My life. Freedom of expression through lyrics, music, dance, art. Community. It means family,” shares legendary emcee MC Lyte (neé Lana Michele Moorer) when asked what hip hop means to her during our Zoom call.
In the late 1980s, the Brooklyn-born rapper entered the industry with intention. For her, it was important to make her mark on the genre while also speaking directly to issues and topics that not only affected her immediate community, but the Black community as a whole. From drug addiction, racism, and even the way Black women were viewed and treated—the “Ruffneck” lyricist was instrumental in pushing conscious rap forward.
