Whenever the name MC Lyte is mentioned, particularly to true-blue Hip-Hop fans, there is a collective agreement that Lyte is one of the most respected MCs of all time. The respect I speck of is unique, in the sense that when she's on the microphone even the most misogynistic male Hip-Hop fan is made to think. Perhaps it's her raspy voice or her slight faded yet apparent Brooklyn accent topped off by swagger and a clear-cut delivery that causes one to almost forget that the music industry is predominantly controlled by males and is at times sexist. By stating her claim and simply being herself, Lyte has made us dance, think and continuously reexamine ourselves to find what makes us special.
Recently, I had a chance to build with Lyte and talk about Hip-Hop, "Ruffnecks" and her group Almost September. This what was said:
StopBeingFamous: A lot of "classic" artist have been quite vocal recently about the state of Hip-Hop, as a veteran of the game what's your take on its current state?
MC Lyte: It has definitely made a lot of new money millionaires, put a lot of people of color to work and made a lot of companies mad money. As far as the sound, the music has gotten more creative but the lyrics need a face lift. There are many I do love though: Kanye, Jay-Z, Lupe, Joe Budden, etc.
SBF: You are perhaps best known for your single "Ruffneck," who is the ideal man for MC Lyte 15 years later?
Lyte: Wow, this could go on forever. Good looking and I them dark but I'll take him whatever complexion if he's got the right attributes: smart, witty, playful, funny, sensitive to my work hours, knows Hip-Hop and love all kinds of music. He got to love his mama because that's a clear indication of how he's going to treat me. He has to find all sides of me attractive: my rough tomboy side along with my silky sexy side.
SBF: You guys [Almost September] met and recorded your first single, "Beautiful," in the same night, what was it about the chemistry between you three artist that spawned the group? Did you feel it instantly?
Lyte: Yes, absolutely! I felt the music and I knew something could really happen if we would put the work in.
SBF: KRS-One is featured on your track " Love," how did the collaboration come about? Why did you want to work with KRS?
Lyte: I love KRS! He came by the studio to get a verse from me and I wound up getting a verse from him.
SBF: As a female pioneer in the Hip-Hop industry, what is your take on being a female in the current game?
Lyte: It's a mad world. There are so many female MCs around the world and really no outlet except for the Internet. Real talent is not being given an opportunity.
SBF: Is it harder or easier for a woman to make it in 2008 as compared to when you started?
Lyte: It is harder to be noticed by the masses and easier to do it on you own.
SBF: What advice do you have for young women looking to make it in the music industry?
Lyte: Stay true to your story. Don't create lyrics that are not parallel to your life. I would tell guys that, too.
SBF: You all have made a name for yourselves as solo artist. What made you want to come together as a group?
Lyte: I was part of a group before I was a solo artist. If feels great to collaborate!
SBF: As artist, you have received Grammys and Grammy nominations, what are you hoping for with this project? Would you like to achieve the same kind of commercial success?
Lyte: I'd love for people to really get it, understand the movement and become a part of it!
SBF: We have heard the few songs available on the Internet at this point. When can we expect a full-length?
Lyte: The full-length will be available in Europe come February. The are dropping the EP, October 31. We have a distribution deal with Sony/BMG.
SBF: Any future collaborations we should look out for? Any artists that you would love to work with?
Lyte: I'd like for us to do something with Slick Rick.
SBF: Are any of you working on ant other projects or solo material currently? Are you producing/writing for other artist currently?
Lyte: I'm always working on something. I have a few songs on iTunes now, "Get Light " and "Jukejoint" but the focus is Almost September.
SBF: What inspires you to do what you do?
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Lyte: Life! Keep living and there are all sorts of things to see and experience.
