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Veteran MC Lyte has been on the music scene for over 20 years, but has not lost any of her appeal. Her considerable voice over talents (she recently did the voice-over for the 2009 BET Awards) as well as her rhyming skills, got Lyte tapped by KFC to judge the company’s third annual “Hitmaker” song contest. Ro caught up with the celebrated lyricist to get her take on how to maintain success and to hear her thoughts on what it takes to be a hitmaker.
What do you think it takes to be a great hitmaker?
1. An undying need for knowledge. You should always leave yourself open to ask questions and learn more about your craft and the business.
2. Be a good judge of character. That’s important because you can surround yourself with people who are going to be beneficial to helping you complete your mission — or you can get hooked up with the wrong people.
3. Be a student of music. Listen to all types of music because one never knows where they’ll get inspiration from.
4. Be humble. Take everything in stride. You’re going to garner a lot of attention, but all of that [will help] you can get your humanitarian efforts done. In the end it’s about helping people.
What are some tips you’d give to people trying to get that first hit?
Don’t submit garbage. Really think about what it is you want to present, because you only get one chance. I think it’s about really putting your best effort forth and having your package sound very professional and look very professional. As seriously as you take it, is as seriously as someone else will consider it.
What characteristics do you have that have allowed you to maintain your success for such a long period of time?
Believing in myself and having people around me who are positive about what it is that I’m out to accomplish. And … defining for myself — even if I never say it to anyone else — I have to have a clear definition of where my end goal is. I believe in myself and know that I have something to give to many generations of people.
