Left: MC Lyte’s 5th solo album “Bad As I Wanna B” courtesy of Elektra/Asylum Records
Right: The very best of MC Lyte courtesy of Rhino Entertainment

My favorite female MC? The number one spot without a doubt goes to MC Lyte (with Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifa, Lady Bug Mecca, and Jean Grae to name a few below that list) I actually picked up these 2 releases at the same time and wanted to shed some light into Lyte’s incredible career.

“Bad as I wanna b” is an upgrade for Lyte. She was picked up by Elektra records and pretty much handled by the watered down productions of Jermaine Dupri. Which is why I didn’t pick up the album until now and greatly appreciated the quality of work. Without a doubt, the “Cold rock a party” bad boy remix was not only a crowd pleaser, it helped bring Lyte back to the top of the charts. (with the help of Puff Daddy as usual) The same followed with tracks like “Keep on, keepin’” on and “Have you ever.” While the trace of production digs into that pop appeal, Lyte bring in the same lyrical word play and attitude thats made her a step above other female MC’s.

The very best of MC Lyte is what it is, and with the help of Rhuno entertainment, you get more than just the music… if you cop the actual CD, a brief bio and hostory lesson on MC Lyte are included in the album, digitally re-mastered collecting hard to find classics. No MC Lyte collection wouldn’t be complete without jams like “10% dis, Paperthin” with its incredible break sample, “I am the Lyte,” the radio friendly “Poor Georgie” and the early 90’s anthem “Ruffneck” (Gotta get a Ruffneck!)

It’s hard to believe Lyte’s been in the game for over 2 decades now. Is it safe to say heads want another MC Lyte album? I do! Imagine her cold rockin’ a beat with 9th Wonder, Pete Rock, J.Dilla and even Jazzy Jeff?!? Make it happen!