Obituaries

Rapper Ramona Parker aka Ms. Melodie Dead at 43

One of rap's first female emcees, the Flatbush native was a member of Boogie Down Productions.

 

Rapper pioneer Ramona Parker, commonly known as Ms. Melodie, has died, the New York Daily News reports. She was 43. 

The Flatbush-born emcee was a member of Boogie Down Productions and the ex-wife of fellow rapper KRS-One.

Find out what's happening in Ditmas Park-Flatbushwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

She was well known for her 1989 hit single “Self Destruction” and her music video “Live on Stage,” the News noted. 

The cause of her death was not immediately disclosed, but many took to Twitter to express their condolences once news of her passing spread. 

Find out what's happening in Ditmas Park-Flatbushwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"RIP Ms. Melodie, Hip-Hop trailblazer," tweeted Councilman Jumaane Williams, D-Ditmas Park.

Hip-hop maven Russell Simmons also took to Twitter, writing, “RIP Ms. Melodie. A dope MC.”

Parker is survived by two sons. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Ditmas Park-Flatbush