What is the net worth of YNW Melly? The rapper’s fortune seems to be sizable despite being in jail. How does he make his money?
From noted collaborator and friend of Kanye West to potentially facing the death penalty, Florida rapper YNW Melly‘s career in the music industry was cut short when he was arrested in 2019.
It’s been over four years since Melly was arrested and accused of murdering YNW Juvy (Christopher Thomas Jr.) and YNW Sakchaser (Anthony D’Andre) and currently, the US rapper is standing trial and rumors spread that his release date might never come as he faces death penalty in a new rule that by the juries.
While he was incarcerated, his hit single “Murder on My Mind” went quadruple platinum, and his fan base has only swelled in size as time has gone on.
How about his finances, is he still rich, does he still make good money while in jail, and how big is his entire fortune? Curious fans should read till the end of this article to know more.
What is YNW Melly’s net worth?
Jamell Maurice Demons, known professionally as YNW Melly, is an American rapper and singer. He is best known for his songs “Murder on My Mind”, “Mixed Personalities”, “Suicidal”, and “223’s”.
He was born on May 1, 1999, in Gifford, Florida, United States.
Amid his legal case, YNW Melly stands among the successful names in the hip-hop industry. His dynamic and often controversial career has generated significant financial gains, resulting in a noticeable increase in his net worth.
So, how much is YNW Melly worth right now? Per Celebrity Net Worth, the rapper’s net worth has decreased and he now has $100 thousand. However, according to a recent evaluation by CAKnowledge, the “Murder on My Mind” artist’s net worth stands at an impressive $5 million US dollars in 2023.
How does YNW Melly make his money?
If he really has a fortune raking in millions, then is intriguing how YNW Melly’s net worth has grown throughout the years, given the unique circumstances surrounding his career. His ascension to wealth can be credited to his musical talent, characterized by a versatile blend of hardcore rap and melodic harmonies that resonate with a large audience.
Another major contributor to YNW Melly’s net worth is the revenue from his album sales. His albums, such as I Am You and Melly vs. Melvin, have been certified Gold by RIAA, amassing millions of streams worldwide. The sales from these albums and the income from digital downloads and online streaming platforms contribute significantly to his net worth.
Despite these challenges, YNW Melly’s net worth remains robust, partly due to alternative revenue streams. The rapper has managed to sustain his net worth through various means, including merchandise sales. His branded merchandise, often sold out in a matter of hours, reveals the commercial clout he holds, even while behind bars.
In addition to merchandise sales, licensing deals have also contributed to Melly’s net worth. His songs have reportedly been used in films and television, generating significant income.
It’s worth noting, however, that Melly’s net worth has been affected by his legal challenges. With a career marred by legal issues, including a high-profile murder case, Melly’s earnings have been somewhat hampered. His incarceration has limited his ability to perform, thus affecting his earning potential. Nevertheless, his music continues to sell, reflecting the loyal fan base he has garnered. Melly has also released music from behind bars, ensuring he still receives income when jailed.
View this post on InstagramWhen will YNW Melly be free? Here’s a case update.
Per Pitchfork, police arrested Melly on Feb. 13, 2019. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for killing two of his friends, YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser. He potentially faces the death penalty.
Another friend, YNW Bortlen, allegedly staged the incident to look like a drive-by shooting, where Bortlen and Melly were lucky to be alive.
Melly is still incarcerated in Florida and even fought off a case of COVID-19 behind bars, per Billboard. However, unlike other prisoners who were allowed to leave prison facilities due to COVID threats at the height of the pandemic, he was denied release.
Jury selection for Melly’s case began in April 2023, and the trial is expected to begin sometime in June. Although the death penalty was initially dropped in July 2022, per XXL Magazine, it was proposed again a few months later. And while the death penalty is rarely used to punish an offender for their crimes (only 1,363 executions in the U.S. have been conducted through lethal injection since 1976), it seems more of a possibility in Melly’s murder case.
On June 5, 2023, XXL Magazine confirmed that Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy voted in favor of implementing a new rule that allows juries to recommend the death penalty with an 8-4 vote. Previously, the court required that all 12 jurors agreed on the punishment. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was one to back the statute following the verdict in Parkland High School shooter Nikolas Cruz’s case.
While court proceedings have taken quite a while to come to fruition, it’s clear that the rapper still believes that he’s innocent and thinks that he will be a free man by the end of 2023. In May 2023, Melly shared a photo of him appearing in court via Instagram with the hashtag #YnwMellyHome2023. The post received significant support from his fans and followers, many of which pleaded for his freedom.
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