what happened to messy mya
Messy Mya, whose real name was Anthony M. Barré, was a New Orleans YouTube comedian and bounce rapper who was shot and killed in 2010 as he left a baby shower for his unborn child. His murder remains officially unsolved, and later attention to his name largely came from Beyoncé sampling his voice in her song “Formation,” which led to a high‑profile lawsuit from his estate.
Who was Messy Mya?
Messy Mya was an internet personality from New Orleans known for loud, comedic street videos that mixed humor, roasting, and local commentary. He built a strong following on YouTube with his distinctive accent, colorful hair, and catchphrases, becoming an early example of a local online star turning viral.
- Real name: Anthony M. Barré, born December 15, 1987, in New Orleans.
- Known for: comedic rants, bounce-rap persona, and neighborhood walk‑and‑talk videos.
- Visual style: bright hair colors and a confrontational but comic persona.
What happened to him?
On November 14, 2010, Messy Mya was shot multiple times while leaving his girlfriend’s baby shower in New Orleans’ 7th Ward. Reports at the time said he was found face down in the street, and police initially had no clear motive or suspect.
- He was 22 years old at the time of his death.
- The killing happened during what was supposed to be a family celebration for his unborn son.
- Graphic photos of his body circulated online, which intensified public reaction and grief.
Was anyone arrested?
A man named Jason Hamilton was arrested about a week after the killing and reportedly confessed to the murder, but his case did not lead to a final conviction. Hamilton spent roughly three years in prison before being released when evidence emerged indicating he was not at the scene of the crime.
- After his release, Messy Mya’s killing was effectively left without a convicted perpetrator.
- Commentators and local storytellers still describe the case as an unsolved or unresolved murder.
Connection to Beyoncé and “Formation”
Years after his death, Messy Mya’s voice was sampled at the beginning of Beyoncé’s 2016 track “Formation,” bringing his name to a global audience. The song uses lines from his viral video where he asks “What happened at the New Orleans?” and makes his signature return‑style introduction.
- His estate later sued Beyoncé and associated parties, claiming his voice was used without proper permission and seeking over $20 million in damages.
- Media coverage of the lawsuit resurfaced public interest in his life, his online work, and the circumstances of his death.
Ongoing legacy and “latest news”
Recent online documentaries and video essays continue to revisit Messy Mya’s story, framing him as an early “internet superstar” from New Orleans whose potential was cut short. These pieces tend to focus on the injustice of an unresolved homicide, the broader violence in his community, and how his image and voice live on in popular culture.
- Fans and commentators still ask “what happened to Messy Mya” in forums and videos, both about the night he died and about why the case never fully closed.
- His influence can be seen in later online creators from New Orleans and in continuing discussions about credit, consent, and compensation when sampling the work of deceased artists.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.