mc lyte ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

JAY-Z Is Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame By More Than 40 Stars

JAY-Z, LL Cool J, Foo Fighters, The Go-Go's and a host of other music legends were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 30. Footage and many of the details from the illustrious night leaked in real time and the days that followed. Hip-Hop owned... Read more

November 21, 2021 Video

MC Lyte, Lil Kim, Monie Love & Rapsody Celebrate Queen Latifah (Video)

2021's BET Awards were a celebration of Black women from start to finish. The 3+ hour show was hosted by Taraji P. Henson and featured performances and appearances by Issa Rae, Megan Thee Stallion, Andra Day and more. It also revealed to the world that Cardi B was expecting her... Read more

June 27, 2021 Video

LL Cool J Discusses The Importance Of Owning All Of His Music (Video)

LL Cool J is one of Hip-Hop's first artist-moguls. At the same time he established himself as one of the most dominant MCs of all time, James Todd Smith was adding film, fashion, and more to his resume. Appearing on Sway In The Morning this week, Uncle L also broke... Read more

November 23, 2019 Video

Here’s The Story Behind The All-Star Cypher That Ended The Arsenio Hall Show

Twenty-five years ago this month, The Arsenio Hall Show dimmed the lights on a massive television platform, especially for Hip-Hop. Since early 1989, the actor/comedian/host planted his flag with a new kind of late-night talk-show with a penchant for the issues, people, and culture that inspired him. From M.C. Hammer... Read more

May 23, 2019 Throwback, Throwback, TV, TV/Film, Video

MC Lyte & Positive K Reunite After 30 Years & They’re Still Not Havin’ It (Video)

Thirty years ago, Positive K linked with MC Lyte to create the memorable video single "I'm Not Having It" from the First Priority Basement Flavor compilation. The conceptual song about suitors getting rejected from women endured. It arrived the same season as MC Lyte's Lyte As A Rock debut, and played... Read more

January 24, 2019 Video

The Making Of The Self-Destruction Video Shows The Power Of Hip-Hop Unity

In the late 1980s, Rap music had a problem. At the time the genre was exploding with national and overseas tours, incidents were taking place at some of those concerts that were smearing the reputation of the Hip-Hop culture. As the safety of show-goers was a significant concern, mainstream media... Read more

January 21, 2019 Throwback, Video

Eminem Names His Top 12 Rap Diss Songs Of All-Time (Audio)

Despite being a perennial Grammy darling, with 44 nominations and 15 wins, Eminem's 2018 Kamikaze album has no nominations. The LP also was missing from a number of prominent "best album of the year" lists. But, make no mistake, Kamikaze, which became Em's 10th album in a row to reach... Read more

December 27, 2018 Audio

MC Lyte Will Celebrate 30 Years In Hip-Hop With A Kennedy Center Concert

Thirty years ago this month, MC Lyte released her debut album, Lyte As A Rock. The MC born Lana Moorer was just 17 years old when she linked with Audio Two and First Priority Music to drop one of the earliest full-length offerings by a solo female Rap artist. The... Read more

September 19, 2018 Fresh

The Kennedy Center Put Q-Tip In Charge Of Hip-Hop Culture & He Built A Dream Team To Help

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. has announced the inauguration of its Hip Hop Culture Council, and the names are nothing short of heavyweights. According to the center's Medium page, the council is comprised of Hip Hop luminaries from across various elements of the culture.... Read more

March 6, 2018 News

MC Lyte, Bahamadia & Yo-Yo’s Pete Rock-Produced Cut Still Speaks Today (Audio)

It’s not all that uncommon for a soundtrack to outshine the movie it was created to accompany. Twenty-one years ago, when the Ice Cube flick, Dangerous Ground was released, the exclusively Rap soundtrack may have stood a bigger test of time than the film itself. Although Cube’s “The World Is... Read more

January 11, 2018 Do Remember

Busta Rhymes, Black Thought & MC Lyte Give A Knockout Tribute To LL Cool J (Video)

Earlier this month, LL Cool J became the first Hip-Hop artist to be celebrated as a Kennedy Center Honoree. Last night (December 27), the full ceremony aired on CBS, and LL’s tribute was one fit for a GOAT. While it is customary to have a celebrity introduce honorees at these... Read more

December 27, 2017 Video

Lauryn Hill Celebrates Queen Latifah With A Blazing Performance Of Ladies First (Video)

Just over a week ago at the Revolt Music Conference, Queen Latifah was the recipient of the annual Jimmy Iovine Icon Award. Named after the record mogul, recently showcased in The Defiant Ones documentary, who helped shape the careers of Dr. Dre, Tupac, U2, Tom Petty, Will.I.Am and many more,... Read more

October 25, 2017 Video

9th Wonder Explains Why Soundbombing & Rawkus Kept His Hip-Hop Dreams Alive (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the LAST 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the LAST... Read more

October 24, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

The Smithsonian Will Tell The History Of Hip-Hop In A 120-Song Anthology Led By Chuck D & MC Lyte

“#Make Hip-Hop History” is the slogan for the campaign launched today by The Smithsonian Museum, with the help of Chuck D and MC Lyte, to fund a nine-CD, 300-page anthology devoted to exploring the history of Hip-Hop and Rap music. This would be the third such Smithsonian Folkways anthology focused... Read more

October 17, 2017 News

Fat Joe, MC Lyte, DJ Premier & MC Eiht To Headline Final Rocksteady Anniversary Weekend

Next weekend, the Rocksteady Crew will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The yearly New York City event was announced by Crazy Legs to be the organization's final concert event of this kind. While the R.S.C. lives on, Crazy Legs suggested there would be new platforms put in place to show its... Read more

July 23, 2017 Fresh

Impeach The President Got Top Billin’ From Audio Two (Video)

Turn on a lot of American newscasts right now, read the blogs, or encounter a "water-cooler" discussion, and one may likely hear the word "impeachment." Over the last 20 years, this word has re-entered the lexicon in a major way, through several US presidencies, quite obviously including the current. In... Read more

May 18, 2017 Do Remember

There Is No Hip-Hop Without Women. Every Day Is Ladies First (Video)

Throughout Hip-Hop history, there have been countless women who have helped carry a nascent culture into the mainstream. Not all of them do we know by name - the mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, teachers, and others who encouraged a child to write rhymes, pursue her or his passion for music,... Read more

March 8, 2017 Video

Redman Explains How MC Lyte Is The Reason He Met EPMD (Video)

Tomorrow (March 8), an international movement calling itself A Day Without A Woman will take place as a continuation of the Women's March energy that spread across the world like wildfire earlier this year (and as an acknowledgment of March being Women's History Month). The general strike is meant to... Read more

March 7, 2017 Video

Common & Stevie Wonder’s Snapshot of Black America Is Raw & Uncut (Video)

Common's 2014 album Nobody's Smiling not only signified a reforged musical partnership with producer No I.D., but also a concept record inspired by Chicago. The MC's hometown continues to be plagued by skyrocketing rates of gun violence, and while it manages to be a hotbed for vibrant talent including Chance... Read more

September 22, 2016 Video

MC Lyte Will Star In “love jones, ” The Musical

Since its release nearly 20 years ago, love jones has stood as one of film's most beloved love stories. Larenz Tate and Nia Long star as two star-crossed lovers who meet in a poetry club in Chicago and struggle to make a relationship work, despite their strong feelings for one... Read more

August 19, 2016 News

Vh1’s Hip-Hop Honors Is Returning & Celebrating The Ladies First

It's been six years since Vh1 aired its "Hip-Hop Honors" television special, but that's not the only reason why the return of the broadcast on July 11 is making headlines. For the first time ever, it will feature a lineup of honorees consisting entirely of women whose contributions to music... Read more

June 16, 2016 News

MC Lyte is Cold Rockin’ Hip-Hop Feminism in Major Ways (Video)

MC Lyte has added activist, businesswoman, and philanthropist to her resume thanks to her tremendous work in empowering children and women. Having founded the Hip-Hop Sisters Foundation, a non-profit that promotes positive images of women of ethnic diversity, she has made it her life's goal to work on behalf of... Read more

March 10, 2016 Video

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, TLC, & More (Video)

March is Women's History Month, and as we get closer and closer to the presidential election in the United States, the likely reality of the country electing its first female president is a topic of excited discussion. Furthermore, 2020 will mark the centennial of women's suffrage in the U.S., making... Read more

March 8, 2016 Video

Rapsody Reacts To Grammy Nomination & Confirms Guest On Next Album (Video Interview)

Last night, Rapsody and 9th Wonder performed at the second annual J Dilla Weekend in Miami, Florida. During Rap's set, her friend and collaborator Jay Electronica took the stage to publicly crown her "the best female lyricist since Lauryn Hill," and bestow her with his chain. Moments later, the Jamla... Read more

February 6, 2016 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Video

MC Lyte & Rapsody Recount Racist Assaults & Open Up About Being Women in Hip-Hop

February 1 marked the beginning of Black History Month, a yearly occasion during which African-American stories, issues, art, and conversations are shared with more visibility than perhaps the rest of the year. In today's atmosphere - where "Black lives matter" is not just an aside in a casual conversation and... Read more

February 2, 2016 Lifestyle

MC Lyte Proclaims Fetty Wap as a Hip-Hop Feminist. Here’s Why. (Video)

This past weekend, the White House Council on Women & Girls delivered an all-day event which focused on the lives of American women and girls of color, with a special focus on improving the lives of those suffering from injustice and unequal access to things like quality education and healthcare.... Read more

November 23, 2015 Video

Nearly 25 Years Ago, KRS-One & Friends Urged Us to Heal Ourselves. Have We? (Video)

It was the early '90s and KRS-One had spearheaded the formation of H.E.A.L., a group of artists whose ideologies promoted knowledge, self-awareness, political involvement, and truth seeking. In fact, H.E.A.L. stood for Human Education Against Lies, and as KRS shared with Vibe back in 2012, the inspiration for H.E.A.L.'s formation... Read more

November 19, 2015 Do Remember

LL Cool J’s Radio vs. MC Lyte’s Lyte As A Rock. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

October 22, 2015 Finding the GOAT

MC Lyte’s Lyte As A Rock vs. Just-Ice’s Back To The Old School. Which is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

September 24, 2015 Finding the GOAT

MC Lyte’s Paper Thin Is A Thick Part Of Brooklyn Hip-Hop History (Video)

MC Lyte's 1988 debut, Lyte As A Rock is a keystone in what made the year so important. Lana Michele Moorer hit the scene like she belonged with her First Priority/Atlantic Records breakthrough, and she did. L.A.A.R. took the Audio Two production style, and built upon it with one of Rap's... Read more

July 9, 2015 Throwback

Here’s a Tribute to Some of the Women MCs Who Raised Hip-Hop (Video Playlist)

Happy Mother's Day. Here's a video playlist celebrating some of the many women who helped to start and grow the culture of Hip-Hop. You'll see clips from pioneers like Sha Rock, Roxanne Shante, Ms. Melodie, Michie Mee, Sweet Tee, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa and Monie Love. Take a look... Read more

May 10, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT: Who Is the Greatest MC Of All-Time & Why Do We Care? (Video)

Chances are, if you are a Hip-Hop fan, at some point in your life, you've been embroiled in a conversation about who is Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All-Time (GOAT) MC. Whether it was in a lunch room, on a school bus, in a barber shop or in a board room, there... Read more

May 7, 2015 Video

Step Back In Time With This Rugged MC Lyte Freestyle (Video)

Sometimes Hip-Hop is at its best when in its purest form. Few things are more satisfying than hearing a top notch MC shred a verse over nothing but a beat. Here's a look back at a vintage moment from Rap City: Tha Basement where MC Lyte crushes a freestyle over... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

This Throwback Hip-Hop VIDEO Mix Will Blow Your Mind (Video)

Here's an absolutely devastating throwback Hip-Hop video mix from UK DJ E Double D. The mix and song selection, from the late 80s and early 90s, would be enough but, the added layer of overlaying visuals takes it to a completely different level. E Double pulls out clips featuring Eric... Read more

April 20, 2015 Throwback

MC Lyte is Still Checking Mics Effortlessly. Just Watch (Video)

"When you say you love me, it doesn't matter. It goes to my head as just chit chatter." Ever since MC Lyte uttered those words on 1988's "Paper Thin," the game changed. Lyte burst onto the scene as one of the hardest-spitting MCs around (male or female). She also was... Read more

April 8, 2015 Video

Keep The International Women’s Day Celebrations Going With A Stellar Female MC Tape (Mix)

Yesterday (March 8) marked International Women's Day. Like all cultural movements, Hip-Hop has depended upon women for survival since its inception. In 2015, there are a host of female superstars, moguls, and elite professionals at the top of culture and Rap industry. However, along the way over the last 35-plus... Read more

March 9, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Cypher with MC Lyte, ATCQ, GURU, Wu-Tang Clan, CL Smooth, KRS-One & More (Video)

The second iteration of Arsenio Hall's show left the air quietly, after an announcement just weeks before that the show had been renewed. However, it was a very different story the first time Arsenio parted ways with the airwaves. After five years of providing one of the only platforms on... Read more

January 31, 2015 Throwback

MC Lyte Provides Perspective On Education, What Government Needs To Do (Video)

You know MC Lyte's background as a legendary voice in Hip Hop, but she's also been an avid proponent with mentoring and community activism for the youth as well. Where opportunities for youth to extend their education have been difficult, Lyte has used her Hip Hop Sisters Foundation to give... Read more

January 7, 2015 Fresh, Video

It’s Ladies Night with Lil Kim, Missy, Da Brat & Lady of Rage at The Soul Train Awards (Video)

The 2014 Soul Train Awards was a night of reunions. In addition to Jodeci coming together, Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, Da Brat and Lady of Rage reunited to perform "Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)," and Total, Yo-Yo and MC Lyte joined the party. RIP Left Eye who was also on... Read more

November 30, 2014 Video

MC Lyte Rocks a Verse Over Junior MAFIA’s Player’s Anthem; Talks Charitable Work (Video)

After more than 25 years in the game, MC Lyte is continuing to build on her legacy. The veteran MC has an organization called the Hip-Hop Sisters Network which both supports women artists in Hip-Hop and also provides financial assistance to young male and female students. She stopped by Sway... Read more

November 27, 2014 Video

MC Lyte Releases a New Video with Lil Mama (Video)

Fresh off her reunion with Brandy, Yo-Yo and Queen Latifah on the BET Hip Hop Awards, MC Lyte is readying a new album. The latest track from the project is called "Ball" and features Lil Mama and AV. The bouncy beat is a sonic departure from what Lyte fans have... Read more

November 13, 2014 Video

MC Lyte Makes The Perfect Visual For Her Latest Common Collabo (Video)

Following last month's "Dear John," MC Lyte & Common's latest collaboration gets a narrative video. The song about men taking on a greater role in their families amidst the stressful and demanding circumstances gets a video that highlights fatherhood, especially Black fatherhood, including some celebrity cameos. This concept is executed... Read more

October 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Brandy, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo & Queen Latifah Perform I Wanna Be Down Remix (Video)

Nearly 20 years after the release of one of Hip-Hop's finest remixes, Brandy, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo and Queen Latifah reunited at the BET Hip Hop Awards for a sizzling performance of "I Wanna Be Down." You could feel the excitement in the building mounting as each MC took the visually... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Finding The GOAT: MC Lyte vs. MCA…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 8, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in September 2014 (Audio)

As we ease into October, here's a look back at some of the amazing music that came out in September 2014. You'll hear songs from DJ Quik, Nas, The Lox, Schoolboy Q, Common, Jay Electronica, MC Lyte, Childish Gambino, Raekwon, Logic, Rapsody, Yelawolf, Diamond D, Elzhi, Talib Kweli, Nature, Rick... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Here’s an Incredible 80’s Hip-Hop Mix From DJ Vadim (Audio)

Here's a wide-ranging and incredibly dope mix of 80's Hip-Hop from DJ Vadim. Focusing primarily on artists from the mid to late 80's, the mix includes Run-D.M.C., The Fat Boys, MC Lyte, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Slick Rick, N.W.A., Biz Markie, Public Enemy, Eric B & Rakim, LL Cool J, Boogie Down... Read more

August 9, 2014 Throwback

Episode 1 of The Message Documentary Speaks on Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., LL Coo J & Much More (Full Video)

Episode 1 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, covers roughly the first decade of Hip-Hop. It addresses pioneers like Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., Cold Crush Brothers and more. It also features several luminaries including Doug E Fresh, Fab 5 Freddy, Ice Cube, DJ Premier,... Read more

June 11, 2014 Throwback

Nas, RZA & More Discuss The Earliest Days of Hip-Hop in The Message Hip-Hop Documentary (Video)

BET's 4-part Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, premieres tonight at 10pm. Part 1 focuses on the early days of Hip-Hop and features Doug E Fresh, Fab 5 Freddy, Ice Cube, DJ Premier, Grand Wizard Theodore, Nas, MC Lyte, Questlove, Russell Simmons, Snoop, RZA, Sway, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Eve, Swizz Beatz... Read more

June 4, 2014 Throwback

UNITY: A Salute to the Women in Hip-Hop Vol. 2 (Video Playlist)

As we continue our celebration of the women in Hip-Hop, here's Vol. 2 of our UNITY video playlist series. You'll see videos from MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shante, Salt-n-Pepa, Rapsody, Sweet Tee, JJ Fad, Heather B, Eve, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Lauryn Hill and more. Check it out. And,... Read more

March 1, 2014 Video

Ladies First: Here’s a Mix in Celebration of the Women of Hip-Hop (Audio)

As we enter March, Women's History Month, today we celebrate some of the countless contributions to Hip-Hop by women, starting with this mix. You will hear music from MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Bahamadia, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Missy, Da Brat, The Lady of Rage, Jean Grae, Yo-Yo, Salt-n-Pepa... Read more

March 1, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage