Hip-Hop pioneer MC Lyte had plenty to say about the current state of Rap while hitting the red carpet at the NAACP Image Awards.

The trailblazing MC, who served as the evening’s official announcer, took a moment to reflect on how the genre has evolved.

During her exclusive interview with TGJ’s Eric Russell, she showed love to a new wave of women dominating the charts, including Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, while also weighing in on the competitive spirit that still fuels Rap’s biggest personalities.

The conversation also turned to male Rap rivalries, where she made clear she’s not against a little lyrical sparring between artists like 50 Cent and T.I., so long as the competition – which has proven spicy – stays rooted in the music.

Check out the full interview above, and check out highlights below…

On the Competition Between 50 Cent and T.I.:

“As far as the guys of TI and 50 make it happen as long as it stays on you know audio right as long as it stays audio wise I’m all for it

A good beef never hurt nobody as a matter of fact it kind of puts people in their place.”

On Women in Hip-Hop:

“I love the ladies they’re all doing their thing… I love Cardi B’s last album… I love Megan Thee Stallion’s. I love Remy Ma.

I just love that women have come to the understanding that this is a business so it’s great that we’re able to get on the stage and make it happen but in addition to that you have to have all your ducks lined up in a row behind the scenes”

On the State of Hip-Hop and Newcomers:

“I just think overall Hip-Hop is just it’s just everything.

I love to see newcomers come into the game and claim their space rightfully where they sound like no one else and their name doesn’t sound like anybody else’s that they’re completely original”

Your thoughts?