Evolution of MC Lyte

Here's how the rap great turned into a media power player.

Changing It Up - Lyte’s 1998 album Seven & Seven didn’t match her previous selling success. The rapper left her record label, East West America, and released The Underground Heat independently. The 2003 album featured Jamie Foxx and the single “Ride Wit Me” was nominated for a BET Award and Grammy.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)
Lyte Becomes a TV Heavy - Having conquered the music world, Lyte spread her wings onto the small screen. She appeared as herself on such television shows as In Living Color, Moesha, New York Undercover and My Wife and Kids. As an actress, she guest starred on Half & Half, In the House and The District.   (Photo: FRANCIS SPECKER /Landov)
A Stage and Film Star Is Born - MC Lyte first appeared as an actress in an off-Broadway play called Club Twelve, the production featured Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. On the big screen, Lyte starred in such films as Fly by Night, A Luv Tale, Train Ride and Playa’s Ball. (Photo: Dan Steinberg/Getty Images)
Lyte’s Voiceover Makeover - In 1996, Lyte began her very successful foray into voiceover work. She is now the voice behind such corporate giants as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Nike. Lyte also lent her pipes to Mattel Diva Stars “Chat Doll” Tia and she is the official voice for the annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors broadcast.  (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For BET)Making Hip Hop History - MC Lyte donated her diary, a turntable, records and other assorted memorabilia from hip hop to the Smithsonian Institution. This collection, as well as several other artifacts, became the program “Hip-Hop Won’t Stop: The Beat, the Rhymes, the Life,” which documents the genre’s historical relevance. (Photo: Robert Mora/Getty Images)

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Lyte Becomes a TV Heavy - Having conquered the music world, Lyte spread her wings onto the small screen. She appeared as herself on such television shows as In Living Color, Moesha, New York Undercover and My Wife and Kids. As an actress, she guest starred on Half & Half, In the House and The District.  (Photo: FRANCIS SPECKER /Landov)

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