Drake & Kevin Gates Are Latest Rappers To Be Name-Dropped In YNW Melly Double Murder Trial

During Monday's testimony, Juelz Santana, Young Thug, and French Montana were among those referenced.

BYHayley Hynes
DrakeKevinGates

Today (June 27), marks Jamell Demons' ninth day in court amid his double murder trial. At this time, it remains unclear which way the death-qualified jury will lean in the nail-biting case. It could result in the rapper receiving a fatal sentence with a minimum 8-4 vote thanks to new state laws. Demons – better known as YNW Melly – seems calm, confident, and even playful amid proceedings which have been live-streamed by Law & Crime throughout the month.

Much of the focus remains on the 23-year-old and his alleged victims, YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser. Nevertheless, it wouldn't be a true hip-hop trial if other artists weren't also brought into the conversation. Boosie Badazz is the only public figure to set foot in Melly's courtroom so far (though he was arrested on federal charges of his own shortly after). This week, we've been hearing several names referenced during the testimony of undercover Detective Danny Polo. On Monday, he suggested that Juelz Santana is a member of the Bloods while also noting that he's unsure if French Montana is gang-affiliated or not.

Read More: Young Thug, Juelz Santana, French Montana, And Other Rappers Referenced In YNW Melly Murder Trial

YNW Melly's Double Murder Trial Continues to Reference Hip-Hop

The next day, Polo answered questions from YNW Melly's attorney, David A. Howard, regarding two other famous lyricists. The first was Drake, who the gang expert confirmed has made references to violence throughout his songs. Elsewhere the lawyer brought up Kevin Gates' "4:30 AM," on which he raps, "No regrets for the shit I did." As per journalist Bryson "Boom" Paul, Howard replayed a video the prosecution presented of his client reciting the same lyrics.

Being dragged into yet another trial likely isn't how Drake wants to spend his summer. Thankfully, the Canadian has other major projects underway to keep his mind occupied from the drama, such as his It's All A Blur tour and his recently announced For All The Dogs album. See what Drizzy has said about the latter so far at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Drake Announces “For All The Dogs” Album To Accompany New Poetry Book

[Via]

  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
Hayley Hynes
Hayley Hynes is the Weekend Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop, and has been since 2021. She began writing for the website that same year, primarily covering content in the Music, Pop Culture, and Streetwear niches after graduating from Vancouver’s Blanche Macdonald Centre with a Fashion Marketing Diploma. She previously reported on Travel, Entertainment, Beauty, and News at Narcity Canada for over three years. Hayley has also contributed articles and interviews within these realms to Folklr Magazine and the Calgary Journal while studying Journalism at Mount Royal University. In her spare time, she freelances for Bandbox Vinyl, having already interviewed hip-hop icons like Atmosphere and explored Syd’s discography. Hayley also uses her expansive pop culture knowledge and passion for astrology/self-enhancement to help others explore their curiosity in an ongoing Instagram video series. Among her favourite hip-hop artists are A$AP Rocky, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Mac Miller.