RAP DIVA MS. MELODIE, a member of the pioneering hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions, has died. She was 43.
Multiple music industry websites reported that Ms. Melodie died Tuesday. The cause of her death was not immediately disclosed.
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The Brooklyn-born entertainer, whose real name is Ramona Parker, was the ex-wife of rapper KRS-One.
In 1988, Ms. Melodie released her first single “Hype According to Ms. Melodie,” and then a full album, “Diva,” a year later on Jive Records.
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One of rap’s first female emcees, Ms. Melodie was also known for her 1989 hit single “Self Destruction” and her groundbreaking video “Live on Stage.”
She even made a cameo in Queen Latifah’s video, “Ladies First.”
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Ms. Melodie often used her rhymes to speak out against violence in the rap industry.
“I’m Ms. Melodie and I’m a born again rebel/The violence in rap must cease and seckle,” she rapped on “Self Destruction.”
Her death stunned the music world and prompted condolence posts on Twitter.
“RIP Ms. Melodie. A dope MC,” tweeted hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons, using a slang term that means top-notch.
Deejay Jazzy Joyce added, “R.I.P Ms. Melodie of B.D.P!”
She is is survived by two sons.
