Global Grind is reporting that groundbreaking female rapper and Boogie Down Productions crew member Ms. Melodie passed away earlier today.

I have that "first the Fat Boys break up, now this" feeling on the news of Ms. Melodie’s death. Not that yesterday I was checking for her music or anything, but as a wee youngin’ I recall the first time I saw Ms. Melodie’s "Live On Stage" video and was glad to finally see a fly, chubby chick representing in hip hop. Back then Queen Latifah wasn’t chunky and not everybody could rock out a pair of biker shorts like J.J. Fad. On top of being fly Ms. Melodie could rap her a$$ off and came off regal.

Ms. Melodie released one album, Diva, which dropped in 1989 on Jive Records.

Rest in power Ms. Melodie.