February 14 is a traditionally a day of love, special dinners, and flowers. For old school hip hop fans in Rochester, this February 14 was more about power, respect, and having a voice as MC Lyte dropped by Water Street Music Hall to promote her first studio album in nearly 10 years.
When there is conversation of about pioneers of hip hop and rap, MC Lyte (Lana Moorer) should absolutely be part of the conversation. From being the first female hip hop artist to play at the White House, to getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Lyte has long been a powerful voice in a predominately male ruled field. With Roxanne Shante lighting the torch for female hip hop and rap artists, Lyte ran off with it and opened up the eyes of everyone around her, going on to release 8 full length albums, including 2024’s 1 of 1.
The show at Water Street was opened up with a two DJ’s playing classic sounds of the 80s and 90s rap world, as well a brief battle for a couple of up-and-coming artists. Tonight’s artists were King Dagger (IG: _itskingdagger) out of Buffalo and Mic Johnson (IG: juggamc) from Rochester. While Dagger had rough start to his second set, both artists proved that they are no slouches and ready for awaits them.
With Lyte waiting in the wings, the DJ was hyping up the crowd as video clips from her previous albums played on the big screen in the background. As the video transitioned to a clip of Lyte sitting in dressing room, the bars from “Thank You” began and welcomed the Brooklyn native to the stage.
Marble from vinyl tile, Jaguars from Novas
So now I live the life that most don’t even know of
Flying high and some of y’all still dusting off your shoulders
Sounding like much like her music from early years, Lyte walked the stage rapping the first release from the newest album. An ode to her personal upbringing, dealing with struggles throughout her young life, and how it shaped her to who she is today. With the focus of this tour being about empowerment and having a voice, “Thank You” was perfect way to start the set.
Moving through the first few songs of the set, Lyte kept the crowd dancing and chanting along. As the music finished, story time began, another focal point of this tour. MC Lyte carries on telling of her up bringing and early influences of music, including a playing a jukebox some with old school R&B like Barry White.
Rounding out the night, as she realizes there is only a few minutes left to play, she adjusts set list and finishes the night with a perfectly arranged montage of new and old including spots from one of her biggest hits, “Ruffneck”.
Listening to the story telling side of this show kept fans intrigued as they were presented the chronicles of where the legendary artist came from and how she did. it. 1 of 1 is all this and then some, with collaborations from names like Big Daddy Kane, Mary Mary, and Queen Latifah. Each song delivers a personal message from MC Lyte, as she continues to advocate and exude confidence in all she does.
Follow along as MC Lyte continues to spread her words of positivity and strength MC Lyte
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