Kendrick Lamar said YNW Melly this time, no subliminals.
The incarcerated Florida rapper shared his reaction to his name being mentioned in a punchline on Kendrick’s new diss track toward Drake, “Euphoria.” In the song, Kendrick references YNW Melly and his case in the line: “The crown is heavy. I pray they are my real friends/ But if not, I’m YNW Melly.”
Melly released a statement exclusively to TMZ on Tuesday evening (April 30) regarding the reference. He said: “Kendrick Lamar is one of my favorite rappers so I feel honored and appalled … I’m a household name — just for the wrong s**t!!!”
In March, Melly alleged his name was referred to on Kendrick’s “Like That” verse. After the song was released, a comment expressing disbelief was shared on Melly’s Instagram account. Tagging Kendrick, it read: “Wasn’t ready for this stray @kendricklamar [person talking and man facepalming emoji] you gone at least share my single today [man shrugging emoji].”
YNW Melly, real name Jamell Demons, is currently awaiting retrial on capital murder charges relating to the October 2018 shooting deaths of his two best friends, Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams. The first trial was declared a mistrial in July 2023.
YNW Melly has been held without bond in Broward County Jail since 2019 but remains one of the biggest names in hip-hop. In March, his debut single surpassed a billion streams on Spotify. Last month, he released his latest album, Young New Wave, featuring Toosii, Breezlyyn, and Melly’s young brother, YNW BSlime.
Rappers who supported YNW Melly with “Free Melly” chants include Fredo Bang, Young Thug, Trippie Redd, Meek Mill, Lil Durk, and Boosie Badazz.