Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel were integral figures in the early development of hip-hop in the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly associated with the pioneering band "Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five". Melle Mel, born Melvin Glover, was the group's lead vocalist and songwriter, known for his socially-conscious lyrics. Their seminal track "The Message" (1982) is often cited as one of the first instances of socially-conscious rap, painting a vivid picture of life in urban neighborhoods and marking a significant shift in the genre's focus. Their innovative use of turntablism and rap combined with their socially conscious subject matter have been influential in shaping the direction of hip-hop music.