In Living Color

MY Birthday

Throwbackkkkkk!

On October 11th a few friends and a lot of family showed up in Miami to help celebrate the occasion and while most thought it had to be the big 40 for such an event, it still was not...lol. But when that day comes, I'm sure all will know ).

This shot was taken upstairs in the VIP section of Live. Just before this pic Mario sang a beautiful happy birthday to ya girl!

Throwback!!!!

Candid interview written by HHS Atlas

Hip Hop Sisters started back in 2006. So, for the past three years I've been "Rockin' Wit' The Best" (Had to get a song quote in). It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with this legendary MC. In business I've had many questions, but it has been difficult to keep the fan in me at bay. I was trying to figure out the best way to ask those "fan" questions I had without looking too corny. So when she said she would grant me an interview for the HHS I jumped at the chance to ask.

AtLas’: You were Lana Moorer long before you were MC Lyte. What is your earliest childhood memory?

MC Lyte: My earliest childhood memory is probably refusing to wear a dress for Easter.
We were going to Playland in Rockaway, Queens with my uncle and he wanted me to wear a dress. He had a real problem that day because he was unsuccessful.

A: Speaking of childhood memories, how did you get the scar on your forearm?
I noticed it at the meet n greet

ML: Detective AtLas’ (lol). A glass window; I thought I could stick my arm through what appeared to be a broken window and I didn't see the broken glass that remained in the frame

A: Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you first heard yourself on the radio?

ML: Yes. I was delivering packages as a messenger at the Graybar Building and heard it playing in their mailroom

A: I noticed that your early work rarely had a hook, usually lots of scratching or sampling your own voice. Was that intentional?

ML: Paperthin and what else?

A: Lyte as a Rock, 10% Dis…

ML: With Paperthin it was written before I heard the beat. I had a rhyme book and everything from the first album was from that book. So I just sat with the producers and fit the rhymes to some of their tracks. I didn't write hooks then. 10% had a hook. BEAT BITER DOPE STYLE TAKER, TELL YOUR FACE YOU AIN'T NOTHING BUT A FAKER.

A: Oh yeah... I meant cappuccino and Cha, Cha, Cha.

ML: Yeah those were the days when the lyrics meant so much you didn't even need a hook. People wanted the hook to be done so they could hear the lyrics and now it's just the opposite.

A: Do you still have clothes and jewelry from then?

ML: Yes I do. My Nefertiti earrings. My jeans with all the graffiti on them. Lots of leather outfits. I almost got into tax trouble because they didn't believe I spent that much money on leather. Then I went back and took pictures of them all and they released any intentions.


To read interview please click below

http://hiphopsisters.ning.com/profiles/blogs/atlas-chats-with-the-lyte

Throwback!!!!

This video brings back so many good memories. It was a time of innocence and loving the hip hop. It wasn't about the music business, it was about creating and not letting anything get in the way of a hit song!!


I remember the first time I saw Brandy on television. It was an interview where she told the audience that she was going to be the first to have her own show and her own album. She actually spoke it into existence. She was co-starring on a show called Thea as on the siblings but she quickly ditched that and became a star of her own series called Moesha.


Brandy then came with back to back hit albums. The golden child of the 90's is now working on a new record and we are all delighted to hear.

Choosing a manager Part 2

4 Do they listen?  You want to make sure whoever you have lined up as a prospect has the capability of listening. If you have ideas and need them bought to fruition you're going to need someone who listens and can help bring every detail to life.

5 Are they patient? Things don't and won't happen overnight. In some isolated cases they do but those are the ones that never last for long.  But for most cases you need a manager who is going to be in it for the long haul.  You want someone dedicated to your movement that won't just jump ship because the storm gets a little hard to bare.

6 Are they honest? Will they tell you when you're shit stinks? When the song ain't so hot?  When you're look ain't hittin'?  When the stardom has gone to your head and you need to come down off of cloud 9 and treat people like they're supposed to be treated.

The bottom line is you need someone in your corner that's rooting for you the way your mama and daddy would. You need someone that has your back that you can say anything to and it will be kept in confidence. You need a partner that understands that they are just as important as you are in this business and that not much will happen without you two, the artist and management being in complete sync. Choosing a manager will be one of the most important steps you take in your career. Possibly the most important, seeing they will move with you throughout the life of your career and will ultimately aid you in achieving your goals and making every dream come true. Good luck!

OFFICIAL VA CONCERT AT the RACE TRACK

Art imitating Life

ROCKING WITH THE BEST

Clink your glasses ni**s the bad ass is back
the fastest show your where the cash is
like Cassius
I one two do'em like Erasmus
NY thick like mollases
can't nobody stand close
F* your toast
I celebrate myself doing the most
I'm floating N*
Coast to coast they can't match my weight
you wake dj if I ain't in your crate
WAIT!
Nah n* I been patient enough
the Dr. is in about rip sh*t up
they don't call me Dre though
But I serve them blows that are fatal
So dope I advise your kids to say no
but they can't
I got'em hooked from the naval
cane to the cradle

all night
all day
so hard
I'ma make your city say
YES YOU ARE NOW ROCKING WITH THE BEST!!!!

THE ARTIST AND THEIR DIVIDENDS

So let's play the work of an artist out. Let's get it all in the open and make it a discussion of what it really takes to be a creative force in this climate. First you gotta have enough balls to think you have talent to the degree that you would want to share it with others. Once you get pass that major barrier you then attempt to connect with the people with words they can relate to and then hopefully you are able to touch nations of people. Providing you have some type of heart, through your talent your emotions will permeate and one we'll feel all that you do.

In essence the artist is one of the most important creatures to inhabit this God given earth. Some may argue this point and others may agree but the last time I checked it wasn't the community leader that was moving the crowd. Shaping the opinion of many across this world are mcs like Kanye, Jay Z, TI and Lil Wayne. And yes sure there are many others who would qualify as someone who can help and guide public opinion. Russell Simmons, Will IAM and P Diddy made it cool to vote for a whole new generation of eligible voters. We, without a doubt move people into a whole new experience they may not have ever discovered prior to hearing our perspective.

This brings me to this. Why is it media finds so much joy in reporting the misfortunes of an artist as it relates to taxes? That sh*t ain't funny! Never was and never will be. Taxes for an artist are the most horrible thing ever. It sends a message to the sub conscious that they shouldn't create and look forward to making a lot of money because in the end they are going to have to give more than half of it away. Oh not to their favorite charity, or a local organization like the Boys and Girls club but to none other than Uncle Sam. And yes it's completely embarrassing to any involved in non payment of taxes because it shows someone is not doing their job correctly but to another artist it just reads as the everyday fight to stay on top.

Ok, tax trouble and what? Like any other bill I say call the company and get it straightened out but I certainly don't believe for one minute it's news worthy. Blog? Maybe lol. No, not even then. May God continue to bless all the artists who are trying to change the world for the better, regardless of tax woes.

The New Project

Can I tell you the way this project is moving there can only be the force of God moving through everyone I've come in to contact. ROCKING WITH THE BEST, the single, is making it's mark all over the internet. We currently are creating a contest that will allow those who purchase the 99 cent single at Itunes to send in their receipt # to MCLYTECONTEST@gmail.com and have the opportunity to win an IPOD TOUCH and $100 gift certificate for Itunes.

But more importantly the song Rocking With the Best was born out of me being in NYC at a Drake concert. While I was waiting for Drake to hit the stage I ran into Talib Kweli. Big fan of his and his last project was killah. We spoke for a while and I told him I was working on the new project and I needed some heat. We agreed to meet the next day in Brooklyn to grab a little food and discuss the direction of the project. I told him right where I was headed and he said he had folders and folders of tracks from various producers that I could check out. Talib played the track from Ski and Apple Juice Kid and the rest was history. I recorded the song there in NYC 2 days later, hopped over to Tony Touch (Toca Tuesdays on Shade45 at Sirius/XM). He played it and the phones lit up. He spun it back 3 times and the listeners went bananas!! That's what I love about some djs, they don't need anyone else to tell them a song is hot, they just know from the door. Some djs have an ear for what's different, original and worth something. They don't need the song to be on someone else's playlist to know that it's what the game is missing.

I went in and recorded another song called, My Story and needed a hook. I went by the famous Record Plant on some just chill ish and everybody was in the house recording in separate rooms. I ran into Will iam, Polo, Timbaland, Macy Gray, Game and the Neptunes. While I was chilling I sat with Warryn Campbell and played My Story for him. I told him I needed a hook and he wrote one on the spot and then recorded into his MAC. He then dropped it on a flash drive and I had the song with the hook on my laptop in less than 2 minutes.

Another time I'm over at the same spot and a good friend brings Chad over to say hi. I know Chad and Pharell from back in the day. They actually produced 4 songs for the last record I had with Elektra in 1997. They were truly hot songs might I add and you can find them at Itunes. Titles like I CAN'T MAKE A MISTAKE, CLOSER, IT'S ALL YOURS were the three that actually made the 1998 release of SEVEN AND SEVEN. Anyhow I'm talking to Chad saying how I need a sax on one of the joints and he automatically chimes in and says, "I do that". Musicians never cease to amaze me and Chad offered up his skills by adding a sax to one of the hardest cuts for the new project. That's love!

Despite my preference to prove to the world that I don't need a "We are the World" album, meaning every Tom, Dick and MC on it, I really do have my favorites that I'd like to get down with. Currently I'm stalking Anthony Hamilton lol. Got a song he's more than perfect for. Also putting my feelers out for a few others I'll leave nameless just in case I get my hopes up too high and they don't deliver.

Meanwhile most that know Lyte are excited about a new project and those that aren't..I haven't heard much from which is goooood!! lol

All in all the energy is good surrounding the project and all my hip hop family want to see me win.

BTW This blog is Real Talk

Motivation

Had an interview today where a journalist asked me how do I stay motivated. I would really have to say the urge to create is what keeps me moving. The desire to be better than I was the day before. Leaving myself open to meet new people and always available for new experiences. Wanting to see new places and walk new sidewalks.

While sitting in the salon a young woman, who designs shoes and jewelry, came by to say hi. Not sure if you've ever seen the pic with me and my LYTE ring, but her company is the entity that created it for me. Anyhow I asked her if she had been to any main events as of late and she said, "I am tired of going the same places and seeing the same faces". She also said she was getting more cultural, going to the museums, art shows and exhibits. Kudos to her for wanting to do something different from the norm.

Never be afraid to step out on a limb and do things differently than you did the day before. The worst thing that can happen is you abandoned an old way of going along in life and instead of waiting for things to happen you actually start to make things happen!!!!

MC LYTE interview by HOSTAGE MEDIA

STUDIO TODAY

WHAT A TRIP!!! CREATING MAKES MY BLOOD COME ALIVE. HERE ROCKING WITH MY LIL CUZ CHARLES HAMILTON IN THE STUDIO IN LOS ANGELES. THE FIRST JOINT WE ATTACKED IS CALLED "MOMENT IN A LIFETIME". CRAZY TOPIC ABOUT ME RIPPING AND RUNNING AND MOVING TOO FAST THAT I DIDN'T GET TO SPEND ALOT OF TIME WITH CHARLES. THE BUSINESS HAD ME WRAPPED UP AND MOVING SO QUICK THAT I MISSED ALOT OF MOMENTS THAT WERE BEFORE ME.

WELL NOW ALL THESE YEARS LATER WE'VE DECIDED TO CREATE AN EP FOR HEADS ALL OVER THE GLOBE TO NOD TO. STAY TUNED!!

HOT MUSIC

HEY!! NOT SURE IF YOU KNEW IT OR NOT BUT I'VE BEEN MOONLIGHTING AS A DJ AND HAVING A WHOLE LOT OF FUN DOING IT. I GET AT MINIMUM A100 NEW TRACKS A WEEK FROM KNOWN ARTISTS AS WELL AS NEW COMERS. I LOVE IT!! OF COURSE I CAN'T GIVE SONGS AWAY HERE BUT WHAT I CAN DO IS TELL YOU WHAT I'M FEELING.

B.O.B I'LL BE IN THE SKY
SIM CITY WATCH ME
SOPHIA FRESH WHAT IT IS
KERI HILSON TURNIN ME ON
MIMS MOVE
CHARLIE HUSTLE GO HARD
HOLD ON G DEP

AND FOR ALL THOSE ALTERNATIVE HEADS, I'M FEELING THESE GROUPS

WEEPIES
TOKYO POLICE
THE FEATURES
FINGER ELEVEN
BRAZILIAN GIRLS
JUSTICE
YAEL NAIM
BREVVY
LILY ALLEN

TECHNOLOGY GOTTA LOVE IT!!!

BEYONCE FEATURING MC LYTE

HIP HOP LIVES

IT IS STILL AMAZING TO ME HOW ONCE BORN IN THE STREETS OF THE BRONX, HIP HOP HAS PASSED OVER EVERY CULTURAL LINE ON THE FACE OF THIS PLANET!!! ROCK ON!

BET REHEARSAL

OMG, TALK ABOUT A FEMALE EMPOWERMENT MOVEMENT! I JUST LEFT REHEARSAL WHERE SALT N PEPA, YOYO, RAGE AND I GOT BUSY DURING THE RUN-THRU. SO MUCH LOVE IN THE SPOT.

WE ALL MET THIS AFTERNOON AT USHER'S MOM'S STUDIO TO GO OVER WHAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE ONE OF THE MOST MONUMENTAL MOMENTS IN HIP HOP. IT IS THE FIRST TIME EVER 4 FEMALE HIP HOP ENTITIES WILL TAKE THE SAME STAGE AND ROCK!! ATL LOOK OUT!!!

HEADED BACK TO LA

SLID OUT OF LA ON THE LATE NIGHT TO FULFILL A REQUEST FROM CONGRESS WOMAN MAXINE WATERS. HIT THE GROUND RUNNING IN WASHINGTON DC EARLY THIS AM.
THE WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER WAS JAMMED PACKED TODAY FULL OF YOUNG, BLACK, EDUCATED KIDS EAGER TO LISTEN AND LEARN FROM ALL THE PANELISTS INVOLVED.

THIS MARKS MY THIRD YEAR PARTICIPATING IN THE ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS HERE IN DC.

THERE WERE 3 OTHERS PANELISTS ASIDE FROM MYSELF HELPING MRS. MAXINE WATERS WITH HER MESSAGE AND MISSION.

THE MESSAGE
HOW AFRICAN AMERICAN ENTERTAINERS CAN IMPACT and EMPOWER their community, locally, and globally.

WE ALL WERE INTRODUCED AND GIVEN TIME TO SPEAK ABOUT WHAT COULD ACTUALLY LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION UPON ALL OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE.

HERE'S WHAT I SAID
"What do 3 out of 4 Americans on welfare have in common with

85% of percent of unwed mothers

and with 68% of those arrested in the US annually?

They are all ILLITERATE

In this decade, only 68% of students who enter the 9th grade will GRADUATE high school

and ONE-FIFTH of those high school graduate won't be able to READ their diploma.

I am speaking about the epidemic of ILLITERACY."

I WENT ON TO SAY A BIT MORE THAT, I BELIEVE IN MY SPIRIT, I LEFT THEM ALL WITH SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.