YNW Melly, born Jamell Maurice Demons, is an American rapper known for his hit single "Murder on My Mind." The song's themes of homicidal ideation gained notoriety when Melly was charged with the double murder of two rappers in 2019. Despite his ongoing legal battle, "Murder on My Mind" reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, leading to a record deal and the release of his debut mixtape, "I Am You," in 2018. His second mixtape, "We All Shine," followed in 2019.
May 1, 1999: Birth of YNW Melly
Jamell Maurice Demons, known professionally as YNW Melly, was born on May 1, 1999.
2007: Birth of YNW BSlime
YNW Melly's younger brother, YNW BSlime, was born in 2007. He is also a rapper.
October 19, 2015: Arrest for Aggravated Assault
On October 19, 2015, YNW Melly was arrested for three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of discharging a firearm in public after firing shots at three people near Vero Beach High School. He spent a year in jail before being released on probation.
2015: Arrest for Shooting at Students
In late 2015, YNW Melly was arrested for shooting at three students near Vero Beach High School. He was convicted of aggravated battery, discharging a firearm in public, and two counts of aggravated assault, resulting in a year in juvenile detention.
2016: Adoption of Stage Name YNW Melly
In 2016, YNW Melly adopted his stage name, which stands for 'Young Nigga World' or 'Young New Wave.' The collective included Anthony 'YNW Sakchaser' Williams, Christopher 'YNW Juvy' Thomas Jr., and Cortlen 'YNW Bortlen' Henry.
2017: Suspect in Sheriff's Deputy Murder
In 2017, YNW Melly became a suspect in the murder of a sheriff's deputy in Gifford.
2017: Arrest for Probation Violation
In 2017, YNW Melly was arrested for violating probation and spent several months in jail.
2017: Shooting of Deputy Garry Chambliss
In 2017, off-duty Indian River County Sheriff's Department deputy Garry Chambliss was fatally shot in Gifford.
2017: Release of 'Collect Call'
In late 2017, while still incarcerated, YNW Melly released his first EP, 'Collect Call,' featuring artists like Lil B and John Wicks.
March 2018: Release from Jail
In March 2018, YNW Melly was released from jail after being arrested in 2017 for violating probation.
June 30, 2018: Arrest for Drug and Weapon Charges
On June 30, 2018, YNW Melly was arrested in Fort Myers, Florida, for possession of marijuana, possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
August 2018: Release of 'I Am You'
In August 2018, YNW Melly released his debut mixtape 'I Am You,' which later appeared on the Billboard 200.
October 2018: Double Murder Incident
In October 2018, YNW Melly allegedly conspired with YNW Bortlen to stage the double-murder of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, making it appear like a drive-by shooting.
2018: Mainstream Breakthrough with 'Murder on My Mind'
In 2018, YNW Melly rose to fame after releasing his single 'Murder on My Mind,' which explored themes of homicidal ideation. The song peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and led him to sign with 300 Entertainment. It was included in his debut commercial mixtape 'I Am You' (2018), which received positive critical reception.
2018: Release of Singles
In 2018, YNW Melly released several singles, including 'Virtual (Blue Balenciagas),' 'Melly the Menace,' and 'Slang That Iron.'
January 3, 2019: Arrest for Marijuana Possession
On January 3, 2019, YNW Melly was arrested in Fort Myers for possession of marijuana.
January 10, 2019: Billboard 200 Entry for 'I Am You'
On January 10, 2019, YNW Melly's debut mixtape 'I Am You' appeared on the Billboard 200 at number 192.
January 2019: YouTube Success
As of January 2019, YNW Melly's music videos for 'Virtual (Blue Balenciagas),' 'Melly the Menace,' and 'Slang That Iron' have amassed 26 million, 16 million, and 11 million views on YouTube, respectively.
January 18, 2019: Release of 'We All Shine'
On January 18, 2019, while incarcerated, YNW Melly released his second commercial mixtape 'We All Shine,' featuring collaborations with Kanye West and Fredo Bang. The music video for 'Mixed Personalities' featuring West was also released.
February 13, 2019: Charged with Double Murder
On February 13, 2019, YNW Melly was charged with two counts of premeditated murder for the October 2018 shooting deaths of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy. Authorities allege that Melly conspired with YNW Bortlen to stage the double-murder as a drive-by shooting. Melly turned himself in on this date and announced it on Instagram.
February 2019: Arrest for Double Murder
In February 2019, YNW Melly was arrested and charged with two counts of premeditated murder. He faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted. He is also a suspect in the 2017 murder of a sheriff's deputy in Gifford.
February 22, 2019: Demons and Henry Named Suspects in 2017 Shooting
On February 22, 2019, Demons and Henry were named as suspects in the 2017 shooting death of off-duty Indian River County Sheriff's Department deputy Garry Chambliss in Gifford.
March 2019: Spotify Success
As of March 2019, YNW Melly had amassed over 200 million streams on Spotify with over 10 million monthly listeners. His most-streamed song was 'Murder on My Mind.'
March 2019: Plea of Not Guilty
In March 2019, YNW Melly pleaded not guilty to the double-murder charges.
November 22, 2019: Release of 'Melly vs. Melvin'
On November 22, 2019, YNW Melly released his debut studio album 'Melly vs. Melvin,' which peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200. The album included the single '223's,' which peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2019: Achievements and Incarceration
In 2019, both of YNW Melly's mixtapes entered the Billboard 200 chart and received gold certifications from the RIAA. 'We All Shine' included the double platinum-certified song 'Mixed Personalities' featuring Kanye West. Despite being incarcerated, he continued to find commercial success with singles like '223's' and 'Suicidal.' His debut studio album 'Melly vs. Melvin' peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200.
2019: Release and Reception of 'We All Shine'
In 2019, YNW Melly released his mixtape 'We All Shine,' which also received positive critical reception. This year also marked the beginning of his legal battles after being charged with double-murder.
March 13, 2020: Release of 'Suicidal' Remix
On March 13, 2020, YNW Melly released a remix of his track 'Suicidal,' featuring the late rapper Juice Wrld. The song peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his second top 20 entry.
April 2, 2020: Demons Tests Positive for COVID-19
On April 2, 2020, Demons' management informed fans via Twitter that he had contracted COVID-19.
March 5, 2021: Release of 'Thugged Out'
On March 5, 2021, YNW Melly released the single 'Thugged Out' featuring Kodak Black. This marked his return to music after a year and while still fighting his pending murder case.
November 30, 2021: Demons' Double Murder Trial Date Set
On November 30, 2021, Demons' trial for double murder was scheduled for March 7, 2022.
2021: Release of 'Just a Matter of Slime'
In 2021, YNW Melly released his second studio album 'Just a Matter of Slime,' which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 200. The album was met with unfavorable critical reception due to his lack of direct involvement.
March 7, 2022: Demons' Trial Postponed
Demons' double murder trial, originally scheduled for March 7, 2022, was delayed.
May 23, 2022: Demons' Trial Further Delayed
Demons' trial was once again postponed and rescheduled for May 23, 2022.
May 26, 2022: Demons' Defense Submits Speedy Trial Request
On May 26, 2022, Demons' defense team submitted a request for a speedy trial, requiring the trial to begin within the following 175 days.
June 6, 2022: Demons' Trial Rescheduled
Demons' trial was delayed again and pushed back to June 6, 2022.
July 6, 2022: Demons No Longer Faces Capital Punishment
On July 6, 2022, it was announced that Demons would no longer face the death penalty if convicted.
November 9, 2022: Demons' Eligibility for Capital Punishment Reinstated
An appellate judge reversed the previous decision on November 9, 2022, making Demons eligible for the death penalty once again.
April 11, 2023: Jury Selection Begins in Demons' Double Murder Case
Jury selection for Demons' double murder trial commenced on April 11, 2023.
June 12, 2023: Melly's Trial Begins
The trial of YNW Melly (Jamell Demons) began on June 12, 2023.
July 22, 2023: Mistrial Declared in Demons' Case
On July 22, 2023, a mistrial was declared in Demons' case due to the jury's inability to reach a unanimous verdict.
September 22, 2023: Demons Denied Bond
Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy denied Demons' request for bond on September 22, 2023, as he awaits a new trial.
October 2, 2023: New Trial Date Set for Demons
A new trial date for Demons was set for October 2, 2023.
January 2024: Retrial Paused
As of January 2024, YNW Melly's retrial is paused and awaiting adjudication for the inclusion of digital evidence.
January 2024: Demons' Trial Put on Hold Indefinitely
In January 2024, Demons' trial was indefinitely postponed after a judge decided to exclude a promotional video about Melly's life from evidence, leading prosecutors to file an appeal.
2024: Release of 'Young New Wave'
In 2024, YNW Melly released his third studio album 'Young New Wave,' which received negative reviews from critics and failed to chart.