YNW Melly

YNW Melly
YNW Melly’s mugshot in February 2019
YNW Melly’s mugshot in February 2019
Background information
Birth nameJamell Maurice Demons[1]
Also known asMelly, Melvin
Born (1999-05-01) May 1, 1999 (age 25)
OriginGifford, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
DiscographyYNW Melly discography
Years active2016–2019
Labels
RelativesYNW BSlime (brother)
Websiteynw4life.com
Criminal information
Criminal statusIncarcerated since February 13, 2019
Criminal chargePremeditated first-degree murder (×2)
Date apprehended
February 13, 2019
Imprisoned atBroward County Jail, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.

Jamell Maurice Demons (born May 1, 1999), known professionally as YNW Melly (initialism for Young Nigga World Melly),[2] is an American rapper and singer. He rose to fame in 2018 following the release of his single "Murder on My Mind," a trap song that explores homicidal ideation. As his mainstream breakthrough, its release garnered him further attention after he was charged with the double-murder of two fellow rappers in the "YNW" collective the following year, resulting in an ongoing legal battle and incarceration. Prior, "Murder on My Mind" peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and led him to sign with 300 Entertainment to issue the song as a single for his debut commercial mixtape I Am You (2018), which was met with positive critical reception along with its follow-up, We All Shine (2019).

Both mixtapes entered the Billboard 200 chart and received gold certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); We All Shine contained the double platinum-certified song "Mixed Personalities" (featuring Kanye West). His incarceration began following its release, and he briefly maintained commercial success with the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "223's" (featuring 9lokkNine) and "Suicidal" (remixed featuring Juice Wrld). His debut studio album, Melly vs. Melvin (2019) peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200, while his second album, Just a Matter of Slime (2021) peaked at number 11; both were met with unfavorable critical reception as they lacked Demons' direct involvement. His third studio album, Young New Wave (2024) was further panned by critics, and failed to chart.[3]

In February 2019, he was arrested and charged with two counts of premeditated murder for which he faces life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted.[4][5][6] He is also a suspect in the 2017 murder of a sheriff's deputy in Gifford.[7] In March 2019, Demons pleaded not guilty to the double-murder charges. His first trial ended in a hung jury,[8] and as of January 2024, his retrial is paused and awaiting adjudication for the inclusion of digital evidence. As of July 2024 his trial has been pushed back until September 2025.[9]

  1. ^ Stephanie Dube Dwilson (June 30, 2020). "YNW Melly Arrested: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  2. ^ "Who is YNW Melly? Everything to know about the upcoming rapper charged with murder". NME. February 17, 2019. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  3. ^ "YNW Melly Case Delayed as Prosecutor is Removed". Associated Press News. October 12, 2023.
  4. ^ Holmes, Charles (February 14, 2019). "YNW Melly Charged With Two Counts of First-Degree Murder". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 14, 2019. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
  5. ^ Aswad, Jem (February 14, 2019). "YNW Melly, Kanye West Collaborator, Arrested for Double Murder". Variety. Archived from the original on February 14, 2019. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  6. ^ "Florida Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty for YNW Melly". Pitchfork. April 22, 2019. Archived from the original on April 22, 2019. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  7. ^ Cowen, Trace William (February 22, 2019). "YNW Melly Reportedly Now a Suspect in Deputy's Shooting Death". Complex. Archived from the original on February 22, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  8. ^ "YNW Melly Pleads Not Guilty to Double Murder Charges | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 11, 2020. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  9. ^ Nbc6 • • (January 26, 2024). "YNW Melly's double murder retrial on pause as prosecutors appeal judge order over evidence". NBC 6 South Florida. Retrieved January 28, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)