Markies Conway, known professionally as Yella Beezy, is a name that has resonated in Southern hip-hop for years. At 33 years old, the Dallas rapper, singer, and songwriter has built a net worth of approximately $2 million. Rising from the streets of Oak Cliff, Texas, Yella Beezy carved out a space for himself in the competitive world of trap and Southern rap. But while his career soared with breakout hits and collaborations with industry giants, legal troubles have constantly threatened to derail his success. In 2025, the stakes rose dramatically with a capital murder charge that could change his life—and his legacy—forever.
How Did Yella Beezy’s Early Life Shape His Music Career?
Growing up in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas wasn’t easy for Conway. At just 12 years old, he tragically lost his father to gun violence. This personal tragedy became a turning point, pushing him toward music as both an emotional release and a way to rise above his circumstances. Yella Beezy began hustling in the Dallas-Fort Worth rap scene during his teenage years, dropping independent mixtapes like “Lite Work,” “Broke Nights Rich Days,” and “Goin Through Some Thangs.”
These early projects, while largely regional at first, showed his knack for authentic storytelling and gritty trap beats. Over time, Beezy’s hustle paid off, creating a loyal local following and laying the groundwork for national exposure.
What Sparked Yella Beezy’s Breakout into the Mainstream?
Yella Beezy’s life changed with the release of his 2017 single “That’s On Me.” The track, with its infectious hook and heavy Southern bounce, first dominated Dallas-area clubs and radio stations. Without major label backing, the song climbed organically through streaming platforms and word-of-mouth buzz, reflecting a shift in how rap stars were breaking into the mainstream.
Eventually, “That’s On Me” peaked at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, bringing Beezy national attention. The song’s success also caught the ears of hip-hop heavyweights, leading to a star-studded remix featuring T.I., 2 Chainz, and Boosie Badazz.
Soon after, Beezy was opening for Beyoncé and Jay-Z during their Dallas stop on the “On the Run II” tour— a major moment that expanded his audience far beyond Texas.
How Did Yella Beezy Maintain His Momentum?
Following his breakthrough, Yella Beezy continued to deliver chart-friendly singles that resonated with both Southern rap fans and mainstream listeners. His collaborations with big-name artists helped solidify his spot in the industry. Tracks like “Bacc at It Again” featuring Quavo and Gucci Mane, and “Restroom Occupied” alongside Chris Brown, showcased Beezy’s ability to blend street credibility with commercial appeal.
What made Beezy’s rise distinctive was his independent approach. He prioritized building his brand organically and remained rooted in Dallas, never fully conforming to the industry’s typical major-label model. His signature drawl and trap-centric lyrics earned him praise for keeping Dallas relevant in an industry often dominated by cities like Atlanta and Houston.
What Legal Troubles Have Plagued Yella Beezy’s Career?
Despite musical success, Yella Beezy’s career has been marked by legal challenges. In 2018, he survived a shooting during an attempted drive-by, which only heightened public fascination with his street-oriented persona.
More serious legal issues followed. In 2021, Beezy faced troubling charges, including sexual assault and child endangerment, though some were later dropped or reduced. Yet, it wasn’t just criminal cases making headlines. In July 2024, Beezy and Chris Brown were hit with a staggering $50 million lawsuit. Filed by attorney Tony Buzbee on behalf of four men, the suit alleged that Beezy and Brown’s entourage brutally assaulted individuals backstage at a Fort Worth concert. Court filings described a shocking incident where Beezy allegedly followed Brown’s orders to attack one of the men, leading to hospitalizations.
What Do We Know About Yella Beezy’s 2025 Capital Murder Charge?
On March 21, 2025, Yella Beezy was officially charged with capital murder in connection to the 2020 killing of fellow Dallas rapper Mo3 (Melvin Noble). Authorities allege that Conway orchestrated the hit, hiring Kevin Dontrell White to execute the murder on a busy Texas interstate.
According to prosecutors, White ambushed Noble, shooting him multiple times in the back as he attempted to flee. While White is already serving a nine-year prison sentence on weapons charges related to the killing, newly surfaced evidence allegedly ties Conway directly to the murder plot.
The Dallas County grand jury formally indicted Conway on March 19, 2025. The following day, he was arrested and held without bond in Dallas County Jail. If convicted, Texas law could see Conway sentenced to life without parole—or even the death penalty.
How Is the Hip-Hop Community Reacting to Yella Beezy’s Current Situation?
The news has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, particularly in Dallas, where both Beezy and Mo3 were influential figures. While rumors of tensions between the two circulated in local rap circles for years, few anticipated the alleged involvement of Beezy in orchestrating such a violent act.
Fans and fellow artists are now left grappling with a complicated narrative: Beezy as both a hometown hero who put Dallas rap on the map and a figure whose legal troubles increasingly overshadow his musical contributions.
What’s Next for Yella Beezy?
As of now, Beezy’s future hangs in the balance. His capital murder case could define not just his personal freedom but also his musical legacy. Prior to these charges, he was widely regarded as one of the key voices maintaining Dallas’s cultural influence in hip-hop.
Whether he is remembered primarily for his musical talent or his criminal allegations may depend heavily on what unfolds in the courtroom over the coming months.
