50 Cent recently weighed in on YNW Melly’s ongoing legal battle, co-signing the Florida rapper’s decision to shake up his defense team. Melly, who has been incarcerated since 2019 while facing double murder charges, revealed that he fired his previous attorneys after his trial was pushed back until 2027.
The “Murder on My Mind” artist cited a conflict of interest with one of his former lawyers, Raven Liberty, who is reportedly under investigation for witness tampering in connection to his case. In her place, Melly has brought on high-profile attorney Drew Findling, best known for representing Kodak Black, Cardi B, Lil Durk, and even former president Donald Trump.
50 Cent didn’t waste time showing support for the move, posting on Instagram: “Melly gonna fvck around and come home fvcking wit Drew! That’s the right lawyer.” The Queens-bred mogul has long had an eye for calling how courtroom battles in hip hop play out, and his confidence in Melly’s new legal strategy sent waves across social media.
Melly’s frustrations with his lengthy incarceration have been mounting. Earlier this year, he appeared in court and pointed out that he’s been jailed for six years without a conviction, reacting with a self-deprecating laugh: “Damn.”
The 25-year-old, born Jamell Demons, also filed a lawsuit against Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony, claiming the conditions of his confinement are “cruel” and inhumane. Court documents allege that Melly has been denied phone calls and visits with family for more than three years, including his mother. His legal team argues that this level of isolation amounts to “cruel and unusual punishment” and violates his constitutional rights.
Melly is accused of killing his childhood friends Chris “YNW Juvy” Thomas and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams in 2018, allegedly staging the crime to look like a drive-by shooting. His first trial ended in a hung jury, leaving the case unresolved. With Drew Findling now leading his defense, Melly’s camp is hoping for a breakthrough, while 50 Cent and others in the hip hop community are betting his freedom could be closer than expected.