MC Lyte's Net Worth (Updated 2024)

What is MC Lyte’s net worth?

Net Worth:	$9 Million
Age:	53
Born:	October 11, 1970
Gender:	Female
Height:	1.63 m (5 ft 4 in)
Country of Origin:	United States of America
Source of Wealth:	Professional Rapper
Last Updated:	January 22, 2024

Introduction

MC Lyte is one of the legendary voices in hip-hop music, with over 35 years as a pioneer in this male-dominated music genre.

Apart from being nominated and winning the music industry’s most coveted awards, she’s also been recognized by Harvard University for her contribution to African-American studies.

She is one of the leading lights in female rap and her career reflects her trailblazing efforts to break ground for today’s stars.

As of January 2024, MC Lyte’s net worth is estimated to be $9 Million.

MC Lyte Facts

MC Lyte released her pioneering solo debut album, “Lyte as a Rock,” in 1998.
She was the first female rapper to achieve gold certification from the RIAA in 1993.
Her 2014 appearance at the White House was a first for a female hip-hop artist.
In 2016, she received the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal from Harvard University.
MC Lyte made her directing debut in 2022 with the short film, “Break Up In Love”.

Early Life

Lana Michele Moorer, known to us all as MC Lyte, was born October 11, 1970, and raised in Brooklyn, New York City.

Her interest in music began early in her life and she began rapping at the age of 12, using the stage stage name, “Sparkle”.

She recorded her first track at the age of 14 and looks up to Milk Dee and DJ Giz, two rap performers who grew up with her.

Her first record deal was with a label called First Priority, a company started by Audio Two’s father, Nat Robinson.

MC Lyte was included in a deal with Atlantic Records when Robinson insisted that she get a contract as well.

Career

MC Lyte’s first release was the single, “I Cram to Understand U (Sam)” in 1987, at the tender young age of only 16 years old.

The following year, in April 1988, she released her debut album, “Lyte as a Rock,” featuring tracks like “Paper Thin” and “10% Dis.”

Supporting Social Justice Causes

In 1989, she joined the Stop the Violence Movement and released the single “Self Destruction,” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.

Her second album, “Eyes on This,” released in 1989, included the hit single “Cha Cha Cha” which became a fan favorite.

She paved the way for artists like Nicky Minaj and Little Sims who are currently dominating the music industry and blowing up the charts.

In 1991, MC Lyte released the hit single, “Poor Georgie,” marking her first appearance of many appearances on the Billboard Hot 100.

Achieving Gold Certification From The RIAA

Her 1993 single, “Ruffneck” earned her a gold certification from the RIAA, making her the first solo woman rapper to achieve this.

In 1994, she collaborated with Janet Jackson on “You Want This,” and was featured on the remix of “I Wanna Be Down,” by Brandy.

Her single, “Keep On, Keepin’ On” in 1996, featuring Xscape was her next song to reach the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.

MC Lyte also collaborated with Missy Elliott on the hit song “Cold Rock a Party,” her fifth number-one on the Hot Rap Singles chart.

MC Lyte’s Career Earnings

MC Lyte has had a successful and trailblazing career, but she’s not been as financially successful as artists who have come after her.

While her earnings have steadily increased over the years, she has focused on producing material that resonates with her rather than chasing commercial success.

Here’s an estimated overview of MC Lyte’s career earnings:

MC Lyte’s Salary In 2016 – $500,000
MC Lyte’s Salary In 2017 – $450,000
MC Lyte’s Salary In 2018 – $580,000
MC Lyte’s Salary In 2019 – $750,000
MC Lyte’s Salary In 2020 – $650,000
MC Lyte’s Salary In 2021 – $700,000
MC Lyte’s Salary In 2022 – $800,000
MC Lyte’s Salary In 2023 – $900,000

MC Lyte’s successes include being honored with VH1 Hip Hop Honors as well as achieving chart-topping rankings with numerous songs.

In October 2014, she burst through the racial glass ceiling and became the first female artist to perform hip-hop at the White House.

MC Lyte’s Net Worth Annually

She was awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, which is Harvard University’s highest honor in the field of African and African-American studies.

The award helped to raise awareness of the awesome work she has done for her community and among black musicians specifically.

Here’s a breakdown of MC Lyte’s annual net worth:

MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2016 – $6.5 Million
MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2017 – $6.8 Million
MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2018 – $7 Million
MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2019 – $7.2 Million
MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2020 – $7.5 Million
MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2021 – $7.9 Million
MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2022 – $8.5 Million
MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2023 – $9 Million
MC Lyte’s Net Worth In 2024 – $9 Million

She is also active in television, providing the soundtrack for the 2002 TV series, “Dark Angel,” collaborating with Flavor Flav to produce, “Dark Angel Theme”.

During 2002, MC Lyte also collaborated with Rah Digga and Erick Sermon, creating the unique “Tell Me” single on Sermon’s album React.

Personal Life

A rumor was started in the early 1990s that Lyte was engaged to Todd Brown, but she only dated him and later helped keep the lie alive.

During an interview, she confirmed that she was indeed engaged, but the whole thing was a bit of a joke that got out of control.

MC Lyte tends to avoid the limelight, letting her music speak for itself rather than pushing herself in front of her audience with PR hype.

She married John Wyche in 2017, but the couple filed for divorce in 2020, with the legal proceedings only being finalized in 2023.

MC Lyte’s online presence includes an official website an official Twitter account and an official Instagram account that she updates regularly.

Awards & Achievements

Early in the 2000s, Lyte also became an honorary member of Sermon and Redman’s supergroup Def Squad, increasing her exposure.

Her consistent musical output has resulted in numerous hit albums and singles as well as lifetime achievement awards for her music.

Here are some of the defining moments that shaped MC Lyte’s career:

Her “Lyte as a Rock” album released in 1988, became the first full solo album released by a female rapper.
As of 2023, despite moderate commercial success, “Lyte as a Rock” is recognized as one of the most influential rap albums in history.
In 1991, she achieved her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 with the hit single “Poor Georgie”.
MC Lyte earned a gold certification from the RIAA for the single “Ruffneck,” in 1993.
She became the first female artist to perform hip-hop at the White House in October 2014.

Over the years, MC Lyte has enjoyed successful collaborations with some of the richest singers in the world, including Janet Jackson and Brandy.

She has also performed together with other famous singers, like Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott, contributing to various hit tracks and chart-topping albums.

How Does MC Lyte Spend Her Money?

While MC Lyte may not have earned as much as other rappers, she has made wise financial decisions and investments that have paid off handsomely.

Her spending reflects her commitment to various causes that she cares about and is not shy to put her money where it is needed most.

She lives in a luxurious mansion in Los Angeles, California, and is the CEO of Sunni Gyrl, Inc., an entertainment management and production company.

The company is involved with athletes, celebrities, and artists, helping them to present their profiles to the industry and generate partnership deals.

She also leads the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, whose main focus is on supporting underprivileged youth with college scholarships.

MC Lyte’s not one of the richest rappers in the world but she has invested her money well into projects that she is passionate about.

Highlights

She has been honored by numerous organizations for her contribution to the music industry and the broader African American community.

Her pioneering role as one of the first female rappers provides inspiration for other female artists who want to make their mark in the industry.

Here are some of the best highlights of MC Lyte’s career:

She achieved a top ten Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Keep On, Keepin’ On” in 1996 and 1997.
She was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance for “Ride Wit Me” in 2004.
In 2014, MC Lyte was honored with the BET Hip Hop Awards “I Am Hip Hop” Icon Lifetime Achievement.
She was awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, Harvard University’s highest honor in African and African-American studies in 2016.
MC Lyte appeared in the film, “Civil Brand,” in 2002.

In 2004, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance for the track “Ride Wit Me.”

Netflix released MC Lyte’s latest project in 2023, a docuseries, “Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop,” directed by Raeshem Nijhon.

Favorite MC Lyte Quotes

The album, “Lyte as a Rock,” is considered one of the best and most important rap albums of the 80s and in hip-hop history.

It is an album that both launched MC Lyte’s career and also inspired many other rap artists who went on to emulate her musical success.

Here are our favorite quotes from MC Lyte:

“When I get involved, I give it my heart.” – MC Lyte
“If you love someone, you should say it often.” – MC Lyte
“I love documentaries. I love learning what I don’t know.” – MC Lyte
“I just like to be in the now.” – MC Lyte
“I’d say if you can, seize the opportunity, to go to a college or university.” – MC Lyte

From her music to her acting, MC Lyte has applied the same passion and hard work to achieve unprecedented success.

She believes that you must put your heart and soul into whatever you are doing, and that opportunities are there for the taking.

3 Amazing Lessons From MC Lyte

Not only is MC Lyte a talented and popular artist, but she is also an accomplished actress and businesswoman who knows her own worth.

While her financial achievement may be dwarfed by others in the music industry, she broke new ground where others have followed.

Now that you know all about MC Lyte’s net worth, here are some of the best success lessons to learn from MC Lyte:

1. Believe In Yourself

MC Lyte emphasizes the importance of believing that you can achieve anything you set your mind and heart on, no matter what others say.

Despite the scarcity of female MCs supported by major labels, she knows that there are many talented and driven artists out there in hip-hop.

2. Get An Education

Education plays a significant role in MC Lyte’s life, and she advocates for learning, whether it’s through formal education or self-study.

She believes that the most important lesson is to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth to help you achieve your true potential.

3. Share Your Knowledge

MC Lyte is extremely passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences to help others in her industry grow and prosper.

Whether it’s through initiatives like Hip Hop Sisters or programs like #EducateOurMen, she focuses on empowering and educating the next generation.

Summary

Despite not reaching significant commercial success, “Lyte as a Rock” is regarded as an influential and seminal hip-hop album.

MC Lyte’s advocacy for social causes led to her involvement in the Stop the Violence Movement and the release of the impactful single “Self Destruction.”

After over 30 years in the music industry, MC Lyte is showing no signs of slowing down, especially with her recent TV series success.