In 1982 Melle Mel began to turn to more socially-aware subject matter, in particular the Reagan administration's economic and drug policies, and their effect on the black community.
12 Facts About Melle Mel
2.
Melle Mel would go on to write songs about struggling life in New York City, and making it through life in general.
3.
Melle Mel gained greater fame and success after appearing in the movie Beat Street, with a song based on the movie's title.
4.
Melle Mel performed with The King Dream Chorus and Holiday Crew on "King Holiday" aimed at having Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
5.
Melle Mel performed with Artists United Against Apartheid on the anti-apartheid song "Sun City" which was aimed at discouraging other artists from performing in South Africa until its government ended its policy of apartheid.
6.
In 1995, Duran Duran did a cover version of "White Lines" featuring performances from Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel and released it as the second single from the Duran Duran covers album Thank You':.
7.
In 1996, Melle Mel contributed vocals to the US edition of Cher's hit "One By One".
8.
In 1997, Melle Mel signed to Straight Game Records and released Right Now, an album which features Scorpio and Rondo.
9.
On November 14,2006, Melle Mel collaborated with author Cricket Casey and released the children's book The Portal In The Park, which comes with a bonus CD of his rapped narration.
10.
On January 30,2007, Melle Mel released his first ever solo album, Muscles.
11.
On October 10,2008, Melle Mel appeared on Bronx-based culinary adventure show Bronx Flavor alongside host Baron Ambrosia.
12.
Melle Mel appeared in Ice-T's 2012 hip hop documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap.