Famous & Notable People from the Melrose Houses (NYCHA), Bronx, NYC

The Melrose Houses are a historic NYCHA development located at 156th Street & Park Avenue, South Bronx (10451). Built in 1952, the complex consists of 22 buildings on ~15 acres, housing approximately 1,500+ residents. It is one of the most iconic housing projects in the South Bronx — the very birthplace of hip-hop culture and home to several remarkable individuals who achieved fame.

🏈 1. Willie Colon (Willie Colon Jr.) ⭐ Most Famous

Connection to Melrose Houses: Willie Colon was explicitly raised in the Melrose Houses. In a New York Post interview, he said: “Just fate and destiny… I’m a product of Cardinal Hayes and the Melrose Projects at 156th Street in The Bronx.” He also stated: “There was no such thing as backing down… You had to be fearless. It taught you a lot.” Each year, he returns to the Melrose Houses to host an annual turkey and toys giveaway for the community. 1 2

🎤 2. Sha EK (Chalim Perry) ⭐ Confirmed Melrose Houses Resident

Connection to Melrose Houses: Sha EK was born and raised in the Melrose Houses with Honduran parents. The Melrose Houses remain the primary headquarters for the OGz (Original Goonz) gang/set that he leads. 3 4

🎤 3. B-Lovee (Qwayshawn Cannon)

Connection to Melrose Houses: B-Lovee is connected to the Melrose neighborhood and the OGz crew. 5

📺 4. Jimmie Walker (James Carter Walker Jr.)

Connection to Melrose Houses: Jimmie Walker is listed as a notable former resident of the Melrose neighborhood by Wikipedia. 6

🎵 5. Grandmaster Flash — Hip-Hop Pioneer (Associated Area)

Connection to Melrose Houses: While Grandmaster Flash is more associated with the Bronx River Houses, he performed extensively in the Melrose, Mott Haven, and Hunts Point neighborhoods of the South Bronx. 7

🏛️ 6. Louis F. Haffen (1854–1935)

Connection to Melrose: Haffen is listed as a notable former resident of the Melrose neighborhood. 6

📊 Quick Facts About the Melrose Houses

🏆 Summary Table

🏆 Key Takeaway: The Melrose Houses are a legendary part of Bronx history — the very neighborhood where hip-hop was born and where Willie Colon rose from public housing to the NFL, and where Sha EK became one of the biggest drill artists of the 2020s. As Willie Colon himself said about growing up there: “Every day I walked past things city kids deal with – drugs, dealers, the somewhat small mindset people have. You see a lot of homeless but a lot of hard working people, too.” 1

Good day. Several notable individuals have come from the Melrose Houses in the Bronx, making significant contributions to music and politics.

One of the most prominent figures from the Melrose Houses is the hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash. Born Joseph Saddler, he is a trailblazing DJ who developed and perfected several iconic turntable techniques, including the “quick mix theory,” “punch phrasing,” and “scratching.” These innovations were fundamental to the development of hip-hop music and DJ culture worldwide. Growing up in the Melrose Houses, his fascination with his father’s record collection laid the groundwork for his future career. In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five became the first hip-hop group to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2021, he was a recipient of the prestigious Polar Music Prize.

Another significant artist from the Melrose Houses is KRS-One. Born Lawrence Parker, he is a highly influential rapper and producer who rose to fame in the 1980s with the hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions. After the death of his partner Scott La Rock, KRS-One shifted his focus to more socially conscious and politically charged lyrics, earning him the nickname “The Teacha.” He is celebrated for his work in the “Stop the Violence Movement” and for albums that address social issues and Black history.

On the political front, New York City Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. represents the 17th district, which includes the Melrose Houses where he grew up. Before his election to the City Council in 2016, he served as the district manager for Community Board 2 and was the president of the 49th Precinct Council. As a councilman, he has focused on issues such as affordable housing and community development in the South Bronx.