Judge allows some Mo3, Yella Beezy rap lyrics to be heard in murder-for-hire trial

A judge ruled that most of more than a dozen songs cannot be heard at the murder trial of Dallas rapper Mo3, whose real name was Melvin Noble.

Fellow rapper Markies Conway, known as Yella Beezy, is accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot tied to Noble's death.

Noble was shot and killed in broad daylight on Nov. 11, 2020, after a confrontation along Interstate 35E in southern Dallas. Authorities said Noble exited his vehicle and ran from a gunman before being shot. A bystander was also injured during the incident.

Conway is charged with capital murder while remuneration, a legal term used in Texas for murder-for-hire cases. Prosecutors allege he hired others to carry out the killing.

A major issue looming over the upcoming trial was whether some of Conway's rap lyrics could be introduced as evidence.

During previous hearings, a Dallas police detective testified about an alleged feud between Conway and Noble. Prosecutors argued certain lyrics support their theory that the killing was motivated by the rivalry and help establish motive and intent. Conway's attorneys pushed back, arguing the lyrics are artistic expression and should not be treated as factual evidence.

The judge denied the defense's motion to exclude the only Mo3 song in question, "2 Nineteen."

The judge granted the defense's motion to exclude 10 Yella Beezy songs (Hittas, Take 3, Gas'd Up, Hypocrite, Laugh Now, Shirt, Harder Than Yours, First Day Out, Tool on Ya, The 1st). The judge partially granted the motion to exclude the song "On Ya Head," requiring the prosecution to redact rapper Trapboy Freddy's voice.

The judge denied the motion to exclude "Keep it in the Streets." No reason was provided.

Two other men accused in the 2020 killing of Noble appeared in court last week. Trial is set to begin next month.

Kewon White is accused of being the gunman who shot Noble and faces additional federal weapons charges. White appeared on stage with Conway at a concert shortly before Noble's murder. Devin Brown is accused of helping coordinate the shooting.

During Friday's hearing, attorneys debated which defendant should be tried first when court proceedings begin in August. After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge ruled that White will be the first defendant to stand trial.

Before going into a one-hour recess during Friday's hearing, the judge reminded attorneys for all three defendants to be prepared for trial, which is currently scheduled to begin Aug. 24.

Attorneys are fighting over whether rap lyrics should be allowed at trial.