Raleigh Mourns the Loss of Local Hip-Hop Talent MBK Grams, Known as Teddy Melvin
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Raleigh community is in mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of beloved local hip-hop artist MBK Grams, whose real name was Teddy Melvin. Known for his gritty authenticity, lyrical honesty, and undeniable talent, Grams’ death has left a void in the city’s music scene and in the hearts of friends, fans, and family members who knew him not just as an artist, but as a man of depth, loyalty, and quiet resilience.
Details surrounding his passing remain limited at the time of this publication, but the outpouring of grief on social media from those closest to him paints a vivid portrait of a man who touched many lives, both through his music and his presence.
From the Block to the Booth
Raised in Raleigh, Teddy Melvin came of age during a time when the city was undergoing major transformation. Through it all, he remained rooted in his neighborhood, never shying away from his reality — the good, the bad, and the in-between. He turned to music not just as a form of self-expression but as a way of documenting life, pain, ambition, and survival in its rawest form.
As MBK Grams, he emerged as a voice of the streets, channeling his experiences into powerful tracks that resonated with many who felt unseen or unheard. The initials “MBK,” often standing for “My Brother’s Keeper,” were more than a brand — they were a personal creed. In his lyrics, he uplifted fallen friends, highlighted the struggles of everyday life, and never lost sight of where he came from.
A Sound That Reflected a Generation
While he never signed to a major label, MBK Grams earned grassroots acclaim across Raleigh and beyond. His songs, often accompanied by cinematic visuals, racked up thousands of plays online, and his fanbase grew steadily thanks to his consistency and lyrical storytelling. Tracks like “Still With Me”, “Pressure Don’t Break Me”, and “Lost Brothers” reflected themes of loyalty, grief, and the internal battles young Black men face in underserved communities.
“He spoke for all of us,” said longtime friend and fellow artist, D. Ray. “He turned the pain into poetry. That was his superpower.”
A Life Remembered
Those closest to Grams describe him as more than just a musician. “He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said his cousin, Marlon. “Family was everything to him, whether it was blood or bond. If you were part of MBK, you were part of something bigger.”
He is remembered as a brother, a son, a father figure to his younger siblings, and a mentor to many up-and-coming artists in the city. Whether it was helping someone lay down their first verse or offering advice on life, Grams made an impact that can’t be measured in streams or followers.
Community Reaction
News of his passing sent shockwaves through the Raleigh creative scene. Fans held an impromptu candlelight vigil at a local park on the south side of town, where many of his early music videos were filmed. The event included music, shared stories, and tears — a community coming together to honor a life gone too soon.
“He had so much more to say,” one fan shared. “And even though he’s gone, his music will live on — it will always be part of Raleigh.”
Final Words
As the city grapples with the loss, there’s a shared commitment among many to keep Grams’ legacy alive. Plans are already underway to establish a memorial mural, and a posthumous mixtape may be in the works with unreleased material that he recorded before his passing.
In a time where many voices are drowned out by the noise of the industry, MBK Grams stood tall with nothing but a mic and a message — one rooted in truth, struggle, and love for his people.
He may be gone, but for the streets of Raleigh, his voice will echo forever.
Rest in power, MBK Grams. You were your brother’s keeper — and ours too.