How MC Lyte Achieved a Net Worth of $8 Million
Hip-hop has always been a male-dominated industry. However, that has changed with women challenging their male counterparts by releasing instant hits and remarkable performances. It is unsurprising 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 take you through how she achieved that.
Early Life
Lana Michele Moorer, going by the stage name of MC Lyte, was born on October 11, 1971, in Queens, New York. Her mother (Constance), a teacher, raised her single-handedly. The rapper went to George Wingate High School in Brooklyn. She proceeded to Hunter College in New York City for her tertiary education. Lyte always knew rapping was in her blood, so it was unsurprising that she began her career in 1984.
Her mother felt the same way, allowing her to pursue her dreams. So, she often took Lyte and her friends to Broadway shows. She intended to help Lyte diversify her career by incorporating acting. At Broadway, she watched plays like Cats, Dreamgirls, and Dracula. She was 12 years old when she recorded her debut song, "I Cram to Understand U (Sam)." The song was released in the late 1980s.
How did MC Lyte achieve a net worth of $8 million?
MC Lyte has been considered one of the best rappers since her debut in the late 1980s. Besides rapping, she's also a professional DJ, businesswoman, and actress, contributing to her net worth of $8 million. So, how did she rise to fame and make that much money? Lyte entered the rapping industry in the 1980s, becoming famous through her eminent personality.
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, where famous rappers are first groomed, also helped her achieve her rapping career. Did you know that her childhood friends were DJ Milk Dee, aka Kirk Robinson, and DJ Gizmo, aka Nat Robinson, the famous hip-hop duo group Audio Two? To date, she credits her success to the two and considers them her brothers. In addition, the Robinson brothers' dad, Nat Robinson, played a "father figure" to Lyte, propelling her music career.
Album
According to Pink Villa, the rapper recorded and released a full-length 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 transitioned to MC Lyte, making herself more marketable. The first record label that Lyte worked with was Atlantic Records, founded by Nat Robinson, also Audio Two's father. Together, the rapper managed to release her first-ever album,
Lyte as a Rock, in 1988. Commercially, the song's commercial presence was revolutionary, peaking at 50 on the 100 Best Rap Albums Billboard. 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 charted album thanks to its famous hits "Cha Cha" and "Cappucino."
Award achievements
Being the successful rapper she is, Lyte wasn't shy about hearing her name being mentioned for Grammy awards and nominations. The first track that earned her a Grammy Award was "Ruffneck" from 1993 Ain't No Other album. It also earned a gold certification. The national recognition the song received helped it peak at Top 40 hits. Eventually, she collaborated with Brandy and Janet Jackson, thanks to this hit.
Collaborations
Part of her achievements includes 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's played various roles since 1991 when she starred in Broadway Play's Club Twelve. Two years later, she appeared in Fly by Night. She would two years later appear in a television show called New York Undercover.
Entrepreneurship
Acting and music aren't the only ventures Lyte has maximized on. She's a businesswoman passionate about many ventures. Did you know that she's the founder of a Los Angeles-based clothing boutique, Shaitel? Her business sells belts and sunglasses. Lyte is also the owner of Sunni Gyrl Inc., an entertainment company for mentoring and managing budding artists. When she isn't acting or recording music, she spends her time producing and providing consultancy services for her mentees through her company.
Deejaying is also an area of specialization that Lyte is known for. Moreover, she's a motivational speaker overseeing charitable activities, like campaigns for abortion, HIV/AIDS, and against gender-based violence. If you've heard about Hip Hop Sisters Foundations, don't be surprised to learn that she's the founder. Her foundation offers college scholarships for high school graduates from low-income communities. Don't forget; she's Sigma Gamma Rho sorority's honorary member.
Final salary highlights
The rapper's annual paycheck often reads $1.37 million, earning $115,000 per month and $26,000 per week. Her businesses and career give her a daily income of about $3,000. According to What's Their Net Worth, her hourly pay is $156.
Conclusion
From businesses, acting, music, and philanthropy, it's clear where MC Lyte gets her millions. Starting her career early with a like-minded team also significantly shaped her career and made her who she is today. It is no wonder when successful female American rappers are mentioned, Lyte's name doesn't miss the list.
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Written by Allen Lee
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