MC Lyte is a 53 12 months previous emcee from Queens, New York who’s broadly considered amongst the pioneers of feminine rap. Her first 4 albums Lyte as a Rock, Eyes on This, Act Like You Know & Ain’t No Different had been launched by First Precedence Music/Atlantic Information to optimistic reception as was her Elektra Information debut Unhealthy as I Wanna B. Responses in the direction of her 2nd & closing Elektra providing 7 & 7 had been extra combined whereas Da Undaground Warmth & Legend are each considered the weakest entries in her discography. However, I used to be nonetheless inquisitive about her ninth LP since 2024 has been the 12 months of the comebacks.
After the titular intro, the primary music “Thank You”that includes Muni Lengthy is that this lavish opener produced by Nottz speaking about lighting the hearth whereas “Life & Luxurious” takes the soulful increase bap route instrumentally because of DJ Scratch speaking about an ungrateful adversary. “King King” that includes Queen Latifah continues to cut up the soul samples paying homage to males & after the “Sunni Block Barber Store” interlude, “To Rock the Mic” works in a funkier groove to the beat from Warryn Campbell promising to maintain ripping it lyrically.
The two & a half minute hardcore hip hop anthem “1-5” talks about the way it takes abilities to tear microphones & it’ll pay your payments should you’re fortunate sufficient simply earlier than “Make a Livin’” boasts that she’s the stay artwork within the gallery. “All Day All Night time” with Simple Mo Bee behind the boards ends the primary half of the album by tackling themes of romance, however then “Lyte Ghost Lil Mama” that includes Ghostface Killah & Lil Mama finds the trio over a dusty increase bap beat speaking concerning the recreation being unattractive to them.
“Kick Again Chill out” goes for a calmer strategy telling everybody bringing negativity her solution to kick rocks & after the “Vote 4 Change” interlude, “Change Your Methods” that includes each Widespread & Stevie Surprise must be some of the thought-provoking cuts right here encouraging to make a change in your life. The fascinating lead single “Lady” that includes Huge Daddy Kane & Salt talks feminine empowerment whereas the soulful “Alright” that Cory Mo laced encourages that each one shall be high-quality. The ultimate music “Music Is” following the Simple Mo Bee interlude ends 1 of 1 by telling us it’s all she does.
I personally haven’t loved an MC Lyte mission since Unhealthy as I Wanna B nearly 28 years again & her first providing in practically a decade proves to be a 2nd coming of age now that she’s at a unique place spiritually in addition to one more instance of hip hop’s veterans returning to type. She showcases her signature mix of affection, braggadocio & storytelling to encourage, uplift & educate listeners over among the finest manufacturing that I’ve heard backing her in fairly some time.
Rating: 8/10