If you’ve stumbled across the name “051 Melly” lately, you’re probably wondering who he was, why he matters, and what his story says about Chicago’s drill music scene and gang culture. Melly wasn’t just a name in a rap song or a trending topic on social media—he was a real person caught in the middle of something much deeper than most folks realize. His life, and his tragic death, became part of a larger conversation about street affiliations, music, and identity in Chicago. So, why does 051 Melly still come up in conversations online? Let’s break it down.

At first glance, 051 Melly might seem like just another drill artist who came from the South Side of Chicago. But his story is layered with contradictions, rivalries, and affiliations that made him stand out—even after he was gone. He was connected to a specific neighborhood corner—51st and Cottage—and was linked to a group known as 051, which, in Chicago’s gang culture, carries weight. But here’s the thing: Melly was also associated with other groups in ways that confused a lot of people.

His music reflected that tension. He wasn’t just rapping about street life—he was living it. And his lyrics, interviews, and public persona painted a picture that didn’t always line up with what others expected. That’s why people are still talking about him. His story isn’t just about music—it’s about identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between street life and fame.

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Table of Contents

1. Biography: Who Was 051 Melly?
2. Gang Affiliation and the 051 Connection
3. Melly’s Role in the Chicago Drill Music Scene
4. Controversies and Confusions Around Melly’s Allegiances
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Biography: Who Was 051 Melly?

Melly, whose real name was DeAndre Woods, was a young rapper from Chicago’s South Side. Born and raised in a neighborhood where street affiliations often define your life, he found his way into the local drill music scene at a young age. He played basketball regularly and attended DuSable High School, where he first started connecting with local artists and groups from the 50th and 51st streets, particularly around the Cottage Grove area.

So, how did he become known as “051 Melly”? That’s where things get a bit tricky. While he publicly claimed 051 as his affiliation, he was also linked to other groups, including the BDs (Black Disciples). This created confusion for many fans and even some within the local drill community. He wore a “RIP Big Law” pin during a live performance, which was a nod to a BD figure, yet he never seemed to fully integrate with 051’s core members or be seen regularly in their circles.

Gang Affiliation and the 051 Connection

So, what exactly is 051 in Chicago’s gang world? The term “051” refers to a specific geographic location—51st and Cottage Grove. In the city’s gang culture, neighborhoods and corners often define affiliations, and 051 is tied to the GDs (Gangster Disciples) alliance. But here’s where things got complicated for Melly: he claimed 051, yet he was also a BD (Black Disciple), a rival gang. That made a lot of people question how he could be a BD and still represent 051.

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Chicago’s gang structure is deeply rooted in history, and alliances and rivalries aren’t just about music or fashion—they’re about life and death. 051 is known for being part of a GD-allied area, so it didn’t make much sense for a BD to be openly affiliated with them. But Melly seemed to exist in that gray area. He wasn’t seen hanging around with the main 051 members, and he didn’t always follow the expected patterns of loyalty. This made him an intriguing figure to fans, but also a confusing one.

Some people online, especially on forums like r/ChiraqHits, speculated about whether Melly’s affiliations were genuine or just for show. Was he really part of 051? Or was he using the name for clout? These questions didn’t have clear answers, which only added to the mystery around his persona.

Melly’s Role in the Chicago Drill Music Scene

Melly’s music became a reflection of his life, and that made him popular. Chicago drill is known for being raw, real, and rooted in street experiences. His songs often touched on themes like loyalty, betrayal, and survival. He wasn’t just rapping—he was telling his story.

He gained attention for his energetic performances and honest lyrics. Tracks like “Reply” and others helped him build a following, especially among younger fans who connected with his authenticity. Even though he wasn’t signed to a major label, his presence online and in the local scene made him a rising name before his death in March 2020.

One of the reasons people still talk about him is because of how his music and life intersected. His affiliations, real or perceived, made him a symbol of something bigger—how drill music and street life influence each other. His death was a loss not just for his fans, but for the entire community that saw in him a voice for their own struggles.

Controversies and Confusions Around Melly’s Allegiances

There was always a bit of mystery around Melly’s actual loyalties. He claimed 051, but he was also a BD. He wore a RIP Big Law pin, which is a BD tribute, yet he was seen rapping about 051 in his lyrics. This contradiction left a lot of people scratching their heads.

Some thought he was just trying to be accepted by different groups, while others believed he was caught in the middle of a real-life conflict. There were rumors that he might have “given folks up” during his time in the spotlight, which could have made him a target. These theories were never proven, but they added to the intrigue around his life and death.

One user on Reddit commented, “Melly was a BD in 051? That makes zero sense. Chicago gangs don’t work like that.” That comment sparked a whole thread of discussion about how affiliations work, and whether Melly was just playing a role for the music or living a real-life conflict. Either way, his story became part of the ongoing conversation about authenticity in drill music and street culture.

It’s also worth noting that Melly wasn’t the only drill artist caught in these kinds of questions. Many artists from Chicago’s South Side navigate complex affiliations and try to balance their music with their real-world identities. Melly’s case just happened to be one of the more visible ones, partly because of his music and partly because of his tragic fate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was 051 Melly a member of the GDs?

No, Melly was associated with the BDs (Black Disciples), which are rivals of the GDs. His connection to 051 was more about geography and personal identity than official gang membership.

Why was Melly called 051 Melly?

He claimed 051 as his corner—51st and Cottage Grove. That area is linked to GD-aligned groups, which made his affiliation confusing since he was a BD.

Did 051 Melly die?

Yes, Melly was killed in March 2020. His death was part of the ongoing violence linked to Chicago’s gang culture and street conflicts.

If you want to learn more about Chicago drill culture and its connection to real-life street affiliations, check out our full breakdown of Chicago drill culture and how it shapes the lives of young artists. You can also explore the complex world of gang affiliations in the city’s neighborhoods.

For more insight into the lives of Chicago drill artists and their connection to real-world issues, be sure to follow the r/ChiraqHits subreddit, where fans and analysts discuss the latest trends, music, and events in the community. It’s a great place to stay updated and engage with others who are interested in this unique and powerful music scene.