As the primary lyricist for Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5, Melle Mel was responsible for some of Hip-Hop’s earliest hits such as “Superrappin”, “Birthday Party”, as well as many eternal classics like “Beat Street”, “White Lines (Don’t Do It)”, “The Message”, and “New York, New York”. Melle Mel was the 1st to MC in a new rhyme cadence, and he changed the way every MC rhymed thereafter. His downbeat on the two, four, kick to snare cadence is still the rhyme foundation MCs build on today. Melle Mel showed the Hip-Hop world that we could use the music for more than dance. We could communicate our social, political, and spiritual views to try to help each other shed light on major issues. He is one of the most respected MCs in Hip-Hop history with an unparalleled lyrical ability.
Show love to The Originators.
Melle Mel is the greatest rapper ever to push the on-switch on a mic. I still hunt Itunes looking for new songs. I’d love to see Mel get the opportunity to work with some of 2011’s hottest producers. There has never been a rapper with
Melle Mel’s vision, declarative voice, depth, clarity, imagination or innovative strengths. I want to see him back in the game. Miles Davis was working magic in the studio when he was at least two decades older than Melle Mel is today. Talent never goes out of style. Melle Mel, we want to hear from you in 2011.