Pioneer Series: MC Lyte

The groovy thing about doing these Pioneer Series is that I like to think that I'm actually educating some people about the history of major movers and shakers in hip-hop. I know that *I* learn while doing research. Case in point: today's esteemed topic is MC Lyte; did you know that she is the younger sister of Gizmo and Milk Dee of Audio Two? You know, the "Top Billin'" guys? Did you even know that Audio Two was a sibling duo? See, even the teacher can learn...

Well, Audio Two hit it big in 1987 and as a result was able to help put their little sister on future collaborations. MC Lyte, born Lana Moorer, began rapping in her preteen years and holds the fame of being the first solo female rapping act to release a full length studio album, that being Lyte As A Rock, released in 1988. Her debut album is instantly recognized as a hip-hop classic, having spawned such hits as "Paper Thin" and "10% Dis," the latter being a diss rap, one of many that helped propel MC Lyte to the top of rap stardom. She also became known for her sociopolitically concious raps, like "Poor Georgie," popularly misnamed as "Georgie Poorgie."

She helped raise the flag for female emcees, spawning an era of strong dominant acts that would include Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa and others. She was able to transform her success on the charts into a more mainstream presence over the years, moving into voice-over and acting gigs on stage, television and film. In addition to acting, she has also ventured into the world of fashion, opening a boutique in southern California.

She is arguably one of the most intense, most skilled and most lyrical emcees of all time, let alone of her era. Notice I didn't say "female emcees." MC Lyte should definitely be on your lists and if you don't know, you're wrong!

Recommended Listening:

10% Dis (single)
Lyte As A Rock (album)
Poor Georgie (single)
Ruffneck (single)
Cha Cha Cha (single)
Ride Wit Me (single)
Eyes On This (album)


Tune in next time as Best In The Mix covers the newest mixtape by Big K.R.I.T. and after that, a new Pioneer Series on Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott!

Nifty World: Get on and get right or get left!

Deviating From The Plan

I've got good news and I've got "bad news." The good news is that I've got serious and concrete plans to provide y'all with more articles coming soon. The bad news is that this article you're reading right now is one of them, and it's not about hip-hop. The good news is that my book, "Quickiez Online: The First Anthology" is now available for purchase on http://www.amazon.com/. It's been available for a while, but it took my publisher a few weeks to get copies to Amazon, so it always showed as being "out of stock." But now, it is definitely IN STOCK and you can even get One Day Shipping. Yes, that's right.

So now, you can order the paperback from Amazon, the e-book version from http://www.lulu.com/ or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ or the iBookstore. Yes, I am everywhere, LOL. The book is cheap and tantalizing and you'd enjoy it if that's your sort of thing. Trust me *winks*

Alright, now back to the real rap raw...!

5,000 pageviews!!!

Best In The Mix has been through a lot in the last couple of years of its existence. A few different owners, varying formats and themes, changes in style and content, etc. One thing has remained contstant, however: our love for hip-hop. If you look back on the various articles and posts from The Niftian and other esteemed guest authors, you'll see the proof that they live and bleed hip-hop. Whether it's the kid Loko waxing nostalgic about classic albums or Just Mic harping on the advantages of independant rappers, the site has tried to run the gambit of giving you the real, the raw and the varied. Look at Twon Johnson's 2011 Top 20 Album List for a sense of that statement. We don't pigeonhole ourselves here, and we damn sure don't plan on stopping. As a matter of fact, as the year goes on, we have every intention of giving you more. More album reviews (Loko will be covering a few Wale jawns soon on http://www.musicsofa.blogspot.com/), more Pioneer Series (will have two on Missy Elliott and MC Lyte soon), more artist talk (Big K.R.I.T.'s newest mixtape NEEDS to be talked about).

And as always, if there is anything you want to see, hit us up at TheNiftian@gmail.com and let us know! Comments, concerns, gripes, complaints, praise...whatever! We need your feedback to make this a premier hip-hop review and op/ed site! NiftyWorld is taking over and you're going to help us lead the way!

We're quickly approaching 5,000 pageviews and we're so honored that you've shared this ride with us and that you've been spreading the word. Keep getting the news out there, and we will keep giving you more of what you want. We have some networking to do this year and will make this site one to be proud of and one that you will WANT to tell others about. 5,000 down...let's get 5,000 more before the end of the year, hmm?

Who's Next?

The next article will be a Pioneer Series one. I started typing one about Missy Elliot. But now, I don't know if I want to complete that one or do a new one on MC Lyte. It being Woman's Month and all, I think either is a great choice. Which one should I write on...first? Most likely, they'll both get an article, but who would you like to see featured in the pages of BITM this week? Hit me up in the comments below or hit up TheNiftian@gmail.com with your thoughts.

Does SPIN mag "respect" your fave rapper?

My homey CarolinaWare recently posted an excerpt from SPIN magazine, a web chart of sorts. I found it entertaining/truthful. Click the link and tell me what you think. Thankfully, my fave rapper is "safe."




(Hip Hop) This is a 'lost' post. I meant to put this chart up earlier.. ~ CarolinaWare's own: The WareHouse