WHEREAS, Wendy Clark, better known as her stage name “Lady B,” got involved in the world of hip hop after high school. After spending time in the Kim Graves Nightclub, she began to befriend other artists and began to perform. After improving her skills, she was approached by Dr. Perri Johnson about recording some music of her own; and
WHEREAS, During her time in the recording studio, she recorded her first single “To Beat Y’all,” in 1979, which was one of the first rap songs performed by a woman. Lady B led the way for performers like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Monie Love and Lauren Hill to excel in their music careers; and
WHEREAS, Following her time in the studio, Lady B became an intern at the WHAT radio station, where she performed a variety of tasks and continued to learn. She was eventually given the opportunity to play some of the new Hip-Hop records the station had, she did, and her ratings shot through the roof. She was subsequently hired by the station to work full time. She then moved on to become a DJ with Power 99FM and started the legendary
Street Beat
radio program. There, she was instrumental in helping many young performers such as Will Smith & Jazzy Jeff, Public Enemy, LL Cool J and Queen Latifah break into the business; and
WHEREAS, Lady B started her own radio show on 103.9 WPHI, where she spotlighted local artists by interviewing them on air and playing their music for all to hear. She spent a decade broadcasting on 100.3FM and she now has her own show on Philly’s Classix Radio 107.9FM; and
WHEREAS, Lady B is distinguished in her field. She has received numerous awards, including the Philly Urban Legend Award, the Pioneer Legend Award from the City of Philadelphia, the Douglass “Jocko” Henderson Award, the Blue Sapphire Award, the King Peace Award, and an A.I.R Award; and
WHEREAS, The distinguished career of hip hop pioneer Lady B should be held in the highest regard and deserves to be memorialized; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That is hereby renames the 5700 Block of Wyndale Avenue as “Lady B Way,” in honor of Lady B, to memorialize her legacy as a pioneer of hip hop and an award-winning radio personality.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Lady B as a sign of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End