Melle Mel

 Melle Mel, also known as Grandmaster Melle Mel, is an American rapper and songwriter who is best known as the lead rapper and lyricist of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Born on May 15, 1961, in The Bronx, New York City, his birth name is Melvin Glover.

Melle Mel grew up in The Bronx during the 1970s when hip-hop culture was emerging. He started his music career as a breakdancer, but soon turned his attention to rapping. In 1978, he joined Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, which consisted of Grandmaster Flash, Kid Creole, Rahiem, Scorpio, and Cowboy.

Melle Mel quickly became the lead rapper of the group and was known for his powerful and socially conscious lyrics. In 1982, the group released their iconic single "The Message," which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. The song's politically charged lyrics addressed the struggles of urban life and poverty, and it became an anthem for the hip-hop community.

Melle Mel continued to work with Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, releasing several more albums, including "On The Strength" and "Ba-Dop-Boom-Bang." He also pursued a solo career and released the album "Melle Mel & The Furious Five - Piano" in 1985.

In addition to his music career, Melle Mel has also appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Beat Street" and "Miami Vice." He has also worked as a voice actor, providing the voice of Rapper in the animated series "Da Boom Crew."

Melle Mel's contributions to hip-hop culture have been widely recognized. In 2007, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. In 2019, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Overall, Melle Mel's impact on hip-hop culture and his contributions to the genre's development make him an important figure in the history of American music.