Chicago drill music has produced countless voices, but few have left a mark like 051 Melly. His life was a blend of raw talent, street affiliations, and a tragic end that still echoes across the drill community today. Whether you’re a fan of the genre, a follower of Chicago culture, or just curious about the stories behind viral tracks, 051 Melly’s journey is one you’ll want to understand. In this post, we’ll dive into who he was, how he got involved with 051 Young Money, and why his death still sparks conversations online and in real life.

So, why does 051 Melly matter today? For one, he was more than just a drill rapper — he was a real-life figure caught in the middle of Chicago’s complex gang dynamics and music scene. His lyrics often reflected the gritty reality of life in the city’s South Side, and his affiliations added layers to his public image. His story isn’t just about music; it’s about identity, loyalty, and the risks that come with both.

Now, if you’ve come across the name “051 Melly” online, you’ve probably seen it linked to terms like “051 Young Money,” “Chiraq hits,” or even “Squid Game” references. We’ll explain all of that — and more — in the sections below. But first, let’s start with the basics: who was 051 Melly?

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Table of Contents

• Biography: The Life of 051 Melly
• 051 Young Money and Gang Ties
• 051 Melly’s Music Career and Impact
• The Tragic Death of 051 Melly
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography: The Life of 051 Melly

051 Melly, whose real name was Yarmel Williams, was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. He grew up in an environment where music and street life often intertwined. Though not much is publicly known about his early childhood, his teenage years were shaped by the culture of drill music and the influence of local street groups.

He attended DuSable High School, a place that helped connect him with other young artists in the area. That’s also where he started gaining recognition — not just for his music, but for the circles he ran in. By the time he was in his late teens, Melly had become a known figure in the local drill scene and was slowly becoming more visible in the broader Chicago underground music world.

Here’s a quick snapshot of who 051 Melly was:

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051 Young Money and Gang Ties

051 Melly’s connection to 051 Young Money — often abbreviated as 051YM — played a big role in shaping his public image. 051YM isn’t just a music group; it’s a street set rooted in Chicago’s complex gang structure. The gang is made up of members from different factions, including the Maniac Cobras, Gangster Disciples, and Black P Stones.

So, how did a young rapper become part of this world? According to reports and online discussions, Melly started hanging around 51st and Cottage Grove — a known hot spot for 051YM. He wasn’t just repping the name for clout; he was considered a full-fledged member, and that came with risks. Some people online questioned how a Black Disciple (BD) could align with a group that had GD (Gangster Disciple) members, given the usual tensions between those factions. Yet, that’s exactly what Melly did.

His affiliations were a point of debate. Some fans and followers thought it was all for show. Others believed he was deeply involved. Either way, it shaped his music, his persona, and, ultimately, his fate.

051 Melly’s Music Career and Impact

Melly’s music was raw, direct, and filled with references to his life on the South Side. Tracks like “Keep in Mind” and “DeAndre26” gave listeners a glimpse into his world. He wasn’t just rhyming for fun — his lyrics were reflections of real experiences, friendships, and conflicts.

He was part of a wave of young drill artists who were redefining Chicago’s underground scene. His style blended aggression with emotion, and he wasn’t afraid to talk about the realities of life in his neighborhood. He even got into a notable beef with OTF (Only The Family), a group led by King Von and later by others after his death.

Despite his short time in the spotlight, 051 Melly built a following that still talks about him today. His name comes up on forums like r/ChiraqHits, where fans and critics alike dissect his music, life, and legacy. He was also mentioned in some deep cuts about NBA YoungBoy’s beef, showing just how interconnected the drill world is across cities.

The Tragic Death of 051 Melly

051 Melly’s life came to a sudden and tragic end over Labor Day weekend in 2021. He was shot and killed at a party on the South Side, a loss that shocked fans and fellow artists. The incident was more than just a headline — it was another reminder of how quickly life can change in the world he lived in.

Video footage from the event shows the moment of the shooting. A person wearing a black hat and black clothing — later identified as the shooter — appears to reach to the left at around the 0:10 mark before the shot is fired. The footage circulated online, adding to the emotional impact of his death.

His passing didn’t just affect those who knew him personally. It also left a mark on the drill community. Tributes poured in from fans, and his music gained even more attention in the weeks and months that followed. Some people even started referring to other gang members with big bounties or bonds as “walking $100k” — a nod to how much his crew was willing to pay to get one of their own out of jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was 051 Melly affiliated with?

051 Melly was a member of 051 Young Money, a Chicago-based set that includes members from various factions like the Maniac Cobras, Gangster Disciples, and Black P Stones. Though he was originally aligned with Black Disciples, his association with 051YM blurred some traditional gang lines.

How did 051 Melly die?

051 Melly was shot and killed over Labor Day weekend in 2021 at a party on the South Side of Chicago. The incident was captured on video, and the footage quickly spread online, sparking discussions and tributes.

What was 051 Melly’s role in Chicago drill?

051 Melly was a rising figure in Chicago’s underground drill scene. His music often reflected his real-life experiences and affiliations. Though his career was short, his impact on fans and fellow artists remains strong even after his passing.

If you want to explore more about Chicago drill culture, check out our page on Chicago drill music. For more stories about artists like 051 Melly, be sure to follow our blog and stay updated with the latest posts.

Want to understand more about the world of Chicago drill and its artists? Learn more about drill culture and how it shapes the lives of young artists across the city. You might also be interested in the history of Chicago gangs for a deeper context behind some of the affiliations you’ll hear referenced in the music.