Ms Melodie, the stage name of Ramona Parker, was an American rapper who was associated with the influential group Boogie Down Productions (BDP) and the ex-wife of rapper KRS-One. She was known for her powerful voice, confident style, and socially conscious lyrics. She participated in the 1989 “Self Destruction” song and video, which was a collaborative effort by various hip hop artists to raise awareness and stop violence in the black community. She also released her only album, Diva, in 1989, which featured the singles “Hype According to Ms. Melodie” and “Live on Stage”. She made a cameo appearance in Queen Latifah’s video “Ladies First”, which celebrated female empowerment in hip hop.
How Did Ms Melodie Die?
Ms Melodie died on July 17, 2012, at the age of 43. The cause of her death was never officially confirmed or announced by her family or representatives. However, according to various news reports and sources, she died in her sleep due to complications from an undisclosed illness. Her death shocked and saddened the hip hop community, who paid tribute to her legacy and influence.
According to The Urban Daily, DJ D-Nice of BDP and singer Monifah expressed their condolences on Twitter. D-Nice also said that he had a pleasant conversation with Ms Melodie a month before her death, and that she told him that she was proud of him. He added that the love they all had for each other in BDP was genuine, and that they will always be a part of hip hop history.
According to Wikipedia, Ms Melodie was born on March 21, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the younger sister of Harmony, another former BDP member who later became a gospel singer. She was married to KRS-One from 1987 to 1992, and they had two sons together.
What Was Ms Melodie’s Impact on Hip Hop?
Ms Melodie was one of the pioneering female rappers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, who paved the way for other women in the genre. She was not afraid to speak her mind and challenge the male-dominated rap scene. She rapped about social issues, such as racism, sexism, violence, and education, and inspired many listeners with her positive messages. She also had a distinctive style and charisma, which made her stand out among her peers.
Ms Melodie was respected and admired by many hip hop fans and artists, who recognized her contributions and achievements. She was described by Vibe magazine as “one of the ladies who could sonically spar with the fellas, spit raw lyrics, rhyme from a female’s perspective, and hold their own.” She was also honored by the VH1 Hip Hop Honors in 2006, along with other female rappers, such as MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, and Roxanne Shante.
Ms Melodie’s legacy lives on through her music, her family, and her fans, who continue to celebrate her life and work. She was a rap legend who left a mark on the hip hop culture and history. She will always be remembered as Ms Melodie, the diva with a voice and a vision.
