Meshell NdegeOcello: A Pioneering Voice in Music and Activism


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Full Name and Common Aliases

Meshell NdegeOcello is the full name of this American singer-songwriter, rapper, and bassist. She is commonly known as Meshell Ndegeocello (without the "o") or simply Meshell.

Birth and Death Dates


Meshell was born on August 29, 1968. Unfortunately, she passed away on August 20, 2023.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Meshell NdegeOcello is an American national, known for her work as a musician, singer-songwriter, rapper, and bassist. Her genre-bending style blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, rock, and soul music.

Early Life and Background

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Meshell was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences from an early age. She began playing the piano at five years old and later taught herself to play the bass guitar. Her parents, both African American, encouraged her interest in music, which became a vital part of her upbringing.

Meshell's early life was marked by a strong sense of social awareness. She attended the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where she honed her musical skills alongside other talented students. Her experiences growing up in Brooklyn during the 1980s – a time of great social change and activism – had a profound impact on her worldview.

Major Accomplishments

Meshell NdegeOcello's career is marked by numerous accolades, including:

Releasing several critically acclaimed albums that blend hip-hop, R&B, rock, and soul music
Collaborating with notable artists such as Prince, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill
Pioneering a unique sound that defies genre boundaries

Meshell's unwavering commitment to activism has led her to be involved in various charitable endeavors, including supporting organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.

Notable Works or Actions

Some of Meshell's most notable works include:

Her debut album "Plantation Lullabies" (1993), which addressed issues of racism and oppression
The critically acclaimed album "Bitter" (1998), which showcased her genre-bending style
Collaborating with Prince on the song "Love 2 the World Today Pt. 1," which was included in his album "Crystal Ball" (1998)

Meshell's impact extends beyond her music, as she has been an outspoken advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

Impact and Legacy

Meshell NdegeOcello's influence on contemporary music is undeniable. Her innovative approach to genre-bending and fusion has paved the way for future generations of musicians. As a trailblazer in both her music and activism, Meshell continues to inspire fans worldwide with her unwavering commitment to using her platform for positive change.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Meshell NdegeOcello's legacy is built on her unwavering dedication to social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and innovative music. Her impact extends far beyond the realm of music, as she continues to inspire a new generation of artists, activists, and individuals who seek to make a positive difference in their communities.

Meshell NdegeOcello's story serves as a testament to the power of art and activism when combined with unwavering passion and commitment. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, cementing her place as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.

Quotes by Meshell NdegeOcello

Meshell NdegeOcello's insights on:

Any ideas of 'other' are complicated, and otherness is relative to personal ideas of 'normal.'
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Any ideas of 'other' are complicated, and otherness is relative to personal ideas of 'normal.'
My favorite period is when we lived in the land of the three-minute song. The Motown thing – I thought they were genius in knowing that’s as much as a listener can take.
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My favorite period is when we lived in the land of the three-minute song. The Motown thing – I thought they were genius in knowing that’s as much as a listener can take.
I’m really good at melodic and sonic things, but I don’t really think I have anything to say. But I really enjoy the puzzle-making of taking words and adding a melody to them.
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I’m really good at melodic and sonic things, but I don’t really think I have anything to say. But I really enjoy the puzzle-making of taking words and adding a melody to them.
I think secretly I’ve realized after my time on the planet that I have no control over what people feel about me or need from me, so I just have a more laid-back approach in my apologies.
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I think secretly I’ve realized after my time on the planet that I have no control over what people feel about me or need from me, so I just have a more laid-back approach in my apologies.
Music is my only guide. I don’t care if people pigeonhole me. Miles Davis is my hero. He covered Cindy Lauper and Michael Jackson, and he didn’t give a hoot about what the purists said.
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Music is my only guide. I don’t care if people pigeonhole me. Miles Davis is my hero. He covered Cindy Lauper and Michael Jackson, and he didn’t give a hoot about what the purists said.
I’m pushing ahead on my own – you no longer need a large record company to make you a star.
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I’m pushing ahead on my own – you no longer need a large record company to make you a star.
I just try to tell a story with a song, and be able to try to transmit the emotion to you. That’s all I’m really trying to do.
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I just try to tell a story with a song, and be able to try to transmit the emotion to you. That’s all I’m really trying to do.
I find myself wanting to make music at the dining room table or in the bedroom – I’m kind of a mobile writer, so I sort of move around the house. But the attic is definitely where I can make the most noise. While everyone on the lower floors screams ‘Earthquake!’ But no! It’s just my bass!
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I find myself wanting to make music at the dining room table or in the bedroom – I’m kind of a mobile writer, so I sort of move around the house. But the attic is definitely where I can make the most noise. While everyone on the lower floors screams ‘Earthquake!’ But no! It’s just my bass!
Music is like a lover that I can’t commit to, but I seem to always find myself in bed with.
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Music is like a lover that I can’t commit to, but I seem to always find myself in bed with.
My greatest influence is Jimi Hendrix, and if he’s been reincarnated, or if he’s looking down, sideways, or looking up, I just wanted to tell him that I love him and thank him for opening doors for me. I just wanted to make it beautiful for him.
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My greatest influence is Jimi Hendrix, and if he’s been reincarnated, or if he’s looking down, sideways, or looking up, I just wanted to tell him that I love him and thank him for opening doors for me. I just wanted to make it beautiful for him.
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