Ms. Melodie, the stage name of Ramona Parker, was an American rapper who was part of the influential hip hop group Boogie Down Productions (BDP) and the ex-wife of rap legend KRS-One. She passed away on July 17, 2012, at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy of music and activism. But what was the cause of her death? Here is what we know so far.
A Mysterious Illness
According to various news reports, Ms. Melodie died in her sleep due to complications from an undisclosed illness. The exact nature and duration of her illness remain unknown, as her family and friends have not revealed any details to the public. Some sources have speculated that she may have suffered from diabetes or heart problems, but there is no official confirmation of this.
A Pioneering Career
Ms. Melodie was born Ramona Scott on March 21, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in the Flatbush neighborhood and was the younger sister of former BDP member Harmony. She married KRS-One in 1987 and joined his group BDP, which was known for its socially conscious and politically charged lyrics. She made her debut in 1988 with the single “Hype According to Ms. Melodie”, which showcased her aggressive and confident style.
She released her only album, Diva, in 1989 on Jive/RCA Records. The album was mostly produced by KRS-One and featured guest appearances from him and other BDP members. The album spawned two singles, “Wake Up, Wake Up” and “Live on Stage”, which were both successful on the rap charts. She also appeared in the music video for Queen Latifah’s “Ladies First” and in the Keenen Ivory Wayans film I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.
Ms. Melodie was also part of the Stop the Violence Movement, a collective of hip hop artists who aimed to raise awareness and reduce violence in the black community. She participated in the 1989 song “Self Destruction”, which featured other prominent rappers such as Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Public Enemy, and Heavy D.
A Personal Life
Ms. Melodie divorced KRS-One in 1992 and remained out of the spotlight for most of the 1990s and 2000s. She had two sons from a previous relationship before marrying KRS-One. She was reportedly close to her family and friends and had a positive outlook on life. She was also a devout Muslim who converted to Islam in the late 1980s.
A Lasting Legacy
Ms. Melodie’s death was met with shock and sadness by the hip hop community and her fans. Many artists and celebrities paid tribute to her on social media and expressed their condolences to her family . She was remembered as one of the pioneers of female rap who could hold her own with the male-dominated genre. She was also praised for her contributions to the culture and the society through her music and activism.
Ms. Melodie’s cause of death may remain a mystery, but her legacy lives on through her songs and her spirit. She was a diva in the true sense of the word: a talented, confident, and influential woman who left a mark on the world. Rest in peace, Ms. Melodie.
