MC Lyte has always been a vocal proponent of the role of women in Hip Hop, but the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop has the legendary MC reflecting on how the female force has been silenced…until now.
The “Ice Cream Dream” rapper spoke to Hip Hop Wired ahead of the I AM Woman event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., which takes place on Sunday (June 4). The second annual event, which celebrates women in Hip Hop, has the history maker reflecting on what the culture would look like without female influences.
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“The importance of the 50th is that it started 50 years ago, and it’s still going,” she said. “So everybody’s participation is important whether it started it or helped to maintain it, or helped to propel it into other areas. I’m excited to be a part of anything that has lasted 50 years. Everybody has their own relationship to Hip-Hop – it’s almost like a person. We do know that it has inspired all of us in one way or another.”
She continued: “It feels invigorating. It feels like there’s room and space. I feel like we’re at a crossroads. It feels like the importance of where and when you entered Hip Hop doesn’t matter. We all contributed. Period.”
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While MC Lyte is among the first to give female MCs their flowers, she’s also now been at the receiving end of some awards of her own.
Back in March, she was selected by the Hip Hop Alliance to celebrate her inspirational career and highlight how she helped pave the way for future generations.
The Hip-Hop Alliance, which strives to help musicians earn fair wages, royalties, health benefits, etc., has chosen to shine a spotlight on MC Lyte as part of its new segment, “Legendary Flowers.” The organization — helmed by Kurtis Blow, KRS-One and Chuck D, among others — shared the announcement via Instagram.
MC Lyte, who also happens to be the organization’s vice-president, has been a pioneer for women in Hip Hop since the late 1980s, breaking down barriers and inspiring future female rappers. The Brooklyn native was the first female solo rapper to release a full album with 1988’s Lyte as a Rock.
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“Introducing LEGENDARY FLOWERS, a new segment by the Hip Hop Alliance where we honor and celebrate the trailblazers and icons of our beloved Hip Hop culture,” the caption read. “In our first installment during Women’s Month, we’re excited to celebrate the unstoppable force that is our very own Vice President of the Hip Hop Alliance – MC Lyte.”
