MC Lyte

Lana Michele Moorer (born October 11, 1970), better known by her stage name MC Lyte, is an American rapper, DJ, actress and entrepreneur. Considered one of the pioneers of female rap, Lyte first gained fame in the late 1980s, becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988's critically acclaimed ''Lyte as a Rock''. She released a total of eight solo studio albums (2015's ''Legend'' being her latest) and an EP with Almost September.

With songs like " Cha Cha Cha", " Paper Thin", "10% Dis", " Ruffneck" (with which she became the first female solo rapper to achieve a gold certification) and "Poor Georgie", MC Lyte became a pioneering figure in hip hop and has been cited as an influence to many female rap figures. She has also had collaborations with mainstream artists such as Sinéad O'Connor, Janet Jackson, Brandy, Xscape, Mary J. Blige, Moby, Beyoncé and will.i.am. In addition to her career as a rapper, she has worked in parallel as voiceover talent for various events, writer, DJ and has starred in various roles in film and television. In 2022 has her directional debut with the short film ''Break Up In Love''. Lyte has also worked with several charities, including her own foundation, ''Hip Hop Sisters''.

MC Lyte was recognized for her career with the "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Lifetime Achievement from the BET Hip Hop Awards and was honored at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors.

Early life

Lana Michele Moorer was raised in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York City. She began rapping at the age of 12. MC Lyte's original stage name was Sparkle. She began recording her first track at age 14, although it took two years before it was able to be released.

She regards Milk Dee and DJ Giz, the hip hop duo Audio Two, as "totally like erbrothers", because the three grew up together. Audio Two's father, Nat Robinson, started a label for them called First Priority. After making the label, Robinson cut a deal with Atlantic with one condition, that Lyte would get a record contract with Atlantic as well.

Musical career

Beginnings: ''Lyte as a Rock'' and ''Eyes on This'' (1987-1990)

In 1987, at the age of 16, Lyte released her debut single, "I Cram to Understand U (Sam)", being one of the first songs written about the crack era. She was 12 years old at the time she wrote the song. Lyte was also featured in the remix and music video of "I Want Your (Hands on Me)" by Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, which debuted in May 1988 on MTV.
Also in May of that year she would release her debut album ''Lyte as a Rock''. In addition to "I Cram to Understand U (Sam)" were released as singles " Paper Thin", the eponymous "Lyte as a Rock", and "10% Dis" (a diss track to then-Hurby Azor associate Antoinette). In July 1988 the album peaked #50 on the then ''Billboard'' Top Black Albums. Despite not having a great commercial performance, it is considered one of the best and most important rap albums, both in the 80s and in history. That year The Village Voice magazine would rate Lyte as "the best female vocalist in hip-hop".

In January 1989 Lyte joined Stop the Violence Movement with Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy and Heavy D, among others. Together they released the single "Self Destruction" in response to violence in the hip hop and African American communities. The song debuted at #1 on the first week of ''Billboard'' Hot Rap Singles existence and the proceeds were donated to the National Urban League. In late August of that year, her song " I'm Not Havin' It" with Positive K would have an entry on the ''Billboard'' Hot Rap Singles (peaking at #16), becoming MC Lyte's first appearance on a chart as solo artist. In October 1989 Lyte would publish her second album ''Eyes on This''. This album, like its predecessor, received a great critical reception and is recognized as a hip hop classic. With ''Eyes on This'' she became the first solo female rapper to have an entry on the ''Billboard'' 200. From this album came the singles " Cha Cha Cha" (with which for the first time as solo artist she charted on the ''Billboard'' Hot Black Singles and reached #1 on the Hot Rap Singles). " Stop, Look, Listen", and the socially conscious