MC Lyte

MC Lyte is one of the first rap pioneers to ever perform at Carnegie Hall. She was also the first female rapper to ever earn a gold single. Her inspiring 1993 anthem, the classic “Ruffneck” was nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Rap Single” category, making her the first female solo rapper to ever be nominated. Her latest album, Undaground Heat, Vol. 1, Hosted by Jamie Foxx, garnered this rap legend her second Grammy nomination 10 years later on her own label, SGI / CMM. The single “Ride Wit Me” also received a BET Award nomination for “Best Female Rap Performance.” To date, Lyte has released 10 albums, and has co-written and performed the television theme songs for Fox’s Dark Angel and BET’s Holla.

With her signature style and recognizable voice, it only makes sense that Lyte would be tapped for voiceover projects. She has been the voice behind national campaigns for the VH1 Hip Hop Honors, Wherehouse Music, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Nike. Lyte has also represented Mattel, giving her voice to the overwhelmingly popular Diva Starz doll named “Tia.”

Lyte has been very active in many social projects, involving herself in antiviolence campaigns, Rock the Vote, and contributing her time and expertise to several nonprofit organizations. Lyte is also an acclaimed author with her self-published book Just My Take, offering words poetry and words of inspiration for today’s hip-hop generation.

Reared in Brooklyn, MC Lyte (Lana Moorer) keeps her finger on the pulse of hip-hop while also pursuing an acting career. Lyte starred on UPN’s primetime hit sitcom Half & Half in addition to serving as a celebrity judge on CBS’s Star Search with Arsenio Hall. She was also a familiar face on the WB’s long-running comedy For Your Love.

Lyte can dish up the drama, evidenced in her roles on such series as The District, New York Undercover, and Get Real. Lyte’s other television credits include UPN’s Platinum, In the House, and Moesha; and Nickelodeon’s Cousin Skeeter. In the world of film, Lyte co-starred in Playa’s Ball; landed roles in such feature films as Train Ride, Burn Hollywood Burn, and Fly By Night; and appeared in independent features Luv Tails and Short Handed.