MC Lyte, born as Lana Michelle Moorer in 1970, is a pioneering figure in hip-hop, known for her lyrically complex and socially conscious style. Emerging in the late 1980s, she became the first solo female rapper to release a full album, "Lyte as a Rock", which was a major milestone for female representation in the genre. MC Lyte's distinctive voice and storytelling ability, as showcased in influential tracks like "Cha Cha Cha," contributed significantly to the evolution of hip-hop. Her work has not only been a source of inspiration for many female rappers, but also a critical part of the broader hip-hop culture.