051 Melly wasn’t just another name in the Chicago drill scene—he was a figure whose presence echoed through the streets of the city’s South Side. Born Jamell Maurice Demons, the 27-year-old rapper and gang affiliate was known by many names: 051 Melly, Melly, and sometimes simply as “Grave Digger.” His life came to a tragic end on Labor Day weekend in 2019 when he was shot multiple times during a party in the West Woodlawn neighborhood. His story, though brief, left a mark on both the drill music world and the complex, often dangerous world of Chicago’s gang affiliations.

For those who followed his journey, 051 Melly’s rise was as much about raw talent as it was about survival. His ties to the 051 Young Money gang—also known as Looseskrews and Youngmoneyians—put him in the middle of a world where loyalty, violence, and music often intersected. His obituary isn’t just a reflection of his death—it’s a window into the harsh realities of street life, the allure of drill culture, and the tragic consequences that come with it.

So, who was 051 Melly, really? What led to his downfall? And why does his story still resonate years after his passing? Let’s dive into the life, death, and legacy of a young man whose name became a symbol of both talent and turmoil in the heart of Chicago.

• Anthony Edwards Young

Table of Contents

• 051 Melly: A Brief Biography
• Early Life and Background
• Rise in the Drill Scene
• Ties to 051 Young Money Gang
• The Tragic End: 051 Melly’s Death
• Legacy and Cultural Impact
• Frequently Asked Questions

051 Melly: A Brief Biography

Here’s a quick look at who 051 Melly was:

Early Life and Background

Jamell Maurice Demons grew up in the rough neighborhoods of Chicago, where street life was more than just a backdrop—it was a daily reality. He was born on November 19, 1991, and from a young age, he was exposed to the kind of environment that often shapes the choices people make later in life. The South Side of Chicago, particularly around 51st Street and Cottage Grove, is known for its tight-knit but often dangerous gang culture.

051 Melly wasn’t just a bystander in that world. He was part of it. His early years were marked by his association with the 051 Young Money gang, a group that includes factions like the Renegade Mickey Cobras, Black P, Stones, and Gangster Disciples. While many kids his age were focused on school or sports, Melly was carving out a name for himself in a world that demanded loyalty, respect, and sometimes, violence.

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It’s hard to say exactly what drew him into that life, but for many young people in that part of the city, it’s often a mix of survival and identity. He found a sense of belonging in the 051 Young Money gang, and that sense of community—flawed as it was—became a big part of who he was.

Rise in the Drill Scene

By the time he was in his mid-20s, 051 Melly had made a name for himself in the Chicago drill music scene. Drill music, which originated on the city’s South Side, is known for its gritty lyrics, raw storytelling, and often, real-life references to gang life. Melly’s music was no different. His tracks were filled with references to street life, loyalty, and the dangers that came with it.

He wasn’t the only rapper to come out of the drill scene, but he stood out for his authenticity. His music wasn’t just for show—it was a reflection of his lived experiences. That’s why fans connected with him. Even if they didn’t live the same life, they could feel the emotion in his lyrics.

Melly worked with other notable artists in the scene, including King Von and Lil Reese. His collaborations and features helped solidify his reputation as more than just a gang member with a mic—he was a legitimate artist with something to say. His cousin, who also rapped under the 051 name, continued to speak about him after his death, keeping his memory alive through music and interviews.

Ties to 051 Young Money Gang

The 051 Young Money gang, also known as YM or Looseskrews, is more than just a street organization—it’s a network of individuals bound by loyalty, history, and often, blood. The gang is based in the area around 51st Street and Cottage Grove in Chicago and includes members from various factions like the Maniac Cobras, Gangster Disciples, and Black P.

For Melly, being part of 051 Young Money wasn’t just about protection or status—it was about identity. The group was known for its intense rivalries, especially with other gangs like 007 and EBK (EveryBody Killa). These rivalries often played out in music, with rappers referencing real-life beefs in their lyrics.

Travis Scott (a Chicago drill insider) once filmed a video where Melly was seen at a party just before his death. That footage later became a key piece in understanding the events that led to his murder. The tensions between rival gangs were high at the time, and Melly’s presence at a gathering in Jaro City, a nod to another faction, might have put him in the crosshairs of enemies.

His death was captured on camera, and it sparked a wave of reactions across social media and within the drill community. Many of his peers, including 051 Kiddo and 051 Drilla, spoke out about the tragedy, highlighting the ongoing cycle of violence that often defines gang life in Chicago.

The Tragic End: 051 Melly’s Death

On September 2, 2019, during a Labor Day weekend party in the West Woodlawn neighborhood, 051 Melly was shot multiple times and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The shooting was captured on video, and the footage showed Melly reaching to his left at around the 0:10 mark—just before the shots rang out. The incident was linked to tensions between rival gangs, and reports suggest that 007 Nate was involved in the shooting.

His death wasn’t just a local tragedy—it was a moment that rippled through the drill community and beyond. Fans, fellow artists, and even casual observers felt the weight of his passing. For many, it was a reminder of the real-world consequences that often lie behind the lyrics of drill music.

Melly’s cousin, who continues to rap under the 051 name, spoke about his legacy in interviews and on social media. The bond between them was clear, and his cousin often reflects on the impact Melly had on both the music scene and the lives of those who knew him personally.

Even years later, fans still remember him. On the fourth anniversary of his death, many took to social media to honor him, posting clips of his music and sharing memories of the young man who lived fast, rapped loud, and died too soon.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

051 Melly’s legacy is complicated. On one hand, he was a talented rapper who helped shape the Chicago drill scene. On the other, he was deeply embedded in a world of gang violence that ultimately led to his death. His story isn’t unique, but it’s one that continues to resonate.

His music lives on, with tracks like “Grave Digger” and “RIP Melly” serving as tributes to his life and career. Fellow artists like King Von, who respected him despite being on opposite sides of the gang divide, spoke highly of him in interviews before Von’s own tragic death in 2020.

His death also highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding gang violence in Chicago. The 051 Young Money gang, like many others, is part of a larger network of affiliations and rivalries that continue to shape the city’s streets. Melly’s obituary is more than just a record of his passing—it’s a reflection of a culture, a lifestyle, and a community that’s often misunderstood by those outside of it.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Who was 051 Melly?

051 Melly was the stage name of Jamell Maurice Demons, a Chicago-based rapper and gang member affiliated with the 051 Young Money gang. He was known for his role in the drill music scene and his ties to the local gang culture.

How did 051 Melly die?

051 Melly was shot multiple times during a party in the West Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago on September 2, 2019. He later died from his injuries. The shooting was captured on video and linked to gang-related tensions.

What gang was 051 Melly part of?

051 Melly was affiliated with the 051 Young Money gang, also known as Looseskrews and Youngmoneyians. The gang is based in Chicago and includes members from various factions like the Maniac Cobras, Gangster Disciples, and Black P.

If you're looking to understand the deeper roots of Chicago's gang culture, Learn more about the history of Chicago gangs on our site.

For a more personal look at Melly’s life and music, learn about his rise in the drill scene and how his legacy continues to influence today’s artists.