Jamell Maurice Demons, known professionally as YNW Melly, was born on May 1, 1999, in Gifford, Florida. Raised by his mother, Jamie Demons-King, who gave birth to him when she was just 14, Melly grew up in a challenging environment marked by financial struggles and community hardships. Despite limited resources, his mother worked hard to provide a better life for her children. Melly discovered music at an early age, using it as an outlet to express pain and hope amid turbulent surroundings.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jamell Maurice Demons |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | YNW Melly |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1999 |
| Age (2025) | 26 years old |
| Birthplace | Gifford, Florida, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $4 – $5 million |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Mother | Jamie Demons-King |
| Siblings | YNW BSlime (brother), Sister (name undisclosed) |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Age and Early Background
As of 2025, YNW Melly is 26 years old. His zodiac sign is Taurus, which is often associated with creativity and persistence traits evident in his approach to music. From his teenage years, Melly showed remarkable ambition, writing and recording songs that reflected his life experiences. His early exposure to rap legends like Lil Wayne and Eminem inspired him to experiment with melodic rap, a style that would later define his success.
Height and Physical Appearance
One of the most searched questions about the artist is “How tall is YNW Melly?” According to credible sources, Melly stands around 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall. While some fan pages list slightly different figures from 5′9″ to even 5′2″ the consensus settles near 5′8″. He reportedly weighs about 70 kilograms (154 pounds), maintaining a slim yet athletic build. His trademark look includes tightly braided hair, expressive eyes, and tattoos that hold deep personal meanings, symbolizing his struggles, losses, and aspirations.
Family and Personal Life
Family has always played an important role in Melly’s journey. His mother, Jamie Demons-King, remains a strong supporter of his music career, often sharing updates about her son on social media. His younger brother, YNW BSlime (real name Brandon King), is also an emerging rapper who started releasing music at a young age. Melly also has a sister, though she stays largely out of the public eye. Despite a difficult upbringing, family bonds have remained central to his identity and are often reflected in his lyrics.
Career Beginnings
YNW Melly began recording music in his teens, posting tracks on SoundCloud that gained attention in his local scene. In 2018, his breakout hit “Murder on My Mind” propelled him into mainstream recognition. The song, characterized by its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, resonated with audiences worldwide. Following this success, he released mixtapes like I Am You and We All Shine, the latter featuring a collaboration with Kanye West on the track “Mixed Personalities.” His music blends emotional storytelling with trap influences, setting him apart from other artists in the genre.
Rise to Fame
By late 2018, YNW Melly was being recognized as one of rap’s most promising young artists. His single Murder on My Mind peaked on the Billboard Hot 100, earning him global attention. The release of Melly vs. Melvin in 2019 solidified his status as a commercial artist. The album showcased his duality the battle between his softer, melodic side (Melly) and his darker alter ego (Melvin). His work gained praise for emotional depth and raw honesty, characteristics that struck a chord with Gen Z listeners.
Legal Challenges and Controversy
In February 2019, Melly was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, accused of being involved in the deaths of two close friends and fellow rappers. The case drew massive media coverage and divided fans worldwide. Despite ongoing legal challenges, Melly’s music continues to stream millions of plays monthly, a testament to his enduring fanbase. As of 2025, his legal status remains uncertain, with trials and appeals still in progress. His situation reflects the complex intersection between artistry, fame, and personal choices.
Lifestyle and Net Worth
Even with his legal setbacks, YNW Melly has maintained a significant cultural footprint. His estimated net worth ranges between $4 million and $5 million, based on streaming royalties, record sales, and merchandise. Before incarceration, Melly enjoyed a lavish lifestyle typical of rising rap stars luxury cars, jewelry, designer fashion, and high-end collaborations. His connection with 300 Entertainment helped him secure major label exposure. While his physical freedom is limited, his brand continues to generate revenue, managed by his team and family.
Social Media Presence
Melly’s social media following remains strong. His Instagram (@ynwmelly) has millions of followers, where posts often celebrate milestones, fan art, and personal messages. His YouTube channel continues to attract millions of views, with fans streaming his older tracks and discovering unreleased snippets. On Twitter (X), updates about his music and court proceedings keep fans engaged. Even from behind bars, Melly’s digital presence has helped preserve his legacy in the rap industry.
Personality and Influence
Known for his charisma and emotional transparency, YNW Melly’s artistry resonates deeply with younger audiences. His music explores themes of loyalty, pain, love, and betrayal, offering a rare vulnerability in hip-hop. Despite controversies, Melly’s storytelling ability has been compared to artists like Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion figures who blended melody with melancholy. His dual persona of Melly vs. Melvin mirrors his inner conflicts, symbolizing the light and dark within every artist.
Fun Facts
- The acronym “YNW” stands for Young Nigga World or Young New Wave, depending on interpretation.
- His breakout song Murder on My Mind was written years before his legal troubles began.
- His younger brother YNW BSlime was only 12 when he released his first single, inspired by Melly.
- Melly has cited artists like Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Michael Jackson as musical influences.
- He often uses vivid imagery in lyrics, a trait that has drawn comparisons to storytellers like Tupac Shakur.
Physical and Artistic Traits
Beyond height and weight, YNW Melly’s appearance is part of his personal brand. His diamond grills, expressive tattoos, and bold fashion sense set him apart visually. Melly’s voice high-pitched yet soulful adds emotional weight to his tracks, making him stand out in an era of autotuned rap. His artistic identity balances street realism with emotional introspection.
Legacy and Impact
Regardless of legal outcomes, YNW Melly has left an undeniable mark on modern rap. His music bridges vulnerability and aggression, reflecting the realities of young artists navigating fame. The combination of talent, controversy, and raw storytelling makes him a fascinating figure in contemporary hip-hop. Many fans believe his full potential remains untapped and hope to see him return to the studio soon.
Conclusion
YNW Melly’s story is one of contrasts from poverty to fame, from freedom to confinement, and from street life to artistic acclaim. Standing around 5′8″ tall and aged 26, he embodies both the promise and peril of modern rap culture. His legacy continues to evolve through his music, his family’s efforts, and his enduring connection with fans. In a world that often measures artists by numbers and statistics, YNW Melly stands taller for the emotions he evokes and the honesty he brings to his art.
FAQs
How tall is YNW Melly?
YNW Melly is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall.
What is YNW Melly’s age?
He was born on May 1, 1999, making him 26 years old in 2025.
What is YNW Melly’s estimated net worth?
His net worth is believed to be between $4 million and $5 million.
Who are YNW Melly’s family members?
His mother is Jamie Demons-King, and his younger brother is rapper YNW BSlime.
What are YNW Melly’s most popular songs?
His most famous tracks include “Murder on My Mind,” “Mixed Personalities,” and “Suicidal.”
