Yella Beezy Arrested in Connection to 2020 Murder of Rapper MO3
Dallas rapper Yella Beezy, known for his hit single "That’s On Me," has been arrested and charged in connection with the 2020 shooting death of fellow rapper MO3. The arrest marks a significant development in the long-unresolved case, sending shockwaves through the hip-hop community and raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding MO3’s tragic death.
Markies Conway, the 33-year-old artist known as Yella Beezy, was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon and booked into the Dallas County Jail. The arrest followed the issuance of a warrant based on an indictment by a grand jury, accusing Beezy of felony murder in the death of MO3, whose real name was Melvin Noble.
The charges against Beezy escalate the situation beyond suspicion, formally implicating him in a carefully orchestrated plan to eliminate MO3. The indictment alleges that Beezy engaged in a capital murder while receiving remuneration, indicating that he intentionally and knowingly participated in the death of MO3 by hiring Kewon White to carry out the act in exchange for payment or the promise of future compensation.
According to the indictment, Kewon White, acting on the agreement with Beezy, intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Melvin Noble by shooting him with a firearm. The allegations paint a picture of a calculated act of violence motivated by financial incentives, placing Yella Beezy at the center of a conspiracy to commit murder.
Kewon White was apprehended a month after the shooting that claimed MO3’s life. While not directly charged with the rapper’s murder at that time, he was convicted and is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence on firearm charges connected to the incident. The connection between White and MO3’s death has long been suspected, but the recent indictment of Yella Beezy suggests that authorities believe White was acting on Beezy’s orders.
The murder of MO3 took place on November 11, 2020, during a brazen midday shooting on a Dallas highway. Initial reports from police detailed a chaotic scene where the suspect, described as an adult Black male, exited a dark sedan armed with a firearm and approached MO3. The rapper, attempting to evade the assailant, exited his vehicle and began running southbound on the highway.
The suspect, now identified as Kewon White, pursued MO3, firing multiple shots. MO3 was struck multiple times and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The shocking event underscored the escalating violence that has plagued the hip-hop world, raising concerns about safety and the potential for deadly feuds.
Tragically, an innocent bystander was also caught in the crossfire. An adult male, who was sitting in a separate car, was struck by gunfire. While he was also transported to an area hospital, his injuries were described as non-life-threatening, a small silver lining in an otherwise devastating event.
The death of MO3, who was only 28 years old at the time, sent ripples of grief throughout the music industry. MO3 had carved a name for himself with his unique blend of street-wise lyrics and melodic hooks, earning a loyal following and collaborating with prominent artists. His death marked a significant loss for the Dallas rap scene and the hip-hop community as a whole.
Yella Beezy’s career trajectory began in his teenage years when he began releasing his own mixtapes, showcasing his lyrical skills and developing his signature sound. His breakthrough arrived with the 2017 mixtape "Lite Work, Vol. 2," which featured the song "That’s On Me."
"That’s On Me" proved to be a breakout hit for Yella Beezy, catapulting him into the national spotlight. The trap track gained significant traction, peaking at No. 25 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and cracking the Hot 100 chart at No. 56. The success of the song led to a star-studded remix in 2018, featuring appearances from 2 Chainz, T.I., Rich the Kid, Jeezy, Boosie Badazz, and Trapboy Freddie, solidifying Yella Beezy’s position in the hip-hop mainstream.
In recent years, Yella Beezy continued to build his career, collaborating with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Young Thug, and Gunna. His collaborations showcased his versatility as an artist and further expanded his reach to diverse audiences. Beezy’s last album, "Bad Azz Yella Boy," was released in August 2022, demonstrating his commitment to his craft even amidst personal and legal challenges.
The arrest of Yella Beezy has cast a shadow over his music career, raising questions about the future of his artistic endeavors. The serious charges he faces could potentially lead to significant prison time if convicted, effectively ending his career. The ongoing legal proceedings are sure to draw intense scrutiny from the media and the public, adding further pressure to the already complex situation.
The case against Yella Beezy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and consequences associated with violence in the hip-hop world. The allegations of a contract killing highlight the dark side of the music industry and the lengths to which individuals may go to settle disputes or gain financial advantage. As the legal proceedings unfold, the hip-hop community and fans alike will be closely watching to see how justice is served and what the long-term implications will be for all those involved. The arrest and charges brought against Yella Beezy mark a pivotal moment in this tragic saga, leaving many to wonder how this chapter will ultimately conclude.
