WHAT YOU DOING HERE?
As I slowly made my way through the crowd buzz, I was still vibing off the vapers of a great NJPAC Sounds of the City outdoor summer concert. I saw folks I hadn’t seen in a while, and even made a couple of new friends who partied with me at the side of the stage. It was a good night all around. I was happy I came. Suddenly a voice from the crowd broke through, “What are “you” doing here?” Astonished that I was at an MC Lyte Concert? Granted, I have been known to only attend shows that are from my “era.” As far as I’m concerned, Lana Michele Moorer landed within my era.
Yeah, I was in High School when Lyte was born, but I was well established in my versatile appreciation and indulgement of a variety of music genres. The background music for my life has been anywhere from Jazz, to Motown, R&B, Rock, Pop, House, Rap and Hip-Hop. If someone was to ask me what kind of music I like, my answer has always been and will always be, “good music!”
In the 1980’s when MC Lyte first hit, I was married with children, but still enamored by how she broke through a strictly male-dominated genre, like a boss. She demanded and commanded her place at the table in that space as a young teen. She hit with “Dis,” “Paper Thin,” and “Cha Cha Cha.” You’d have to have lived under a rock if you don’t know the words to “Poor Georgie” and the female anthem, “Ruffneck.” MC Lyte quickly gained respect from other established artists and along the way worked with many of the giants. I’ve remained a fan of both her music and her tenacity, which has enabled her to have longevity in a fickle and tough industry. Even to this day, I still listen to the “Self-Destruction” song, “I Wanna Be Down” with Brandy, Queen Latifah and Yo Yo, and her “Keep On Keeping On” with Xscape.
So what am I doing here? I been here, and will continue to be here, always, for the “good music!”
INTERESTING FACT:
I am also a Queen Latifah and YoYo fan. I believe Tupac and Eminem are the greatest rappers who ever lived (don’t judge me), and I love DMX, Busta, (old) Kanye and LL Cool J…. TI’s son Domani is a vibe.
Embrace your tastes…I have!
