The rapper YNW Melly, who is facing two counts of first-degree murder, has not let his incarceration stop him from releasing new music. Even though Melly has been in jail since 2019, she has released many songs and a whole album called “Just a Matter of Slime.” The album includes collaborations with famous artists. How does he do it? And what are the implications of his musical activity?
The Methods
Melly has access to basic recording equipment in his cell, such as a microphone and a computer. He can record his vocals and send them to his team outside, who handle the production and release of his music. His team consists of his management, his label, and his sound engineers, who work together to polish his tracks and distribute them to streaming platforms and social media.
Melly also uses his phone to collaborate with other artists, such as Young Thug, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert, who appear on his latest album. He spends hours on the phone, discussing features, beats, lyrics, and overall production. He also communicates with his fans via phone, posting updates and snippets of his music on Instagram.
Some of the music Melly releases may have been recorded before his arrest, giving him a backlog of material to work with. However, most of his recent music seems to reflect his current situation, as he raps about his legal troubles, his mental state, and his hopes for freedom.
The Challenges
Melly faces several challenges and limitations in creating music in prison. One of them is the lack of creative freedom and inspiration. Prison life is not conducive to artistic expression, as Melly has to deal with harsh conditions, strict rules, and limited resources. He also has to cope with the stress and uncertainty of his trial, which could result in a life sentence or even the death penalty.
Another challenge is the legal complexity of making music in prison. Melly does not own the rights to his music, as he signed a deal with 300 Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, in 2018. This means that he does not have full control over his music, and he may not receive all the royalties and profits from his work. Moreover, there are ethical and legal questions about whether inmates should be allowed to profit from their art, especially if they are convicted of serious crimes.
A third challenge is the quality of his recordings. Melly does not have access to professional studio equipment, which may affect the sound and reception of his music. He has to rely on his team to enhance and mix his vocals with the instrumentals. He also has to deal with background noises and interruptions from his cellmates and guards, which may disrupt his recording sessions.
The Impact
Despite these challenges, Melly’s music has a significant impact on his fans, his peers, and himself. His music maintains his connection with his fanbase, who support him and stream his songs. He remains relevant in the music industry by collaborating with popular and influential artists of his generation. His music also serves as a platform for him to express himself and his emotions, as he vents his frustrations, fears, and hopes through his lyrics.
However, his music also raises ethical and social issues, as some people may question the morality and justice of his musical activity. Some people say that Melly is using his situation for attention and pity. They think he is making violence and crime seem impressive with his music. Others say that Melly doesn’t deserve to be famous or rich. They think he should concentrate on getting better and taking responsibility instead of making music.
The Conclusion
YNW Melly is a rapper who continues to make music while in prison, facing two counts of first-degree murder. He uses simple recording equipment, collaborates over the phone, and uses pre-recorded material to create and share his music with his team’s help. He deals with challenges like creative restrictions, legal issues, and quality concerns. But he also has a big influence on his fans, his peers, and himself. His controversial music raises ethical and social questions about inmates profiting from their art.
