Rap pioneer and Brooklyn native Ms. Melodie, member of Boogie Down Productions has died at 43. Born Ramona Scott, she was once married to iconic hip-hop artist KRS-One. The cause of her death is currently unknown.

Ms. Melodie hit the rap scene in the late 80s as part of a rap collective that were known for socially conscious rap.

Her first single, “Hype According to Ms. Melodie” debuted in 1988 and her first album Diva was released on Jive Records a year later. She was featured in the legendary rap single “Self Destruction” and had short cameo in Queen Latifah’s “Ladies First” music video.

Melodie’s lyrics promoted peace and she encouraged young people to become better educated and steer clear of a life of drugs and violence.