Kirk Anthony: How do you feel about the state of female MC's in hip-hop right now, especially after this time after you and Latifah's prime?

MC Lyte: I feel we need to celebrate and support female artists. We are quick to talk about what is not right but I would like to talk about what is so right and that is there are female MC’s who have something to say. They are out here working hard to make a difference and raise families. They are strong, independent, and ready to rock for hip-hop.

KA: How do you feel about the state of hip-hop, in general, right now?

MCL: It’s big business, you just have to know how to get in and out of it and still remain in a space where you can service the community.

KA: What do you think it will take for female MC's of some skill and talent to actually become superstars in today's hip-hop industry?

MCL: I think superstar, at this point, is played out and overrated. A female artist can accomplish so much more without the added pressure of being a superstar. Take that out of the equation and women remain the same, they don't become something else in search of public validation.

KA: What would you tell a young, talented female MC trying to make her way and mark in today's hip-hop music industry where it seems the focus is on selling image instead of highlighting and selling talent?

MCL: Remain true to you. Make the mark from where you stand and the masses will find you.

KA: It is a common consensus that women buy the majority of the records/CD's, including those by the female MC's of the Lil Kim/Foxy Brown mold. Why do you think women make up the majority of those who would buy music made by female MC's of that mold at the expense of those female MC's whose image focuses on their talent/skill and who have a much more positive image?

MCL: When you know better you do better

KA: As one who is arguably the best female MC of all time, who are your favorite female MC's of all time, your favorite MC's?

MCL: Thank you, Lauryn Hill, Jean Grae, Da Brat. We have a lot of great MC’s down with the movement, Hip-Hop sisters, and they are from all over the world.

KA: What do you think has to be done to improve the status of hip-hop, in general, and female MC's in hip-hop, in particular?

MCL: Support those who want to help, and those who find something wrong with the way that it is need to rally and help. I don’t mean with picket signs, of course, but I mean actually supporting by buying a female CD a month. She doesn’t have to be known by the world. Search for it on the internet. Attend female MC concerts when they come to your city.

KA: Throughout your career who are some of your favorite producers that you have worked with?

MCL: Audio 2, Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, Jared & Whitey  

KA: In your career have you produced or thought about producing?

MCL: No, leave that to the masters.

KA: With the type of rap music popular with the young hip-hop audience, how do you think you can appeal to them being the type of MC that you are?

MCL: Just remaining real. Sharing a part of myself that others wouldn’t dare, my heart. Sooner or later, kids know when someone loves them or are just using them.

KA: How do you feel about the apparent transition of female MC's downplaying their feminity during the "old-school" era to most of today's female MC's over-hyping their feminity and sexuality?

MCL: It’s the business and it’s just the way of the world. Before, women had to slide in under the radar and, before long, they could write their own ticket. Sex sells, bottom line.

KA:  How has it been going the independent route to get your more recent work  released?

MCL:  Lot of work but well worth it.

KA: Is there a chance for the First Priority family getting back together and releasing something?

MCL: LOL. I have no idea.

KA: What current or future projects you have lined up?

MCL: Almost September is a group that I’m a part of and we put something out before summer. I'm crazy excited over it and I think it’s going to serve many generations who want hip-hop but good hop-hop like Common and Kanye.