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 was 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 a 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.

Friends and fans have taken to Twitter to give their condolences to one of the Godmother’s of rap.

“I’m Ms Melodie and I’m a born again rebel. Rest in power sister,” tweeted Talib Kweli.

“RIP Miss Melody. Please keep her children, family & loved ones in ur prayers. #HipHopRoyalty,” added Monifah

Follow Caryn Freeman on Twitter.