MC Lyte to Host Second Edition of ‘I Am Woman’: A Tribute to Women in Hip-Hop at Kennedy Center
MC Lyte, after successfully hosting the first “I Am Woman” event at the Kennedy Center in 2022 alongside notable figures like Da Brat, Monie Love, and Trina, is set to return for a second year in a row.
“I Am Woman: A Celebration of Women in Hip Hop” will grace the Kennedy Center stage once again on June 4. According to a social media post by MC Lyte, this year’s lineup boasts performances from Bahamadia, Rapsody, Kash Doll, and Mama Solo.
“This gathering, in my view, is a perfect demonstration of leveraging diversity by supporting the variety of female voices in our culture,” Bahamadia shared with AllHipHop. “We need more initiatives like this.”
Bahamadia also took to Instagram to share her anticipation for the event. The caption, reiterated by MC Lyte and the Kennedy Center, conveyed her exhilaration: “Last year’s show at the Kennedy Center was truly spectacular! Surrounded by my Hip-Hop Sisters, Da Brat, Remy, Whack, Yo-yo, Trina, Monie, Mama Sol, MuMu Fresh, it was a dynamic, crowd-rousing event. Brace yourselves for Round II on 6.4.23 at KENNEDY CENTER @kencenhiphop.”
The announcement reads, “After a phenomenal inaugural year, MC Lyte, the founding member of the Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture Council, brings back ‘I Am Woman: A Celebration of Women in Hip Hop’ for a second year, with special guests Rapsody, Kash Doll, Bahamadia, Mama Sol, and MC Lyte herself. ‘I Am Woman’ pays tribute to the ingenious, diverse, and powerful contribution of women emcees across generations.”
MC Lyte’s inaugural “I Am Woman” event in April of the previous year featured Da Brat, Trina, Remy Ma, Monie Love, Mumu Fresh, Yo Yo, Mama Sol, Tierra Whack, Ra Brown, and DJ EQUE.
“I believe this celebration is both necessary and long overdue,” MC Lyte stated to WTOP News back then. “I’m grateful that the Kennedy Center, on its 50th anniversary, chose me to curate a special night to honor emcees who often go unnoticed. I’m eagerly anticipating a night filled with live performances.”
The occasion aligns with the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, officially recognized on August 11. It’s one of many tributes to the genre taking place this year. Notably, on August 11, KRS-One will inaugurate the 1520 Sedgwick Avenue exhibit in the Bronx, the birthplace of Hip-Hop. For more details, refer to the Hip-Hop Alliance website.
