MC Lyte: Uncovering the Future Music Icons through Young Coders
Pioneer rapper MC Lyte discusses her role as a judge for the 'Build a Beat Challenge With Ciara,' where she aims to inspire and lead by example for young coders Don't miss this exclusive interview! [350 characters]
Renowned rapper MC Lyte has been a leading female presence in the music industry for over thirty years. Now, she is empowering a new generation of young coders to pave the way for the future of music creativity with Black Girls Code's "Build a Beat Challenge With Ciara."
"When we discuss girls creating beats and utilizing technology to advance their music production efforts, that is something I am deeply passionate about," MC Lyte exclusively tells We. "It only makes sense for this to happen now, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."
Black Girls Code, a nonprofit organization focused on computer science education for Black girls and gender nonconforming youth, recently announced the launch of the "Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara" contest. The goal of the contest is to ignite a musical coding revolution by empowering students ages 13 to 18 to code their own song for a chance to meet Ciara via video call and win up to $10,000 in tech prizes to help them pursue their dreams. MC Lyte expressed her support, emphasizing the importance of being an inspiration in the hip-hop genre and encouraging girls to create beats that can be used in any type of music.
From now until December 31, the "Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara" is open for young coders to join the Infosys Foundation USA’s Pathfinders Online Institute. Participants will have access to video tutorials created by Black Girls Code to help guide them on their coding journey. With their newly-acquired skills, participants will create their own unique songs and remixes, incorporating sounds from artists such as Ciara, Alicia Keys, Common, Pharrell, and more.
The winners will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges, including MC Lyte, music producer and entrepreneur Craig King, TikTok sensation The BoykinZ, Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Bosko Kante, Rock the Bells President James Cuthbert, and more.
MC Lyte. Prince Williams/WireImage
When MC Lyte released her first single in 1987, she remembers that the technology skills needed to advance her music career were not as readily available as they are today. "There was nothing like this when I was growing up," MC Lyte tells Us. "I remember taking a computer course at Boys and Girls High that was going to give me a credit towards my high school diploma because I wanted to graduate early. So I spent the summer at Boys and Girls doing programming at a very basic level with IBMs. So to be here in this day, this is out of this world to be able to have something for young girls."
She adds, "It's all about discovering the next generation and helping them develop their skills and find their passion." "It feels like the main reason I'm in music and why I chose music," continues MC Lyte. "I get to be creative while also explaining why things work and how we can improve. It's a very hands-on experience, and that's what I love about it - being able to teach young people about the music business."
And the rap music legend is thrilled to be partnering with the “Level Up” songstress.
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Check out this amazing deal! According to MC Lyte, Ciara is all about sisterhood and wants everyone to succeed. Despite her success, she is not competitive and is happy to spread love and encouragement to others.
“The Build a Beat Challenge With Ciara” runs through December 31. Sign up for the contest on the Black Girls Code website.
