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Happy 50th Birthday To Hip Hop Matriarch MC Lyte!

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Born on this day in 1970, Lana Michelle Moorer has been a pillar of feminism and respect for women in Hip Hop since her 1986 debut. After her first single, “I Cram to Understand U” sent shock waves through the growing New York Hip Hop scene, Lyte was awarded a record deal from First Priority Music and given the ability to take her message to the street.

MC Lyte was the first woman to tackle any issue of feminism in Hip Hop and was in no way quiet about it. Her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, was a middle finger to Hip Hop’s male standard, serving as the first full-length album from a female rapper.Here stood a young woman lyrically holding her own in a sea of some of the most hungry and prolific MC’s in the genre’s history while simultaneously checking the whole industry on their lack of respect for the fairer sex. Her ability commanded a positive response and made her a new force to be reckoned with.

Her follow up album only did more for her career, creating her image as Hip Hop’s female kingpin, demanding respecting and delivering nothing but fire. This album, titled Eyes on This, also housed Lyte’s first hit single “Cha Cha Cha” which spent 18 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart proving that MC Lyte was here to stay.

Lyte went on to release five more albums: Act Like You Know, Ain’t No Other, Bad As I Wanna Be, Seven & Seven, and Da Underground Heat, Vol. 1, all of which have been critically acclaimed and regarded as some of the golden era’s greatest work, male or female. She was the first female nominated for a Hip Hop Grammy (for the single “Ruffneck), the first to have a album sell gold (for Act Like You Know), and pretty much Hip Hop’s go to girl during the golden age.

MC Lyte braved a trail that changed rap forever. Not since DJ Kool Herc‘s legendary back to school party had there been such a monumental shift in Hip Hop culture. Because of MC Lyte, an entire gender now has a voice in Hip Hop music. Without her, there is no way of saying if any artist would have the courage to break the mold and pave the way for all the female MC’s we know and love today. On this day in Hip Hop history we celebrate the life and career of MC Lyte. From everyone here at TheSource.com, Happy Born day MC Lyte. May you see many more years of success and good fortune.

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The post Happy 50th Birthday To Hip Hop Matriarch MC Lyte! appeared first on The Source.

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Latto Is Owning Her Lyrics And Championing Self-Respect Over Body Count Drama

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In a recent interview with Complex’s 360 With Speedy, rising Atlanta rapper Latto opened up about the criticism she’s faced regarding her lyrics about her low body count. Known for her bold and confident style, Latto made it clear that she is focused on making great music and supporting other artists rather than worrying about what people say online. During her conversation with host Speedy Morman, Latto explained the deeper meaning behind her lyrics and pushed back against the intense scrutiny on social media.

When asked about her body count lines, she was direct and unflinching. “Be a boss,” she said, highlighting that her message is about valuing yourself and setting boundaries essentially, don’t let just anyone have access to you. It’s not about judging others’ choices but rather about self-respect. Latto’s message centered on empowerment, not policing others’ choices. She encouraged men to adopt a similar mindset, challenging stereotypes and double standards. With her signature humor, she joked about how some guys are too casual in their relationships, bringing a light-hearted but important point to the discussion.

Check this out: Latto Loses It Over Drake’s “NOKIA” In Viral Stream With Sister Brooklyn Nikole And Tylil

She also emphasized a balanced view on relationships and intimacy, making it clear that she doesn’t shame anyone for having multiple partners. Her lyrics are not about judging others but about the importance of respect and making thoughtful choices. “They’re not deserving of it,” she shared when discussing why not everyone should have access to you, driving home the idea that it’s about knowing your worth.

This open and honest chat shines a light on Latto’s confident approach to her music and personal story. She’s not trying to fit into anyone else’s expectations but making her own way, one that encourages her fans to hold their heads high and set their own standards without feeling guilty. In a time when artists often face backlash for their lyrics, Latto’s grounded response serves as a reminder to own your story and lift yourself up, regardless of the noise around you.

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BigXthaPlug’s Casino Encounter Highlights The Struggles Of Celebrity Boundaries

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BigXthaPlug, one of hip-hop’s most promising upcomers and a beloved figure in Dallas’ rap scene, found himself in an all too familiar position of a fan angry after their request for a photo was denied. Though this particular incident is pretty small potatoes, it’s a very humanizing reminder of the double-edged sword that is fame and the artist’s walk in terms of being accessible versus leaving your ass alone. It all went down inside a casino, and The Neighborhood Talk shared a video showing the moment when a fan reportedly approached BigXthaPlug and company and wanted to take a picture.

But the rapper turned the offer down politely, explaining that when he’s taking time off, he’s taking time off. Capturing the exchange, the fan’s visible frustration and persistence clearly showed the tension celebrities often navigate in common spaces. BigXthaPlug used almost a whisper to reply, “No, thank you. I have said no to 1,000 people. The first time I took a picture with one person, I had to take a picture with everyone.” It’s an honest admission that reveals a perspective many fans might not appreciate. In the case of people in the public eye, saying “yes” once can quickly turn into an endless line of the same, making private time nearly non-existent.

Observing the rapper interact with casino staff and other figures lurking in the background, it’s clear that he was intent on handling the matter gracefully, without throwing fuel onto the fire. His response was professional in an uncomfortable moment, a lesson that, behind the music and persona, artists have to, just like everyone else, find their way through slight social situations. It’s a moment that humanizes the star and examines the emotional labor he goes through to keep front of privacy as a public figure.

It’s something to discuss about respect, privacy, and recognizing the pressures on celebrities when the spotlight is not on them. In an era when access to celebrities is an expectation, the experience of BigXthaPlug is a reminder that the word “no” is sometimes not a snub but a polite request for a bit of extra elbow room and a boundary that can warrant acknowledgment, even from the most devoted fan.

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