A Dallas rapper faces trial in a capital murder case amid controversy over whether his song lyrics should be admitted as evidence. Markies Conway, known professionally as Yella Beezy, is accused of orchestrating the killing of fellow Dallas rapper Melvin Noble, who performed under the name MO3. Noble was fatally shot in an ambush on Interstate 35 in Dallas in November 2020.
Authorities allege that Conway hired a hitman to carry out the attack following years of public disputes between the two artists. Video footage from the incident shows a gunman exiting a vehicle, chasing Noble, and firing multiple shots with a high-capacity rifle. The alleged shooter, Kewon White, was arrested several weeks later. Conway himself was charged last year after a grand jury indictment, along with two associates who have been named as co-conspirators.
The legal battle includes a significant debate over the use of rap lyrics at trial. Conway’s defense team has filed motions seeking to exclude song lyrics, arguing that they are artistic expressions not intended to be taken literally and that their introduction could unfairly bias the jury. They contend that the lyrics are protected speech under the First Amendment and highlight an expert witness who testified that rap music often involves role-playing and fictional storytelling rather than factual admissions of conduct.
University of Richmond professor Erik Nielson, who specializes in the intersection of rap and law, testified that such lyrics can mislead jurors and distract from actual evidence. He noted that public feuds between rappers are frequently strategic attempts to increase attention and commercial success, citing the well-known rivalry between artists Kendrick Lamar and Drake as an example. According to Nielson, lesser-known acts like MO3 often initiate conflicts with better-known performers like Yella Beezy to gain publicity.
In contrast, Dallas homicide detective Eric Barnes and the prosecution argue that the lyrics and related evidence reflect genuine events and motives tied to a violent feud. Barnes pointed to specific songs referencing documented shootings and assaults involving the parties, including a 2018 attack on a comedian and friend of Noble, Roylee Pate, who succumbed to his injuries weeks later. Barnes characterized the content as factual rather than fictional, asserting the case’s reality and the relevance of the lyrics.
Prosecutors also seek to admit a “celebratory” video posted by Davarius Moore, known as Trapboy Freddy and an associate of Conway, shortly after Noble’s death. They argue that a timeline of shootings, confrontations, social media activity, interviews, and music releases will illustrate the escalating conflict and support their case on motive and intent.
Defense attorney Michael Mowla contends that prosecutors are attempting to portray Conway as a gang leader by introducing allegations of unrelated violent incidents in which Conway has not been charged. Mowla insists that the evidence goes beyond guilt or innocence and instead seeks to unfairly depict Conway’s character.
State District Judge Chika Anyiam is expected to rule on the motions surrounding the lyrics and other evidence, as well as on which of the four defendants will face trial first. The initial trial date has been set for August 24.