MC Lyte has always been a strong advocate for the inclusion of women in hip-hop, but as the genre celebrates its 50th birthday, the famous MC is considering how the feminine power has been suppressed—until now.
Before Sunday’s (June 4) I AM Woman event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the “Ice Cream Dream” rapper chatted with Hip Hop Wired. The history maker is pondering what the culture would look like without female influences as it prepares for the second annual celebration of women in Hip Hop.
The fact that it began 50 years ago and is still going gives the 50th anniversary significance, she said. “Everyone’s involvement is crucial, whether it was what started it, what kept it going, or what helped it spread to other places. Being a part of something that has endured for 50 years excites me. Hip-Hop is something that everyone has a unique relationship with; it’s almost like a person. We are aware that it has influenced each of us in some way.
It feels energizing, she continued. There appears to be ample space. We appear to be reaching a turning point. It seems to be irrelevant where and when you first became interested in hip hop. We everyone gave something. Period.”
While MC Lyte was one of the first to send flowers to other female MCs, she has also recently been the recipient of various honors of her own.
She was chosen by the Hip Hop Alliance back in March to honor her amazing career and highlight how she paved the way for upcoming generations.
The Hip-Hop Alliance, which works to support musicians in receiving just pay, royalties, health benefits, etc., has decided to highlight MC Lyte as part of its new series, “Legendary Flowers.” The group, which is led by people like Chuck D, KRS-One, and Kurtis Blow, shared the news on Instagram.
Since the late 1980s, MC Lyte, who also serves as the organization’s vice-president, has been a trailblazer for women in hip hop, dismantling stereotypes and encouraging upcoming female rappers. With 1988’s Lyte as a Rock, the Brooklyn native became the first female solo rapper to release an entire album.
The message stated, “Introducing LEGENDARY FLOWERS, a new segment by the Hip Hop Alliance where we recognize and celebrate the trailblazing and icons of our beloved Hip Hop culture. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our very own Vice President of the Hip Hop Alliance, MC Lyte, in our first installment during Women’s Month.”