Hip-hop has always been a male-dominated industry. However, that has changed with women challenging their male counterparts by posting instant hits and standout performances. It’s no surprise that when fans and music critics rank female rappers, MC Lyte’s name tops the list. Her net worth is $8 million and we will tell you how she got there.
Early life
Lana Michele Moorer, nicknamed MC Lyte, was born on October 11, 1971 in Queens, New York. Her mother (Constance), a teacher, raised her alone. The rapper went to George Wingate High School in Brooklyn. She went to Hunter College in New York for her graduate studies. Lyte always knew rap was in her blood, so it was no surprise that she started her career in 1984.
His mother felt the same, allowing him to pursue his dreams. Thus, she often took Lyte and her friends to Broadway shows. She intended to help Lyte diversify his career by incorporating acting. On Broadway she watched plays like Cats, Dreamgirls and Dracula. She was 12 when she recorded her first song, “I Cram to Understand U (Sam)”. The song was released in the late 1980s.
How did MC Lyte reach a net worth of $8 million?
MC Lyte is considered one of the best female rappers ever since her debut in the late 1980s. Apart from rapping, she is also a professional DJ, businesswoman, and actress, contributing to her net worth of $8 million. So how did she become famous and make so much money? Lyte entered the rap industry in the 1980s, rising to fame with her prominent personality.
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, where famous rappers are first groomed, also helped her realize her career as a rapper. Did you know that his childhood friends were DJ Milk Dee, aka Kirk Robinson, and DJ Gizmo, aka Nat Robinson, from the famous hip-hop duo Audio Two? To this day, she attributes her success to the two and considers them her brothers. Additionally, the Robinson brothers’ father, Nat Robinson, played a “father figure” for Lyte, propelling his music career.
Album
According to Pink Villa, the rapper recorded and released a full album during this time, making her the first solo female rapper to achieve the unimaginable. Interestingly, she went by the stage name “Red” before resorting to Lyte. Later, she switched to MC Lyte, making herself more marketable. The first label Lyte worked with was Atlantic Records, founded by Nat Robinson, also Audio Two’s father. Together, the rapper managed to release her very first album,
Lyte as a Rock, in 1988. Commercially, the song’s commercial presence was groundbreaking, peaking at 50 on Billboard’s Top 100 Rap Albums. After realizing her worth, Lyte didn’t think to rest, so she released her second studio album, Eyes on the This. According to Net Worth Post, this album peaked at eight. She considers it the highest ranked album thanks to her famous hits “Cha Cha” and “Cappucino”.
Awards
Being the successful rapper that she is, Lyte didn’t shy away from hearing her name mentioned for awards and Grammy nominations. His first Grammy-winning track was “Ruffneck” from the 1993 album Ain’t No Other. It also achieved a gold certification. The national recognition the song received helped it peak in the Top 40 hits. Eventually, she collaborated with Brandy and Janet Jackson, thanks to this hit.
Collaborations
Part of his accomplishments include collaborating with other successful rappers. Lyte has done songs with Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Peppa, Erica Yancey, Brandy, Left Eye Lopes and Mary J. Blige. She has released four compilation albums, several other singles, and two extended plays.
Acting
As mentioned earlier, Lyte is an actress who has played various roles since 1991 when she starred in Broadway Play’s Club Twelve. Two years later, she appeared in Fly by Night. She will appear two years later in a television show called New York Undercover.
Entrepreneurship
Acting and music aren’t the only businesses Lyte has maxed out on. She is a business woman with a passion for many businesses. Did you know that she is the founder of a Los Angeles-based clothing boutique, Shaitel? His company sells belts and sunglasses. Lyte also owns Sunni Gyrl Inc., an entertainment company for mentoring and managing budding artists. When not performing or recording music, she spends her time producing and providing consulting services to her mentees through her business.
Deejaying is also an area of expertise that Lyte is known for. In addition, she is a motivational speaker overseeing charitable activities, such as campaigns for abortion, HIV/AIDS and against gender-based violence. If you’ve heard of Hip Hop Sisters Foundations, don’t be surprised to learn that she is the founder. His foundation provides college scholarships to high school graduates from low-income communities. Do not forget; she is an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
Final Salary Highlights
The rapper’s annual salary often reads $1.37 million, earning $115,000 a month and $26,000 a week. His businesses and career provide him with a daily income of around $3,000. According to what is their net worthhis hourly wage is $156.
Conclusion
From business, theater, music and philanthropy, it’s clear where MC Lyte gets his millions. Starting her career early with a like-minded team also significantly shaped her career and made her what she is today. It’s no wonder that when successful American female rappers are mentioned, Lyte’s name doesn’t miss the list.
