Grandmaster Melle Mel is the original hip hop MC, and is rightfully celebrated as one of the pioneers of rap. Rap Mind, a site focused on socially conscious rap, was recently given the rare opportunity to speak with Melle Mel, and the Grandmaster gave his opinions on everything from Donald Trump to what he thinks is the true essence of hip hop.
“Love. That was the true essence of hip-hop and that might have been the sixth element. None of it started with money. If you were a b-boy you did it because you loved it. If you were a graffiti artist, you weren’t going to be famous. If you deejayed, you did it because you loved it," Melle Mel said. "When you hit the mic, you did it because you loved what you were doing. You didn’t do it thinking, I’m going to be dope. You did it because you loved it and everything came into fruition after that. And that might be the sixth element; love."
Grandmaster Melle Mel was the first rapper to carry the title of "MC," and is best known for writing and rapping "The Message," one of the most important tracks in hip hop history. "The Message" was one of the first rap songs to become a mainstream success, and its thoughtful, socially conscious lyrics inspired a generation of politically active rappers, including Public Enemy and N.W.A., who themselves would go on to inspire further generations of artists. Needless to say, Grandmaster Melle Mel's contributions to music history cannot be overstated.
You can read all of Rap Mind's interview, which includes more of Melle Mel's thoughts on politics, society, and his plans for the future, over at Chuck D's Rap Mind.
By Michael Lacerna for RAPstation.com
