So if the chat was moving along so quickly that you missed some of the things mentioned above, simply scroll through the transcript below to get filled in. You'll also find reflections on the late Good Times star Ester Rolle, Lyte's gig as a DJ on Los Angeles's Power 106, and the telling titles of this underground rap album that is to remind fans of her 1988 debut, Lyte As A Rock.
LAUNCH_Host: Welcome to the M.C. Lyte chat. M.C. Lyte is in the building and is ready to take questions.
Fah_Q: What was it like to have a record deal at 16?
MC_Lyte: Fantastic! Not many can say that they have, and I was truly blessed.
Da_Thunda: Do you have a boy friend?
MC_Lyte: Yes.
Fah_Q: How did you dad respond to you cursing on records?
MC_Lyte: It wasn't such a big deal. It was just the way of expressing myself. But hey, I don't use the curse words nearly as much as I used to.
voidsong: Female rappers sell a lot more records today. Why do think that is the case?
MC_Lyte: Because record labels are beginning to believe in them and also spend the money in marketing. And females can rock the mic too!
MsPacman: Now that you're not on Elektra anymore, have you considered putting out stuff on your label or via the Internet?
MC_Lyte: Yes. I'm in negotiations with a new label and soon all will know.
Fah_Q: Whose idea was it for you, Queen Latifah and Yo Yo to make that remix of Brandy's "I Wanna Be Down?" And why did it take so long for you three to make a song together?
MC_Lyte: Wow. I believe it was Brandy who wanted us to rap on a remix of hers, and sometimes it takes someone else to pull it all together and actually make it happen.
gorgo: How much sexism is there in the music industry?
MC_Lyte: A lot. I believe just as much as in any other arena of business, corporate or entertainment, sports. You have to work much harder to get what you deserve when you're a woman.
Fah_Q: I heard that you play with a live band when in Europe, why don't you do that here?
MC_Lyte: Promoters don't want to pay the money that it takes to hire a four-piece band when dealing with a rapper such as myself.
voidsong: What is your favorite song?
MC_Lyte: My favorite song...in general? In life? Anything by Stevie Wonder. Anything by Michael Jackson. I'm a fan of music and there's no way possible I could answer that with one title.
gorgo: Do you think your style has been copied by others?
MC_Lyte: I think that I've helped in the molding of other female rappers.
voidsong: Did you take any of your dis records with Antionnette or Roxanne Shante seriously, or was it just business?
MC_Lyte: No it was purely business.
Da_Thunda: Do you think your better than the rest of the female mcs?
MC_Lyte: Oh, goodness...I'd rather not answer that.
Goldleader: Do you really prefer roughnecks like your song says?
MC_Lyte: No.
gorgo: How much time do you spend on the internet?
MC_Lyte: Wow. A lot. I don't know, maybe four hours per day. Sometimes I go on to chat with people and they don't believe it's me.
Goldleader: What do you think is the most important thing you've ever done for your career?
MC_Lyte: Leave Elektra!
gorgo: What's the newest electronic toy you want to buy for yourself?
MC_Lyte: A two-way Motorola.
voidsong: What made you move to California? How do you like it compared to New York?
MC_Lyte: The sunshine and a slower pace of life brought me here. I like it here. I can think clearly.
Goldleader: Milk Dee, Top Billin' is a classic. How does it feel to know that people still love that song?
MC_Lyte: It feels wonderful and the fact that people are sampling it helps keep a brother alive.
WolfLeben: Can you speak German?
MC_Lyte: Very, very, very little. Gooten Abent.
BeatsInGeneral: I'm A Producer who has been producing hip-hop for almost as long as it been around. Could you tell me how I can get my music heard to the guys who put people on.
MC_Lyte: Look for addresses on your favorite rap albums and usually they will tell you who did A&R on the project. Then send your stuff to them. Good luck.
Sitting_Bull: Who did you first tour with?
MC_Lyte: My first show was with Audio II; my first tour was Kool Moe Dee, Fresh Prince, Heavy D, Public Enemy and Big Daddy Kane.
Fah_Q: I'll play bass for you!! And I'm really really cheap!!!!
MC_Lyte: That's great to know, but I haven't performed in the U.S. in almost three years. All of my touring is done abroad. I headline my own tours that way.
Goldleader: What music do you like outside of hip-hop?
MC_Lyte: Everything. Easy listening, reggae, alternative, ska. SOFT rock.
MACC11: HELLO LYTE I AM A LONG TIME FAN FROM WAY BACK I REMBER THE KING OF CHILL DID SOME PRODUCTION ON SOME OF YOUR SONGS. MY QUESTION IS DO YOU REMEBER THE UNDER GROUND SONG THE ALLIANCE CREW CAME OUT WITH IN THE LATE 80'S AND IF SO DO YOU STILL KEEP IN TOUCH?
MC_Lyte: I haven't spoken to those guys in a really long time, but we made some great music together -- "Bustin' Loose."
gorgo: Who is the first person that made you want to pick up a microphone?
MC_Lyte: Sha Rock.
MsPacman: What do you think of today's foul-mouthed female rappers, like Foxy Brown and L'il Kim?
MC_Lyte: Freedom of speech. And when I first began, my mouth was rather foul, as well. Let's give them room to grow.
Da_Thunda: Did your voice change since the beginning?
MC_Lyte: Yeah. I think it's lower now.
guyute: Do you like Bob Dylan?
MC_Lyte: Yeah!
Goldleader: If Weird Al wanted to make a parody off of one of your songs, would you mind?
MC_Lyte: No.
mannikin: What is your opinion about electronic music?
MC_Lyte: I'm not sure what you mean? Samples? Midi stuff? Techno?
voidsong: On the Cru's album a few years ago, Antionnette said that you and her cleared things up. Are you guys friends?
MC_Lyte: I have not seen her since '89. But we're no longer battling.
Da_Thunda: How often do you practice rhymin' and for how long?
MC_Lyte: Oh boy. It depends on whether I'm recording an album or not. If recording, I might spend three hours a day...
Fah_Q: Who is your all time favorite rapper?
MC_Lyte: KRS-One. Because he just brings the madness every time he touches a mic.
Fah_Q: Are European crowds/ fans better than the US crowds/fans?
MC_Lyte: I think they're pretty receptive and it has been three years since my last U.S. performance and my memory tells me that that was also a great response that I received from the Americans.
Goldleader: Lyte, what's the deal with this Black album?
MC_Lyte: Milk Dee is producing it and it's filled with old and new school flava. It's bangin' (says Milk). Some of the titles are "Illegal Penetration," "Bump Heads," "Angel Dust," and "Live Wire." "Brooklyn Bound" is another one.
voidsong: What's the most interesting thing you've ever autographed?
MC_Lyte: Probably some boxers. They were being worn at the time.
BeatsInGeneral: What's the song that you recorded you like most?
MC_Lyte: "It's All Yours." "Throwin' Words At Ya" is another favorite. "Keep On, [Keepin' On]" and "Survival Of The Fittest" are some others.
Frink: Where were you raised and when did you know that you wanted a career in music?
MC_Lyte: I was raised in Brooklyn and at the age of 7 I was singing in the living room -- Donna Summer songs with my mother's wig on. And at 15, I really decided that I wanted to rap.
Frink: Is it intimidating to be a female in a music genre dominated by misogynist men?
MC_Lyte: Yes it is difficult. But I'm not intimidated. It just makes me work that much harder.
Sitting_Bull: You were the first female rapper that I was exposed to that I felt did it for the love of rap and not some other rapper's girlfirend. What female rappers do currently respect?
MC_Lyte: Queen Latifah. Bahamadia. And Salt-N-Pepa. I respect them.
Da_Thunda: Do you have any strange star like habits?
MC_Lyte: I've GOT to have trail mix...No... Milk claims I belch before I start rapping and he threatens that he's got it on tape and you'll hear it on the album.
MELL640: LYTE WHEN IS TRAIN RIDE COMING OUT?
MC_Lyte: Hopefully August.
Angie5: Would you ever do a hybrid project like the Ice Cube/Korn stuff?
MC_Lyte: Maybe. It would really depend on the track and the group. Aerosmith would be cool.
bro_troy: Do you go to church?
MC_Lyte: Yes.
voidsong: Does it feel good to be called the best female lyricist?
MC_Lyte: Yes. I love that feeling!
bro_troy: How long have you been into singing?
MC_Lyte: I've only taken one vocal lesson in my life. I really don't sing. But I've been rapping now for over 12 years.
ssambud: Monica Lewinsky--cool or not?
MC_Lyte: Not cool! The hell with that. THE uncoolest. She slobbed the knob of a married man.
Da_Thunda: How do you choose your producers and music?
MC_Lyte: I like to consider whether or not they know ME and all that is involved with participating in an MC Lyte project. Such as my attitude...that Milk told me I have.
ssambud: Name some music that you like that no one would ever think you would.
MC_Lyte: Probably Alanis Morissette. Sneaker Pimps. Prodigy. Barbra Streisand.
Angie5: How do you think KRS-One will do as an A&R force now?
MC_Lyte: I'm not sure. I haven't heard any work from him as of yet, but I'm sure he'll do great.
mannikin: Regarding the question about electronic music, how do you feel about the fusion of electronic music and hip hop and rap?
MC_Lyte: It's great.
voidsong: How's your website coming along?
MC_Lyte: I need all of you guys to visit me at www.mc-lyte.com. We're constantly making updates and additions. You can e-mail me in the Lyte Word section.
voidsong: I heard you did some voiceovers for cartoons..? What was that like?
MC_Lyte: You've heard more than I have! I'm still auditioning for many voice-over jobs. I have not nailed one yet. But soon...
Frink: Do you have any tatoos?
MC_Lyte: Yes. I have two. Shoulder and back. They're hard to describe. One is my name and the other is a conglomerate of things that are spiritual.
voidsong: Why did you call your album Seven & Seven? Do you drink a lot? :)
MC_Lyte: No, it had nothing to do with alcohol. There were 14 guests on the album. That's where the title comes from.
Angie5: What do you think about the MP3 controversy and the role of rec. labels in the future of Internet delivered music?
MC_Lyte: I think it's great that we're throwing it a little off track and hopefully the record labels will begin to realize how much money the artist is NOT making and maybe be more open to giving us a higher percentage of our OWN record sales.
Frink: Who would you really love to work with that you've never had the chance to?
MC_Lyte: Right now? Rodney Jerkins. Redman.
MCLytefan: Have you met ODB? What do ya think of all the trouble he's in?
MC_Lyte: Yes, I have met ODB. Oops, Sirus. Oops, Baby Jesus. I think he's still trying to find himself in a society that makes it pretty difficult, especially in the entertainment business.
DeputyDog: What is your best lyric/verse?
MC_Lyte: When you say you love me, it doesn't matter. It goes into my head as just chit chatter. And so on and so on.
Da_Thunda: Where do you think hip-hop music is heading?
MC_Lyte: To Mars. There are no boundaries. I think that's a wonderful thing as long as we can keep the foundation.
Cherity: What was it like to go on stage for the first time?
MC_Lyte: Veeeeerrrrry scary. It was a block party and I went in the limo and drank alcohol. It was in Harlem and the limo came and got us and there was alcohol in the car. I was completely nervous.
Hip-Hop: Why you call yourself Lyte?
MC_Lyte: Because I'm the TRUTH and I'm POSITIVE and it's just a good thing to be.
Hip-Hop: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
MC_Lyte: With eight kids and a dude ranch. I'm not sure, actually. I'm just going to take it day by day.
Hip-Hop: Would u pose for Playboy if they offered you a million bucks?
MC_Lyte: Perhaps if my biceps were the way I need them to look and I didn't grow hair on my knees.
Da_Thunda: What is your hobby?
MC_Lyte: Bowling. Reading. Browsing the web. Snowboarding.
Frink: What (or who) is your biggest motivator? What keeps you working, creating?
MC_Lyte: I think my mom is my biggest motivator and knowing that I always want to be better than what I am allows me to work hard to achieve certain goals.
MCLytefan: I love your music and Puff Daddy's. Any chance you two will record a song together? Would you want to?
MC_Lyte: Well, we worked on "Cold Rock A Party" together and that was a learning experience. But I'd love to work with him again.
Hip-Hop: What kind of car do you drive?
MC_Lyte: One with four wheels.
HungryHippo: Which male rapper do you appreciate the most? and why?
MC_Lyte: Right to date, Redman. His CD is in my car now and I'm having a lot of fun listening to it.
HungryHippo: Will you ever change your Big Bad Girl stlye of rap? Like Mariah changed from good to bad, will you go from bad to good?
MC_Lyte: No, because I can be bad and good at the same time.
bunbunn: Was your family supportive of your decision to go into rap music?
MC_Lyte: Certainly. My mom was a great supporter.
MCLytefan: You gonna get a TV show on the WB like LL Cool J?
MC_Lyte: I hope so!
voidsong: Are you a pretty good snowboarder?
MC_Lyte: I do pretty well. The first time I hurt my tail bone like a pain I had never incurred. I don't have my own snowboard. I just borrow my friend's. She has four of them.
Da_Thunda: Do you have any duets coming out?
MC_Lyte: Yes. Quite a few on the Black album with Milk and on the "Wild, Wild West" soundtrack.
Fah_Q: How do you like being a DJ on Power 106 (in L.A.)?
MC_Lyte: It's great to get a vibe for what L.A. is digging music-wise. I'm on every Sunday from 11 a.m. til 2 p.m.
voidsong: Eric Benet just used that same music you used for "Poor Georgie." Are you going to get on a remix?
MC_Lyte: To my knowledge, he's asked Q-Tip.
bro_troy: How old are you?
MC_Lyte: I'm just a young buck...
Fah_Q: What's happening with your movie Train Ride? What was it like working with Ester Rolle?
MC_Lyte: It was beautiful to have met her. She gave me a lot of words of inspiration concerning entering the acting arena. We filmed in Philadelphia at a college campus and I have displayed some of my best work in Train Ride.
Angie5: I think an all-woman summer tour of female r&b/rap artists would be great. Like Lilith, but with flavor. What do you think?
MC_Lyte: That sounds great. A nice idea.
Da_Thunda: Do you hang out with any music or movie stars?
MC_Lyte: Sometimes. But a lot of my friends are made up of students and everyday working people.
HungryHippo: What do you think about Biggie and 2pac and the whole thing that went down?
MC_Lyte: It's still sometimes very hard to believe that we've lost two great contributors in hip-hop. I feel as though I'm still learning about the both of them through their music now. Tupac, Biggie, rest in peace.
Fah_Q: You ever hang out with fellow 106 DJ Son Doobie?
MC_Lyte: No, but sometimes he comes in the studio when I'm on the mic. Great guy.
MCLytefan: What women do you think should be on the r&b/rap tour (like Lilith)??
MC_Lyte: Myself, of course! Lauryn, Mary, Aaliyah, Monica, Brandy. Oh yeah. And Missy.
HungryHippo: Whos your favorite basketball team?
MC_Lyte: I guess I better say the Lakers because I live in L.A. now. Milk says the Knicks...but I say the Lakers. I could just sit and watch Kobe.
HungryHippo: Have you ever met Big Boy? Is he funny off the air?
MC_Lyte: Yes, he's hilarious. Just as funny as those billboards. My favorite is Judge Ebataneesha.
voidsong: Do you think Lauryn Hill has done great things for the female rap community/scene?
MC_Lyte: Yes! Lord. Right on time. I was worried for a minute of where we were heading. But she swung it in a whole new direction -- back on track.
Da_Thunda: Are you ever going to take a position at a record company?
MC_Lyte: I don't know...
Hip-Hop: Do u like to get out on the town, or relax at home more?
MC_Lyte: Both...But I like spending quality time at home, which didn't happen often when I lived in NYC. That's why I really enjoy living in California.
ssambud: Are you a private person?
MC_Lyte: I'm an extremely private person.
voidsong: What's your real name?
MC_Lyte: Lana.
Hip-Hop: You listen to breakbeat stuff?
MC_Lyte: Certainly. A lot my rhyming rhythm patterns are found through listening to breakbeats.
MsPacman: Do you think great, intelligent lyrics are missing in popular rap today? I mean, "make 'em say uuuhhhh...nanuh nanuh" isn't exactly great lyrics.
MC_Lyte: I think they are, you just have to find the lyrics and some of the most intelligent raps that exist are not being promoted by record labels. The Roots are good. Lauryn. Common Sense.
voidsong: What's your favorite food?
MC_Lyte: Italian is my favorite.
ssambud: What's the first bit of advice you'd give an up and coming rapper?
MC_Lyte: To just remain true to yourself and don't adapt to what's working for another rapper to get into the game quicker. Remain yourself, and it'll happen...as long as you're fat.
voidsong: Are you ever going to reopen the Harlem Cafe?
MC_Lyte: Probably, but not in Harlem.
HungryHippo: What's your typical weekend like?
MC_Lyte: I go out to a club on Friday, and hear what everybody's listening to and what the DJ's playing. Saturday, I wake up, work out, come back home and maybe cook. Maybe see a movie. I might visit a friend, play a throwdown slam-dunk game of Spades, and then go home, go to sleep and get ready for Power 106 on Sunday morning. Then I might go rollerblading on the beach. Sunday is my day to spend with myself by myself. But THIS Sunday, I'll be in the studio with Milk Dee.
Hip-Hop: Did anything scary ever happen to you being in Harlem??
MC_Lyte: No. I'm from Brooklyn, but a lot of my time as a kid was spent in Spanish Harlem where my grandmother lived.
Hip-Hop: If you could do anything, ANYTHING at all, what would it be
MC_Lyte: Peace and Love. I'd bring it throughout the nations.
MsPacman: Where do you come up with the inspiration for your lyrics?
MC_Lyte: By just listening to the music. The track usually leads me in the direction of what the content of the lyric should be.
MCLytefan: Who are some of the nicest rappers you've met? Any rude ones?
MC_Lyte: Big Pun is really, really a sweet guy. And so is Ice-T. And Kool Moe Dee. And Chuck D. They're all like my brothers, including LL.
Da_Thunda: Are you ever going to do any more music like your first record?
MC_Lyte: That's what Milk and I are working on right now.
Da_Thunda: Could you name some of the TV shows and movies your in?
MC_Lyte: Movies: Train Ride, Burn Hollywood Burn, Fly By Night. TV: In The House, New York Under Cover, Moesha, and now a recurring role on For Your Love.
Da_Thunda: Do you have any kids or do you plan to soon?
MC_Lyte: I have no kids yet, but I do plan on having some some day.
Frink: How do you feel about all the violence among rappers? Why do you think it continues?
MC_Lyte: To my knowledge, there's nothing of the sort happening now. Let's just pray for peace.
Da_Thunda: Are you going to keep making music forever?
MC_Lyte: I'm not sure...I'll do it for as long as my heart is happy.
Da_Thunda: What ever happened to your brother Milk Dee.
MC_Lyte: Milk is Da_Thunda in case you guys didn't figure it out yet.
Fah_Q: To wrap it up, how about a little 1 to 3 minute freestyle for us????
MC_Lyte: How the heck do I that?!!!?
MC_Lyte: To da beat and I freak it like this. No other on the mic but Lyte and I don't miss. I'm a mack woman when I'm rockin' the chats...sometimes I rock live sometimes I rock to dats. BK to the fullest, no matter where my physical -- Udaka Ave still getting' busy. So I'm grabbin' the mic, gettin' ready to bust...MC Lyte aka Angel Dust.
MC_Lyte: Thank you all for loggin' on to chat with me. I appreciate it. Don't forget to visit my website. And thank you, Billy, for the maaaaad hook-up.
LAUNCH_Host: Thanks for checking out our chat with M.C. Lyte.
MC_Lyte: Adios, au revoir, enchante.
