‘The Prelude’: MC Lyte Honors Hip Hop Trailblazers in Celebration of the 50th Anniv. of Hip Hop | EURExclusiveWATCH

June 27, 2023

MC Lyte and celebrity guests at The Prelude event (screenshot) — MC Lyte and celebrity guests at The Prelude event (EURweb screenshot)

*On Friday, June 23, 2023, the first annual edition of “The Prelude” took place at The Andaz in West Hollywood, California. Hosted by the Hip Hop icon MC Lyte and the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, this exclusive dinner event marked the official kick-off of the BET Awards Weekend. It was a night of celebration, paying tribute to Hip Hop trailblazers Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane, YoYo, and Mona Scott Young, as part of the celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary.

The Prelude was organized by the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people of color. Founded by MC Lyte, along with Dr. Lynn Richardson and Dr. Felicia Shaw, the foundation has been a driving force in promoting education, entrepreneurship, and artistic development within the Hip Hop community.

“In terms of being able to show respect and homage for the people that I adore and love in the Hop Hop community, it feels great,” said MC Lyte when asked what The Prelude meant to her.

The star-studded event brought together industry OGs, music artists, and fans to honor the trailblazers who have helped to define Hip Hop across generations. The Prelude created an intimate setting for some of Hip Hop’s pioneers to come together and reflect on their influential contributions.

MC Lyte, a legend in the Hip Hop community herself, led the evening with a sit-down chat with Busta Rhymes, the recipient of the BET Awards 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. He took us on a journey from his Jamaican roots to Flatbush, NY, and shed light on the immense dedication he pours into his music.

Big Daddy Kane and Sana Kibz at MC Lyte's 'The Prelude' event (EURweb screenshot) — Big Daddy Kane and Sana Kibz at MC Lyte’s ‘The Prelude’ event (EURweb screenshot)

Busta Rhymes MC Lyte and Big Daddy Kane at The Prelude event (EURweb screenshot) — Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte, and Big Daddy Kane at The Prelude event (EURweb screenshot)

“I wanted people to feel something, the way you make people feel something when you grab somebody and say ‘Wake up!’” said Busta Rhymes.

It was a night of appreciation, paying homage to the past while embracing the future of the genre. With the support of BET, Blaq Luxury, DJ Dwrek, and Hip Hop Academy, the event set the stage for a weekend filled with recognition, performances, and a continued celebration of Hip Hop culture.

The event’s success served as a testament to MC Lyte and the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation’s commitment to uplifting the culture and empowering future generations. The Prelude was a remarkable evening that paid tribute to Hip Hop legends and set the stage for a weekend dedicated to celebrating the culture.

WATCH the video package below.