New releases, music videos and album news — indie, rap, rock and pop. Always covering Ren, Chris Webby, Sam Tompkins, bbno$, CHINCHILLA, Muse, Yungblud and more.
MC Lyte ‘Tickled Pink’ by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
MC Lyte says she is “tickled pink” to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where she and Queen Latifah will receive the 2026 Early Influence Award. The honour recognises Lyte’s pioneering role in hip-hop and a career that helped establish women as prominent solo rappers.
Lyte was the first woman to release a full-length solo rap album, with 1988’s *Lyte as a Rock*. Her other milestones include a gold record for “RuffNeck”, a Grammy nomination and a place on the Billboard 200. She has also addressed social issues through her music and activism, and released *1 of 1* in 2024, her first studio album in nine years.
In short
- MC Lyte will receive the Hall of Fame’s 2026 Early Influence Award.
- Queen Latifah is among the other honourees.
- Lyte’s career includes several firsts for women in rap.