Lady B facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lady B |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Wendy Clark |
| Also known as | Bahiyyah Clark |
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Radio DJ |
Bahiyyah Clark, also known as Lady B, is a famous American radio DJ and rapper. She was born Wendy Clark around 1962 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lady B is known as one of the very first female rappers in hip hop music.
She made history as the first female hip hop artist to record a single song. This song was called "To the Beat, Y'all" and it came out in 1979. Because of her important role and lasting impact, many people call her the "Godmother of Hip Hop." Lady B was also one of the first DJs to play rap music on the radio outside of New York. She helped introduce many famous artists like Will Smith, Run-DMC, and Queen Latifah to listeners early in their careers.
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Lady B's Career Journey
Lady B, born Wendy Clark, grew up in Wynnefield, Philadelphia. She went to Overbrook High School with actor Will Smith. When she was a teenager, she started using her Islamic name, Bahiyyah.
Her journey into music began when she was dating basketball star World B. Free. During a trip to New York City, they heard rap music for the first time, including the song "Rapper's Delight". Lady B started trying out the rap style back in Philadelphia. A local radio person heard her and encouraged her to record her first song.
Early Music and Radio Work
Lady B's career officially started with the radio station WHAT in 1979. Later that year, she recorded "To the Beat Y'all." This song's title became a popular phrase in rap music. It was first released by a local Philadelphia record company called TEC. Then, in 1980, it was re-released by Sylvia Robinson's famous rap label, Sugar Hill Records.
In 1979, Mary Mason gave Lady B her own weekend show on WRNB 100.3. This show became very popular and helped bring hip-hop music to the radio in Philadelphia.
Moving to Power 99 FM
In 1984, Lady B moved to Philadelphia's Power 99 FM. There, she started a program called The Street Beat. This show was incredibly successful and made the radio station's ratings soar. She hosted The Street Beat until 1989.
After that, she also worked for Sirius Satellite Radio in New York City. She continued her radio career at WRNB 100.3 in Philadelphia until December 2017.
Lady B joined the team at Classix 107.9 on February 11, 2019. She continues to be a radio personality there as of 2024.
Awards and Special Honors
Lady B has received many awards throughout her long career. In 2002, she earned the "Philly Urban Legend Award." This award celebrates important people who helped start the rap music scene in Philadelphia.
She also received the World Renowned Entertainment, Role Model of Excellence Award. Lady B has been given two Lifetime Achievement Awards, including the Douglass ”Jocko” Henderson award. The well-known magazine Vibe even listed her in its History of Hip-Hop. They called her "maybe the most influential female in hip-hop radio history."
On August 13, 2022, the city of Philadelphia honored Lady B in a very special way. They renamed the 5700 block of Wyndale Avenue to “Lady B Way.” This was done to recognize all her amazing accomplishments and contributions to music and radio.
See Also
