Conny Chavez June 21st, 2024 - 2:40 PM
MusiCares, the leading music charity supporting the health and well-being of the music community, in partnership with Vivid Seats and H3 contributor Amazon Music, hosted a female-led panel discussion entitled “She’s Iconic: A Salute To Women In Hip Hop” on Tuesday, June 18. Panelists included Saweetie, MC Lyte, Big Lez, and Sierra Lever (Head of Hip-Hop/R&B at Amazon Music), with moderator Laiya St. Clair. The conversation touched on each panelist’s journey and perspectives of becoming powerful businesswomen in the world of hip hop, mental health, and sisterhood within the industry.
At 5 o’clock guests gathered at the Amazon Studios courtyard enjoying refreshments and snacks from a charcuterie board as they socialized outside the doors of the event space. Roughly 30 minutes later, the doors opened and guests made their way to the snack table where cookies and fresh coffee awaited. Attendees made their way to their seats as Jameka Pankey, Head of Events and Experiential for Artist at Amazon Music, introduced the panel quoting the lyrics of MC Lyte’s “I Am A Woman.” Each panelist was welcomed with cheers and applause.
Moderator Laiya St. Clair led the dynamic discussion which featured important conversations surrounding women in the hip hop culture, mainstream influences, mental health awareness, and cultural bias women face in the industry. St. Clair began the conversation by granting time for each panelist to tell their own stories regarding their journey within the hip hop world. When asked about her journey as an early female MC to still being in the game today and seeing the changes in the industry MC Lyte said, “I think we run it! It’s so refreshing to see as many women with the microphone.” Lyte continued to state all the things women once faced within the industry that were once viewed as normal such as promoters refusing to pay and male MCs forcing women to only be openers. “We have come through the trenches and we’re getting what we deserve now which is the light. No pun,” said MC Lyte.
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The discussion lasted an hour and a half and included several key moments including each panelist discussing the importance of mental health and their journeys of self-reflection. MC Lyte shared an intimate moment with attendees as she revealed that the first time she self-reflected was at the brink of divorce. Big Lez talked about her depression after facing a major work rejection, but a conversation with her mother helped her continue her journey within the industry. Sierra Lever cited her lonely journey climbing the industry to becoming the first black female Head of Hip Hop/R&B at Amazon Music. Lever quickly learned to prioritize her physical health and mental health. Saweetie shared her experience of learning how to say the word “no” and create boundaries as she became so overworked she fainted as she left the stage.
Another major topic was the importance of sisterhood and networking. MC Lyte spoke about witnessing the industry pinning women against each other and learning how to work and empower women. Big Lez shared the importance of finding friends within the business world who are willing to share networks and create safe spaces. “This is not a lonely journey, you need a team, you need a tribe,” said Saweetie. “When you have the right people around you, miracles happen.” When speaking on her personal experience of the current sisterhood in hip hop, Saweetie stated that there are times in the business “where it feels women empowerment is a monopoly,” she continued to state that she does not take things personally when other female hip hop artists do not respond to her.
The discussion panel closed with each member mentioning some major work fans can expect. Big Lez shared that she has several projects coming up including a new movie and will be directing a dance documentary. MC Lyte revealed that her first album in 10 years, One of One, will be teased with the first single “King King” with Queen Latifah which will be released on June 28. Saweetie shared that she has an upcoming food campaign set to release this week following the release of her latest single “Nani”. Lever revealed that there are several panels and campaigns coming up that highlight stories to celebrate Black Music Month.
MusiCares’ Humans of Hip Hop initiative is directed at providing resources tailored to the needs of the hip hop community nationwide with an initial focus in eight key cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. MusiCares helps the humans behind the music offering preventive, emergency and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. To learn more visit here.
