Me’Lo The Generation Hero

By Jasminum McMullen

Writuals explores how our city’s rich literary heritage, cultural diversity, and iconic spaces inspire routines that fuel the work of local authors.

Me'Lo The Generation Hero is anything but mellow. Full of upbeat, motivational Hip-hop, she has an international sound like no other. Born and raised in Chicago's Low-End, Me'Lo has performed at many intimate bars, cafes, clubs, and huge international festival stages. She has been known to have a flow that resembles 2Pac while remaining completely authentic. Inspired early on by her father, Me'Lo stays armed with savory, fresh, and diverse lyrics. She has shared the stage with Fury, WeJustFriends, the band Boys vs. Girls, and opened for Chicago's own PHENOM and Tink. Me'Lo is no stranger to philanthropy. She volunteers for multiple local charitable organizations such as My City My Block My Hood, R.A.G.E. Englewood, and Come-Unity Joy Garden. Her current debut project, Elevation, was released in 2019 and rereleased in 2024. “Check On Yo People,” her brand-new single, is on fire and available on all streaming platforms.

CLHOF: What are your “writuals,” and how have they evolved?

Me’Lo: My writuals comes from authenticity, nature, and spiritual beliefs. I have always inquired to learn and love myself at every level God has intended me be, all while embodying the consciousness and behaviors of Yeshua. While attempting to interpret the fruits of the spirit through my uniqueness and individuality, I would like to be generous with my gift, sharing poetry, music, and activism through writing and authorship. My writuals have evolved in many ways. My dad taught me how to rap, and my mother has always passed down books since an early age. My dad's primary focus for my learning was rhyme and storytelling. My mother's goal was to sharpen and broaden my vocabulary while teaching me how to articulate my emotions.

CLHOF: If you could have coffee with any Chicago author, past or present, who would it be and why? How has their work or legacy influenced your writing?

Me’Lo: I would have to order herbal tea flowers while giving flowers to Tony Lindsay if I had a chance to pick the mind of any Chicago author. Mr. Lindsay was my English professor at Harold Washington City College of Chicago. He pushed me beyond measure and challenged me to write from a place of creativity while connecting to the hearts of my audience. Mr. Lindsay invited me to a writing session competition in 2019. I won first place for short story, and that inspired me to work on my first poetry book, a manuscript in progress. One of my favorite reads by Tony Lindsay is The Killing Breeze.

CLHOF: Chicago is a city known for its activism and social consciousness. How, if at all, do these civic engagement and social justice elements find their way into your writing rituals or themes? Do you feel a duty to reflect or challenge the city’s socio-political landscape in your work?

Me’Lo: When I think about it, I have a few singles (music) that reflect civic engagement and social justice consciousness. My debut project (Elevation) is a 6-track story that uplifts, encourages, and educates listeners on social energies in a positive, bold way. My number one hit single, “Anything is possible,” is a crucial musical piece that serves as an affirmation designed to remind listeners that “You can do anything that you put your mind to.” I speak about grind culture on one of my tracks, “Run to the money,” and “Rise” is a straight-up gutta activism track that focuses on racism, stereotypes, and lyricism. Feelings are fleeting. I know without a shadow of a doubt that it is my calling to reflect on the city, our nation, and in fact, this world's socio-political foundations.

CLHOF: Name a movie shot in Chicago that best describes your writing style.

Me’Lo: Colombiana was partially shot in Chicago, but you get the vibes!

CLHOF: What advice would you give someone who wants to write and publish in the city?

Me’Lo: The advice that I would give anyone would be “Free ya self.. others are waiting to get free through you!”

Jasminum McMullen is an Associate Board Director at the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, interested in engaging writers from or living in Chicago about their writing rituals. Her writing has appeared in Black Joy Unbound, Mamas, Martyrs, and Jezebels, and Past Ten.