MC Lyte is preparing to remind the world why she is considered one of the pioneers of female rap and an overall legend. The Brooklyn rapper announced she has an album coming this summer, her first in almost a decade.
“I got a new record,” she told MC Sha-Rock and Grandmaster Caz during her Friday (May 10) appearance on their Rock The Bells show That’s The Joint. “I’m working on it right now. The new single is out. It’s ‘Woman.’ The new record is coming. We’ll have another single coming in June for Black Music Month, which is going to be spectacular. Of course, I’ve got some winning folks on this album, now I gotta talk to Major.”
Sha-Rock prodded for some clarification, and the 53-year-old rapper happily obliged. “The album comes out August 9 and the next single comes out June 9.” This is exciting news for fans, as her forthcoming effort will close an almost 10-year hiatus since her 2015 LP Legend. Check out her latest single “Woman” featuring Big Daddy Kane, Raheem DeVaughn, and Cheryl “Salt” James, which was released back in March.
While MC Lyte has been inactive on the album front, she hasn’t been fully away from the game. In 2022, she appeared on Slimkid3’s “Roots, Love & Culture.” One year prior, she linked up with Precious Way and Xhaania on “Partners In Rhyme Unstoppable,” and DJ Shoni and Skales on “Hot.”
Outside of music, she was recently recognized for her powerful storytelling at the SEED Summit+ Awards this past March. “The power of storytelling transforms lives, and as we celebrate this tremendous milestone with our inaugural SEED Summit + Awards, the culture stands together for the launch of SEED,” Valeisha Butterfield said of Lyte and the other honorees. “Illuminating the most iconic stories and people of our generation is our mission as we plant seeds into the next generation of creators, storytellers, leaders, and professionals following in our footsteps.”
She expressed her gratitude for the recognition in a heartfelt post. “Thank you, @valeisha, and the Hello Seed Awards for the wonderful honor,” she wrote. “My sister @lynnrichardson and I are forever grateful for your love and acknowledgment. Thank you @devonfranklin for being a part of a memorable evening for Lynn and I. God bless your journey. And a big congratulations to all the honorees! A beautiful night indeed!!”
MC Lyte hasn’t just received flowers of her own recently but has given them to other worthy recipients. In December 2023, she joined Missy Elliott, Rapsody, Yo-Yo, and Monie Love to honor Queen Latifah. They linked up with The Clark Sisters to perform “You Brought The Sunshine,” “Just Another Day,” and “Ladies First.”
MC Lyte’s forthcoming release can add to her legacy, as the first solo female rapper to appear on the Billboard 200 with her sophomore album Eyes On This. She is also a two-time Grammy nominee and won Best R&B/Soul Or Rap Music Video at the 1996 Soul Train Awards for “Keep On Keepin’ On” with Xscape.