed about a guy whose life is torn apart by an addiction to crack.  (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For Bloomingdale's)

MC Lyte  - MC Lyte shares her excitement about the 2013 BET Awards, where she will act as the show's voiceover artist.(Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for BET)

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"I Go On" - When its comes to "hit it and quit it," Lyte used this sultry gangsta rhyme to let listeners know guys were not the only ones to doing it.   (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for BET)

MC Lyte - Year of Honor: 2013Although her name has Lyte right in it, her weight in the hip hop industry is extremely heavy. She's the first femcee to receive a certified gold single ("Ruffneck"), to release a solo LP (Lyte As a Rock) and to be nominated for a Grammy as a solo act (also with the single "Ruffneck"). Now MC Lyte is the first solo female MC to be I Am Hip Hop Hall of Fame certified. Be sure to check Lyte and many other artists and performances during Hip Hop Awards 2013. Monday, October 15th at 8P/7C.(Photo: WENN)

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"Lite Vs. Vanna Whyte" - Back when hip hop LPs offered an instrumental beat track, Lyte's 1988 debut album included this gem, which briefly featured the hip hop icon acting like she won on the game show Wheel of Fortune.  (Photo: WENN)

"Slave 2 the Rhythm" - Lyte lifts the title of this song from a dance classic by Grace Jones. But on the song, she masters the beat as she unabashedly, profanely and absolutely massacres her female competition.  (Photo: Bad Boy Records)

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"Slave 2 the Rhythm" - Lyte lifts the title of this song from a dance classic by Grace Jones. But on the song, she masters the beat as she unabashedly, profanely and absolutely massacres her female competition.  (Photo: Bad Boy Records)

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"Don't Cry Big Girls" - Sampling the chorus of Frankie Valli and the Four Season's "Big Girls Don't Cry," this cut let Lyte explain that she can take attacks as well as dish them out. After all, she's a big girl.  (Photo: JLN Photography/wenn)

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"Don't Cry Big Girls" - Sampling the chorus of Frankie Valli and the Four Season's "Big Girls Don't Cry," this cut let Lyte explain that she can take attacks as well as dish them out. After all, she's a big girl.  (Photo: JLN Photography/wenn)

The P&G Beauty Lounge: MC Lyte DJs - Legendary rapper and DJ MC Lyte was on the 1's and 2's in the beauty lounge, where lucky guests were treated to makeovers, manicures and swag!(Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images for BET)

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"Throwin' Words at U" - Lyte masterfully chucks smiles and metaphors at sucker MCs on this unsung battle cut.  (Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images for BET)

"Not Wit' a Dealer" - At the height of the crack era, when many a sista looked to date the neighborhood dealer, Lyte put out this cautionary tale about a girl who's killed because of her involvement with one. It was Lyte's version of street knowledge.   (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

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"Not Wit' a Dealer" - At the height of the crack era, when many a sista looked to date the neighborhood dealer, Lyte put out this cautionary tale about a girl who's killed because of her involvement with one. It was Lyte's version of street knowledge.   (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

"In My Business" - Once again, Lyte teamed up with Missy Elliott to shut down folks fueling rumors about the hip hop legend. As usual, straight forward and raw.  (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images for Vh1)

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"In My Business" - Once again, Lyte teamed up with Missy Elliott to shut down folks fueling rumors about the hip hop legend. As usual, straight forward and raw.  (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images for Vh1)

"Playgirls Play" - Over a sample of B.T. Express' 1974 funk classic "Do It (Til You're Satisfied)," Lyte refashions her boastful style for the era of ghetto fabulous. Bragging about mic skills are tempered with references to her cash flow and material wealth.  (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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"Playgirls Play" - Over a sample of B.T. Express' 1974 funk classic "Do It (Til You're Satisfied)," Lyte refashions her boastful style for the era of ghetto fabulous. Bragging about mic skills are tempered with references to her cash flow and material wealth.  (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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"I Can't Make a Mistake" - Pharrell laced Lyte with the beat for this 1998 club banger where the hip hop vet spits verses about rocking the dance floor.  (Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images