Today, Oct. 11, marks the birthday of pioneering rapper Lana Michelle Moorer, better known as MC Lyte! She is now 48.

Lyte made history when she became the first solo female rapper to release an album with the 1988 classic Lyte As A Rock. Over the years, Lyte has enjoyed one of hip-hop's most celebrated careers releasing albums and acting on many television shows. Lyte branched out into acting and hosting by appearing on shows like In Living Color, Moesha and New York Undercover, making cameos as herself and portraying characters.

In 2015, the rap legend dropped her first album in 12 years, aptly titling the project Legend. By 2016, Lyte landed a role in the Love Jones musical alongside Musiq Soulchild, Marsha Ambrosius and more. Always a champion of feminism, Lyte has been a known supporter of Michelle Obama and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. In 2017, the MC became a Mrs., marrying Marine Corp Veteran John Wyche, and most recently hosted Pitch & Flow in Washington, D.C.

Happy Birthday, MC Lyte!

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