Yella Beezy, the Texas-based rapper best known for his breakout trap hit "That's On Me," has been arrested in connection with the 2020 shooting death of fellow rapper MO3. The 33-year-old artist, born Markies Conway, was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon and booked into the Dallas County Jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to jail and court records obtained by USA TODAY.
The arrest comes just two days after Beezy was formally charged with felony murder by a grand jury in the death of MO3, whose real name was Melvin Noble. The fatal shooting occurred on November 11, 2020, during a midday altercation on a Dallas highway.
The Charges Against Yella Beezy
The grand jury indicted Beezy on Tuesday on a charge of "capital murder while remuneration," alleging that the rapper "intentionally and knowingly" participated in Noble's death by hiring Kewon White to carry out the killing. According to the indictment, Beezy allegedly paid White and promised him additional compensation for the murder.
The indictment states, "Pursuant to said agreement, Kewon White did then and there intentionally and knowingly cause the death of (Noble) by shooting (him) with (a) firearm."
Kewon White, the alleged shooter, was arrested a month after MO3's death and is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence for firearm charges related to the incident, as reported by Dallas outlets KDFW and WFAA.
The Day of the Shooting
According to police reports obtained by USA TODAY, the tragic incident unfolded on a Dallas highway. MO3, who was 28 at the time, exited his stationary vehicle and began running southbound on the highway after a dark sedan pulled up nearby. The suspect, later identified as Kewon White, exited his car armed with a firearm and chased MO3, firing multiple shots.
MO3 was struck by gunfire and transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Tragically, an innocent bystander—an adult male sitting in a separate vehicle—was also struck by gunfire. The second victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Yella Beezy's Rise to Fame
Born Markies Conway, Yella Beezy began his music career as a teenager, releasing his own mixtapes and steadily building a local following. His breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of his mixtape Lite Work, Vol. 2, which featured the hit single "That's On Me." The track peaked at No. 25 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached No. 56 on the Hot 100.
The 2018 remix of "That's On Me" further solidified Beezy's place in the hip-hop scene, featuring collaborations with heavyweights like 2 Chainz, T.I., Rich the Kid, Jeezy, Boosie Badazz, and Trapboy Freddie. Over the years, Beezy has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Young Thug, and Gunna.
His most recent album, Bad Azz Yella Boy, was released in August 2022 and showcased his signature trap sound and gritty lyrical style.
The Fallout and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest of Yella Beezy marks a significant development in a case that has gripped the hip-hop community since MO3's untimely death. MO3, whose real name was Melvin Noble, was a rising star in the Dallas rap scene, known for his collaborations with artists like Boosie Badazz and his unique blend of Southern hip-hop and R&B influences.
As the legal proceedings unfold, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the alleged involvement of Yella Beezy. The rapper's representatives have yet to comment on the charges, and the Dallas County Sheriff's Department has not released additional details about the case.
A Tragic Loss for the Hip-Hop Community
The death of MO3 sent shockwaves through the music industry, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence within the hip-hop community. Fans and fellow artists mourned the loss of a talented artist whose career was cut short.
As Yella Beezy faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the devastating impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities.
The hip-hop world now watches closely as the legal process unfolds, hoping for justice while reflecting on the tragic loss of two artists whose lives and careers were intertwined in ways no one could have anticipated.