Big Mello (1968-2002)

    Curtis Donnell Davis was born on August 7, 1968 in Houston, Texas to Liz and W.C. Davis, both natives of Louisiana. Davis attended the acclaimed Yates High School, and after graduation, enrolled in Texas Southern University, where he broadcast regularly on KTSU's Kidz Jamm. Both he and his show were well-liked, and he was naturally charismatic, so he decided to make music his life. He began his professional career at Rap-A-Lot Records, releasing his first singles, Playing the Game and Prime Time Live, which made a stir in the local hip-hop scene. His debut album, Bone Hard Zaggin was released on September 4, 1992 and reached #96 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, garnering him some national attention.

Wegonefunkwichamind, his second album, lead by the singles, 

    Funkwichamind and Wind Me Up was another success, placing him securely among Houston's rap elite. After several years on the Rap-A-Lot label, Mello signed with N-Terrogation Records. His third album, Southside Story, was his best work yet, making him a national figure. He toured with fellow hip-hop icons Scarface, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and the Geto Boys, traveling as far as Alaska to do shows. In the Spring of 2002, he started working on his fourth album, Done Deal, with his friend and label mate Z-Ro. Unfortunately, the album would end up being released posthumously: while driving the night of June 15, his car swerved from the road and hit a support pillar at full speed. Mello died instantly. Source

Section 26
Houston Memorial Gardens
Pearland

29° 33.836, -095° 20.920