Jamell Maurice Demons, better known by his stage name YNW Melly, is a popular American rapper and songwriter. Born on May 1, 1999, in Gifford, Florida, Melly’s music career started in a less-than-ordinary setting - during his first stint in jail as a teenager.
Melly’s musical journey is rooted in the harsh realities of his childhood, marked by poverty and run-ins with the law. His initial love for music can be traced back to his time spent at church, where he often sang. However, it was the influence of hip hop culture and the turbulent experiences of his youth that sculpted Melly’s artistic style.
In 2014, while in jail for shooting near a school, Melly began writing his own songs and later joined a group of local aspiring rappers, known as the Young New Wave, abbreviated as YNW. This group eventually dissolved, but Melly held on to the YNW title, transforming it into a part of his brand.
After being released from jail in 2015, Melly began to gain a local following. He put out his first song on SoundCloud in 2016, “Melly the Menace,” and soon other tracks followed. The song “Murder on My Mind,” which Melly claimed to have written while incarcerated, quickly garnered attention. Its graphic lyrics about a violent altercation sparked controversy, but also elevated Melly’s notoriety, turning him into a viral sensation.
In 2018, Melly released his debut mixtape, “I Am You,” which solidified his position in the hip-hop community. The mixtape was a blend of gritty street anthems and emotive ballads, showcasing Melly’s versatility and his raw talent. This project, along with the later release “We All Shine,” which featured the Kanye West collaboration “Mixed Personalities,” solidified Melly’s status as one of the rising stars in the rap scene.
Unfortunately, Melly’s flourishing career was halted in 2019, when he turned himself in to Florida police after being charged with the double murder of two of his close friends, Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. Melly pleaded not guilty, but his trial has been repeatedly postponed, leaving his musical career on indefinite hold.
While in jail, Melly has managed to release new music, including the album “Melly vs. Melvin” in 2019. His unique brand of emotive and melodic trap has kept his fanbase strong despite his ongoing legal battles.
Off the stage, Melly has been portrayed as a charismatic and friendly individual, showing a stark contrast to the image depicted in his music. His struggles with mental health, particularly his bipolar disorder, have been a recurring theme in his lyrics and interviews.
The tale of YNW Melly is one of paradoxes – a story of a young, talented artist from a marginalized community whose artistry is intricately tied with his own tumultuous life experiences. Despite the controversial aspects of his life and career, his talent as a musician is undeniable and has marked him as one of the distinct voices in modern hip-hop.