Legend (MC Lyte album)

Last updated
Legend
Legend MC Lyte.jpeg
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 18, 2015 (2015-04-18)
Recorded2013–2014
Genre Hip hop
Length36:47
Label
Producer Dominique Ludarius Cohill, Emmanuel A. Jimenez, Emmanuel Wells II, Loudbox & Olson Kenneth Wells II
MC Lyte chronology
The Almost September EP
(2008)
Legend
(2015)
Cold Rock a Party – Best of MC Lyte
(2019)
Singles from Legend
  1. "Cravin'"
    Released: June 7, 2013
  2. "Dear John"
    Released: September 10, 2014
  3. "Ball"
    Released: November 13, 2014
  4. "Check"
    Released: April 10, 2015

Legend is the eighth album released by American rapper MC Lyte. [1] The album was released in 2015 via Omnivore Recordings and its global entertainment firm, Sunni Gyrl, and featured production from Dominique Ludarius Cohill, Emmanuel A. Jimenez, Emmanuel Wells II, Loudbox and Olson Kenneth Wells II.

Contents

The album features collaborations with artists such as Coko from SWV, Common, Faith Evans, Kenny Lattimore, Lil' Mama and the winner of the reality TV show High School Musical: Get in the Picture Stan Carrizosa. [2]

As part of Record Store Day (April 18), the album was available for 24 hours only on a limited-edition vinyl collector's item. [3]

Background

Although in 2008 Lyte had released an EP as part of Almost September, Legend would be her first solo studio album since Da Undaground Heat, Vol. 1 , released 12 years earlier. The album features collaborations with artists such as Coko from SWV, Common, Faith Evans, Kenny Lattimore, Lil' Mama and the winner of the reality TV show High School Musical: Get in the Picture Stan Carrizosa. [2]

In a Rolling Out interview, Lyte would comment on the "Legend" production "I think it’s very timely in terms of the production. I was able to add a new and true style. New because we have songs like “Check” and “We Here Now,” that sort of encompass the sound that is so popular today. We were also able to capture what I call the true sound, which is organic instrumentation, things that people are accustomed to hearing my songs like “Dear John” and “Last Time.” Those are the songs that are able to capture that sound. It’s just true to my style, I may not be addressing a specific topic song by song, but I am telling you who I am. I am standing for what it is I believe, and hopefully, I’m able to talk to my fans and also to the newcomers to hip-hop and show them a glimpse of who MC Lyte is."[ citation needed ] The production of some songs would be in charge of the native production team of California, Loudbox Entertainment, of which Lyte would comment "Eighty percent of them come from a church background, so they play all instruments. They really have a sense of music, which I really enjoy." [4]

When asked by The Source about her motivation to record an album, Lyte would respond:

"I listen to quite a few heads in Hip Hop. Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Drake and a bunch of others. I love Hip Hop and I love artist pushing the limits. Now if only they can add the love and understand how powerful their words are and how they have the capacity to uplift communities all over the world. Let’s GO!!" [5]

Release and promotion

On June 7, 2013, the single "Cravin'" was released in digital format, in which Lyte collaborates with singer Stan Carrizosa. [6] This song would later be included on the album. In October of that same year she and Carrizosa performed the song at the Arsenio Hall Show . [7]

In September 2014 the second single "Dear John" was released. The track, which features Common and 10Beats, is an open letter to men. [8] The single appeared on the real-time US Billboard + Twitter Trending 140, where it peaked No. 3. [9] On October 14, 2014, MC Lyte performed "Dear John" in front of President Barack Obama, at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legislation that created the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. [10] [11]

A few months later the third single, "Ball", was released. The song, which features rapper Lil Mama and singer AV, [12] was performed on the Fox talk show The Real . [13] Ball also has had a music video directed by Ron Yuan, who previously had also directed the video for "Cravin'".

In April 2015, shortly before the album's release, the fourth and final single "Check" was released. The song also has a music video, which also serves as a lyrical visual, combining some footage from Lyte's live presentations. [14] As part of Record Store Day (April 18), the album was available for 24 hours only on a limited-edition vinyl collector's item. The promotion was to support independent record stores nationwide. [3]

Track listing

The information are taken from the liner notes and the official page of the ASCAP. [15] [16]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."We Here Now" (featuring Mario)  2:48
2."Ball" (featuring Lil Mama & AV)
  • José Guzmán
  • Emmanuel Jiménez
  • Olson K. Wells II
  • Douglas Williams
2:30
3."Bomb Wild Out" (featuring AV)  3:47
4."Dear John" (featuring Common & 10Beats)
Loudbox3:20
5."Last Time" (featuring Coko & Faith Evans)  3:42
6."Wanted"  3:18
7."Cravin'" (featuring Stan Carrizosa)
  • Lana Moorer
  • Stanley Carrizosa
  • Michael Bearden
  • Dominique Cohill
  • José Guzmán
  • Emmanuel Jiménez
  • Ronald Ndlovu
  • Olson K. Wells II
  • James Driscoll
Loudbox/The Natives3:35
8."40 Days" (featuring StayC Reign)  3:25
9."Way Back"  3:34
10."Check"
  • Lana Moorer
  • Dominique Cohill
  • Emmanuel Jiménez
  • Ronald Ndlovu
  • Olson K. Wells II
  • Dominique Cohill
  • Emmanuel Jiménez
  • Emmanuel Wells II
  • Olson K. Wells II
3:14
11."Love on Me" (featuring Kenny Lattimore)  3:54
Total length:36:47

Personnel

Production

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MC Lyte</span> Hip hop artist, l author, activist and entrepreneur

Lana Michele Moorer, better known by her stage name MC Lyte, is an American rapper, DJ, and entrepreneur. Considered one of the pioneers of female rap, Lyte first gained fame in the late 1980s, becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock. She released a total of eight solo studio albums and an EP as part of Almost September.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yo-Yo (rapper)</span> American rapper and actress

Yolanda Whitaker, also known as Yo-Yo is an American rapper and actress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hip Hop Honors</span> Annual event that airs on VH1

The Hip Hop Honors is an annual event that airs on VH1. The television special honors old school and golden age hip hop rappers and contributors for their long-term influence and importance in the history of hip hop culture. It features live performances by most of the honorees along with new artists who have been influenced by them in tribute. The show is taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York City.

<i>Pain & Paper</i> 2007 studio album by Lil Mo

Pain & Paper is the third studio album by American recording artist Lil' Mo. The album was released on August 28, 2007, by Drakeweb Music Group & Koch Records. It sold only 6,000 copies it first week. Appearances include Da Brat, Jim Jones, Fabolous, and Trina. Producers and songwriters include Jazze Pha, Stargate, Sean Garrett and Ne-Yo.

Cheryl Elizabeth Gamble Clemons, better known by her stage name Coko, is an American singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer of the R&B vocal trio Sisters With Voices (SWV). Aside from her R&B career, Gamble also has a solo gospel career. As a member of SWV, Coko has sold 10 million records in the US, and 25 million records worldwide, and is a four-time Grammy Award nominee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Mama</span> American rapper

Niatia Jessica Kirkland, better known by her stage name Lil Mama, is an American rapper and actress. She experienced top 10 Billboard placements at 17 with her debut album VYP (2008), which debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200. The album spawned her four major singles including her staple song and dance anthem "Lip Gloss", earning her two Teen Choice Awards and Monster Single of the Year nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards. Kirkland gained further attention in pop music after a collaboration with Avril Lavigne for the remix of her hit single "Girlfriend".

<i>Lyte as a Rock</i> 1988 studio album by MC Lyte

Lyte as a Rock is the debut studio album by American hip hop recording artist MC Lyte. It was released on April 19, 1988 via First Priority and Atlantic Records, and featured production from Audio Two, Prince Paul, King of Chill and his group, Alliance.

<i>Eyes on This</i> 1989 studio album by MC Lyte

Eyes on This is the second studio album American hip hop recording artist MC Lyte. It was released on October 3, 1989, via First Priority and Atlantic Records, and featured production from Audio Two, as well as Grand Puba, The King of Chill, Marley Marl and PMD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cha Cha Cha (MC Lyte song)</span> 1989 single by MC Lyte

Cha Cha Cha is the lead single from MC Lyte's second album Eyes on This. Produced by King Of Chill, who also has songwriting credits, it was released on September 8, 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eyes Are the Soul</span> 1992 single by MC Lyte

"Eyes Are the Soul" is the third and final single from MC Lyte's third album Act Like You Know. Produced by Wolf & Epic, it was released on April 9, 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poor Georgie</span> 1991 single by MC Lyte

Poor Georgie is the second single from hip-hop artist MC Lyte's third album Act Like You Know (1991). The song was produced by Ivan 'Doc' Rodriguez, and released on December 12, 1991. The song seeks to convey an anti-addiction message, through the story of George and the dysfunctional relationship MC Lyte has with this individual with self-destructive behaviors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MC Lyte discography</span>

The following is the discography of MC Lyte, an American hip hop musician.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruffneck (song)</span> 1993 single by MC Lyte

"Ruffneck" is a hip hop song recorded by American rapper MC Lyte. It was published on May 27, 1993, as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Ain't No Other (1993). The song was produced by Aqil Davidson with Walter "Mucho" Scott, who along with Lyte have songwriting credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paper Thin (MC Lyte song)</span> 1988 single by Mc Lyte

"Paper Thin" is the third single from MC Lyte's debut album Lyte as a Rock. It is produced by King of Chill, who along with Lyte has songwriting credits.

<i>Hot Coko</i> 1999 studio album by Coko

Hot Coko is the debut solo studio album by American R&B singer Coko. It was released by RCA Records on August 10, 1999. Hot Coko served as the singer's debut effort following the release of her band SWV's third album Release Some Tension (1997), which led towards the group's first disbandment in 1998. Guest appearances on the album are made by rapper Eve and singer Tyrese. Hot Coko features production from the likes of Damon Thomas, Rodney Jerkins, Marc Anthony, Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Brian Alexander Morgan, whom Coko worked with while a member of SWV earlier in the decade.

This article lists the discography of American rapper and singer Lil Mama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">10% Dis</span> 1988 single by MC Lyte

10% Dis is a single from MC Lyte's album Lyte as a Rock produced by the hip hop duo Audio Two, who are also credited as songwriters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When in Love</span> 1991 single by MC Lyte

When in Love is the first single from MC Lyte's third album Act Like You Know. It was released on August 22, 1991. Although its original version of the album is produced by Wolf & Epic, its single version includes a remix made with Carmen Rizzo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyte as a Rock (song)</span> 1988 single by MC Lyte

"Lyte as a Rock" is a 1988 single from the album of the same name by American rapper MC Lyte. Although in its version on the album it is produced by Audio Two, the single and the music video use a house music mix produced by King of Chill. The song was composed by Lyte With Audio Two's Milk Dee.

"Dear John" is a single by MC Lyte featuring Common & 10Beats from her subsequent eighth solo album Legend.

References

  1. MC LYTE TO RELEASE VINYL-ONLY "LEGEND" ALBUM HipHopDX . Accessed on September 22, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Coleman, C. Vernon (April 18, 2015). "MC Lyte Drops Her First Album in 12 Years, 'Legend' – XXL". XXL . Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  3. 1 2 "MC Lyte Releases Her First Album in 12 Years on Record Store Day". Complex . April 18, 2015. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  4. "MC Lyte to Be Honored With I Am Hip Hop Award". BET (website). September 12, 2013. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  5. "MC LYTE TALKS 'LEGEND' ALBUM, STATE OF HIP HOP, AND LONGEVITY". The Source (website). June 25, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  6. "MC LYTE'S GOT A "CRAVIN"". The Source (website). July 7, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  7. "MC Lyte Performs "Cravin'" On The Aresnio Hall Show (Video)". Ambrosia For Heads. October 10, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  8. "MC LYTE AND COMMON DROP A NEW SONG TO EMPOWER THE BLACK COMMUNITY". freddyo.com. October 25, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  9. "MC Lyte Returns, Charts With 'Dear John' From Next Album". Billboard.com. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  10. "President Obama celebrates American music with "eclectic bunch"". CBS News . October 14, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  11. muzline (January 10, 2016). MC Lyte - Dear John / Cha Cha Cha (Live 2016) . Retrieved October 1, 2021 via YouTube.
  12. "MC Lyte, 'Ball' Feat. Lil Mama & AV: Exclusive Video Premiere". Billboard.com. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  13. Xaviera (26 March 2015). "WATCH: MC Lyte Performs 'Ball' On 'The Real' With Lil Mama & AV". Icecreamconvos. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  14. "EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: WATCH MC LYTE'S NEW VIDEO, "CHECK"". The Source . April 2, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  15. Legend (track listing). Lyte. Omnivore Recordings, Sunni Gyrl, Inc. 2015. OVLP-99.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. "MOORER LANA MICHELE". ASCAP (website). Retrieved 2021-07-24.