MC Lyte Talks Female Rap Unity, Hip-Hop Competition, and Her Influence at Essence Fest
Few female rappers have left a legacy as strong as MC Lyte. A true pioneer, she helped pave the way for the new generations of female MCs, from Lil’ Kim and Missy Elliott to Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj. Today, with female rap dominating headlines, MC Lyte continues to be an important voice in hip-hop, both as a cultural figure and an advocate for unity in the game.
At the 2017 Essence Festival, MC Lyte sat down with Hip-Hop Vibe’s @MJThatMediaGurl for an exclusive interview. The event, known for celebrating Black culture, music, and empowerment, was the perfect setting for a discussion on the current state of female rap and the beefs that have recently grabbed media attention.
Hip-Hop Is Competitive, But Unity Is Essential
During the interview, MC Lyte shared her thoughts on the competitive nature of hip-hop, particularly among women in the industry. While MC Lyte acknowledged that hip-hop has always been competitive, she emphasized the importance of keeping the competition within the music and not letting it spiral into personal feuds.
Rap is a competitive sport, no question about it, but it’s essential that everyone remembers that there’s enough room for everybody. Rappers can compete lyrically without tearing each other down personally.
These sentiments are rising at a time when the rivalry between Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj has been dominating headlines. Earlier in 2017, Remy Ma dropped her explosive diss track, “SHEther,” which was a direct attack on Nicki Minaj. While the track reignited the conversation around female rap beefs, MC Lyte took a different approach, emphasizing the need for unity in the genre.
MC Lyte has always advocated for unity. She’s witnessed female rap come a long way. So, she feels the need for female rappers to keep supporting each other. MC Lyte is frequently stressing that competition should remain respectful and within the confines of music.
MC Lyte Reflects on the Changing Landscape of Female Rap
As a trailblazer in the game, MC Lyte has seen firsthand how female rap has evolved over the decades. She was one of the first female rappers to gain mainstream recognition, proving that women could hold their own in a male-dominated industry. Today, female rappers like Cardi B, whose single “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” is becoming a radio hit, are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a woman in hip-hop.
MC Lyte expressed her pride in how far female rap has come. When asked about the changing landscape, she was pleased that more voices being heard. After all, that’s exactly what they fought for in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Also, social media has played a crucial role in giving female artists a platform to connect with fans and build their brands. Women like Cardi B have used social media to their advantage. Clearly, that’s a powerful tool, as it opened the door for “Love & Hip Hop” to cast her. In turn, this led to Atlantic Records signing her.
Female Rap Beefs: Staying in the Music, Not Personal
One of the biggest topics in female rap in 2017 has been the ongoing feuds between high-profile rappers, Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma. While these beefs often generate publicity and excitement, they can also create divisions within the industry. MC Lyte believes that while competition is a natural part of hip-hop, it’s important to keep things respectful.
After all, beefs will happen, but it’s about keeping it in the music. However, people don’t need to be tearing each other down outside of that. At the end of the day, everybody is all in this together. Everybody is all representing something bigger than just themselves.
MC Lyte’s belief system carries weight, as this is how she feels. Considering her status as one of the genre’s most respected figures, she has seen firsthand how personal feuds can distract from the music and the message. For her, the focus should always be on the craft and on creating art that uplifts and inspires.
MC Lyte’s Legacy and Ongoing Influence in Hip-Hop
Though MC Lyte hasn’t released a chart-topping single since the 1990s, her influence on hip-hop culture remains undeniable. As one of the first female rappers to gain widespread recognition, she laid the foundation for the women who followed in her footsteps. Her smooth delivery, powerful lyricism, and ability to stand toe-to-toe with male rappers helped pave the way for the next generation.
MC Lyte’s contributions to the culture extend beyond music. In addition to her work as an actress and television host, she remains a fixture at major events like the BET Awards and Essence Fest, using her platform to advocate for female empowerment and unity in hip-hop.
When reflecting on her role in shaping the genre, MC Lyte made it clear she didn’t set out to be a pioneer. However, she is proud to be one. But she just wanted to make great music and represent for women in hip-hop. Her work has inspired others, so that’s the greatest accomplishment an artist could ask for.
Essence Fest 2017: Celebrating Culture, Music, and Empowerment
Essence Fest 2017 brought together some of the biggest names in Black culture, music, and empowerment, and MC Lyte was at the heart of it all. As an artist who has always championed women’s rights and equality, her presence at Essence Fest was fitting. The festival has long been a celebration of Black excellence, and this year’s lineup included performances and appearances from stars like Diana Ross, Chance the Rapper, and Solange.
For MC Lyte, the festival represents an opportunity to connect with fans and reflect on the progress made by Black artists and women in the entertainment industry. Essence Fest is a celebration of everything Black musicians have achieved. Also, it’s a reminder of how much more can be accomplished when people come together.
By focusing on unity, female empowerment, and maintaining integrity in the competitive world of hip-hop, MC Lyte’s words continue to resonate with a new generation of artists and fans. Her message is clear: while the rap game is competitive, it’s essential for women to lift each other up and celebrate each other’s success. As female rappers continue to break barriers and challenge the status quo, MC Lyte’s influence remains as strong as ever.
