Draft:MEMO600

Memo600 (Melvin Griffin) Memo600, born Melvin Griffin, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois, and a significant figure in the city’s drill music scene. Known for his raw, street-oriented lyricism, Memo600’s music focuses on themes of gang life, violence, and survival. His career gained momentum through his association with the 600 set, a faction of the Black Disciples gang, and collaborations with well-known drill artists like Lil Durk and King Von. Memo600’s music embodies the gritty realities of growing up in Chicago’s South Side, making him a notable voice within the genre.

== Early Life and Background == Memo600 was born and raised in Chicago’s South Side, specifically in the notorious 600 block of South King Drive, from which he derives his name. Growing up in this environment, marked by gang violence and crime, deeply shaped his life and music. As a member of the 600 set of the Black Disciples, Memo600 has used his music to tell the story of his neighborhood and its challenges, often reflecting on the difficulties of living in a dangerous environment. His experiences in the streets heavily influence his lyrics, which offer an authentic portrayal of life in one of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods.

== Musical Career == Memo600 first gained recognition in 2019 with the release of "Exposing Me", a track that featured the late King Von, one of his close collaborators and fellow drill artists. The song became an underground hit and is regarded as one of the standout tracks in Chicago’s drill music scene. The remix, which also features Von, received widespread attention, helping Memo600 establish himself as a rising star in the genre.

Memo600's rise in the music industry can be attributed in part to his association with Lil Durk and the Only The Family (OTF) collective. OTF, led by Lil Durk, is one of the most influential groups in drill music, and Memo600's inclusion in their projects helped amplify his voice. In 2019, he appeared on OTF’s Family Over Everything compilation, which debuted at No. 93 on the Billboard 200. Memo600’s contributions to tracks such as "Pistol Tottin" and "Do It For Von" helped him build a loyal fanbase.

In 2021, Memo600’s career further progressed with his feature on "Jump", alongside Lil Durk, King Von, and Booka600. The song was part of the Loyal Bros project, a compilation from OTF that landed at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. The visual for "Jump" showcased the collective’s camaraderie and the struggles they had faced growing up on the streets of Chicago.

Memo600 has also released several solo singles, with tracks such as "Steppers" and "No Cap" gaining significant attention. Although Memo600 has not yet released a full-length studio album, his consistent output of singles and features has solidified his place in the Chicago drill scene.

== Musical Style and Themes == Memo600’s music is characterized by its unflinching portrayal of gang violence, loyalty, and loss. His aggressive delivery and vivid storytelling reflect the harsh realities of life in Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods. Many of Memo600’s songs deal with personal loss, including the death of close friends and collaborators such as King Von, who was shot and killed in November 2020. Memo600’s music often addresses these tragedies, adding emotional depth to his otherwise hard-hitting, street-oriented lyrics.

== Key Songs and Discography == Memo600’s most popular tracks include:

"Exposing Me" (2019) – A breakout single featuring King Von, which helped establish Memo600 in the drill scene. "Steppers" – A song that reflects on the realities of street life and gang culture. "Jump" (2021) – A collaboration with Lil Durk, King Von, and Booka600, which further highlighted Memo600’s role in OTF. "Pistol Tottin" (featuring Foogiano) – A high-energy track that showcases Memo600’s aggressive delivery. == Influence and Collaborations == Memo600 has become a key figure in the evolution of drill music, a genre that originated in Chicago and has since gained international recognition. His collaborations with influential artists such as Lil Durk and King Von have been instrumental in his rise to fame. Memo600’s work with OTF, in particular, has helped him build a strong following, and his songs have been streamed millions of times on platforms like YouTube and Spotify.

== Personal Life and Legal Troubles == Like many artists in the drill scene, Memo600’s life has been marked by personal loss and legal troubles. The violent nature of the environment he grew up in is a recurring theme in his music, and many of his songs reflect the pain of losing friends and family to street violence. The death of King Von in 2020 was a major turning point in Memo600’s life, and this loss deeply affected his music. His songs often explore themes of grief, loyalty, revenge, and survival, emotions that are central to the drill music narrative.