Ms. Melodie Died: Female Hip-Hop Pioneer Dead At Age 49

Female rap pioneer Ms. Melodie, a member of the hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions, died Tuesday, July 17, at age 43, it has been confirmed.

Multiple news outlets have cited music industry sources saying that Ms. Melodie has died, but the cause of her death was not immediately disclosed.

The Brooklyn-born entertainer, whose real name was Ramona Parker, was the ex-wife of rapper KRS-One.

Ms. Melodie a.k.a. Ramona Scott, made her hip-hop debut in 1988 with the KRS-One produced single "Hype According to Ms. Melodie."

Her only album, "Diva," would be largely produced by KRS-One, with contributions from Sam Sever and the Awesome 2's DJ Teddy Tedd.

The single "Wake Up, Wake Up" reached the Top 20 of Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart with the music video to its follow-up single, "Live on Stage," ranking highly on video stations.

Ms. Melodie's death stunned the music world and prompted many hip-hop heavyweights to take to 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!"

Click 'start' to check out photos of Ms. Melodie's incredible career.