The veteran rapper MC Lyte was given the “I Am Hip-Hop Award” for her career achievements at the 8th annual BET Hip-Hop Awards Saturday. At the taped award show held at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center, Lyte, one of the few female rappers who dominated the rap game in the late ’80s and ’90s was presented with the accolade by Eve who spoke highly of Lyte’s many accomplishments.
MC Lyte
The first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988′s critically acclaimed ‘Lyte as a Rock,’ she has long been considered one of hip-hop’s pioneer feminists. Her relentless dedication to the community with her non-profit organization Hip Hop Sisters Network promotes positive images of women and supports young women in music.
Presenter Kevin Hart C performs onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2013 at Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center
“There are about 2,500 female MCs and they all come from different walks of life and all have a different story to tell,” Lyte told Trendy Africa on the red carpet. The iconic rapper whose career has spanned more than a decade said if she had to do it all again, she would have armed herself with more knowledge on the industry. “I would have probably asked many more questions. Just so I can become knowledgeable faster. It wasn’t till I became older that I realized that I deserved to know the answer to this,” said Lyte.
Rick Ross, Diddy, Uncle Snoop and French Montana perform onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2013
2 Chainz
Nelly
A special video tribute featuring Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Queen Latifah also aired for the veteran rapper. During her acceptance speech she urged other female rappers to “keep the dream alive.” Lyte joins other honorees such as Rakim, Russell Simmons, Salt-N-Pepa and Grandmaster. Hosted by Snoop, performances included Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz, French Montana, ScHoolBoy Q and Jay Rock.
Lil Kim
Lil Mama
Eve
The show airs on Oct. 15 on BET
Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. She serves as the Entertainment Editor for Trendy Africa.
Pictures courtesy of Royalty Image
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