Yella Beezy’s Trial Takes a Major Turn as MO3 Murder Case Moves Forward

The legal battle surrounding the death of Dallas rapper MO3 is entering a critical new phase—but Yella Beezy will not be the first defendant to stand trial.

A Dallas County judge has ordered Kewon White, the man accused of physically carrying out the fatal shooting, to be tried before Yella Beezy. White’s jury selection is currently scheduled to begin August 24, 2026. The court has not yet finalized when Yella Beezy’s separate trial will begin.

That decision significantly changes the direction of the case.

What Is Yella Beezy Accused Of?

Yella Beezy, whose legal name is Markies Conway, has been charged with capital murder for remuneration. Prosecutors allege that Conway hired White to kill MO3—born Melvin Noble—in exchange for payment or the promise of payment.

MO3 was chased and fatally shot on Interstate 35 in Dallas on November 11, 2020. A bystander was also injured but survived. Yella Beezy has been formally accused, but he has not been convicted, and the allegations against him remain to be proven in court. Associated Press⁠

Why Trying Kewon White First Matters

The order of these trials could become extremely important.

Prosecutors will now have to present their evidence concerning the alleged shooter before trying the man they accuse of financing or arranging the killing. White’s trial could reveal witness testimony, forensic evidence, communications and other information that may shape how the state proceeds against Yella Beezy.

It could also create new legal complications. Testimony given during White’s trial may be challenged, clarified or used differently in Conway’s eventual proceeding. A plea agreement or unexpected development involving one defendant could also affect the remaining cases.

The judge reportedly instructed attorneys for all three defendants to remain prepared in case negotiations or scheduling changes alter the trial order. WFAA⁠

The Battle Over Yella Beezy’s Lyrics

Another major issue is whether Yella Beezy’s music can be presented to the jury.

Prosecutors sought to introduce lyrics and social-media activity they argue help establish gang affiliation, motive and references to an alleged bounty on MO3. Conway’s attorneys maintain that his music is creative expression—not a literal confession or factual account of MO3’s death.

The judge ultimately blocked more than a dozen proposed songs while allowing certain lyrics to potentially be introduced. The ruling gives prosecutors limited access to the music, but it prevents them from treating Yella Beezy’s entire catalog as evidence against him. NBC 5 Dallas–Fort Worth⁠

This fight reaches beyond one defendant. Rap lyrics have repeatedly been treated differently from other forms of fictional or artistic expression inside American courtrooms. Critics argue that using them as criminal evidence can encourage jurors to confuse an artist’s persona with the person standing trial.

More Than a Dallas Rap Rivalry

This case is no longer simply a story about rumored tension between two Dallas artists. It is now a capital murder prosecution carrying life-changing consequences for everyone involved.

MO3 lost his life at only 28 years old. His family has waited nearly six years for the case to reach this stage, while Yella Beezy now faces allegations that could permanently end both his freedom and career if prosecutors secure a conviction.

The most important questions remain unanswered: What evidence connects Yella Beezy to White? Can prosecutors establish that an agreement or payment existed? Will the permitted lyrics influence the jury—or create grounds for future legal challenges?

The upcoming trial of Kewon White may finally begin answering some of those questions.

Boss Talk 101 is following the courtroom developments and breaking down why the trial order has changed, what evidence may be introduced and what could happen next.

Watch the full Boss Talk 101 breakdown, then join the conversation: Are rap lyrics legitimate evidence—or should music always be protected as creative expression?

This article discusses pending criminal allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.