Melvin Vernell III, better known by his stage name Lil Phat, was an American rapper. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Vernell began rapping as a teenager and was signed to Trill Entertainment in 2007 when he was 14 years old. He was best known for his contribution to the single "Independent" by Webbie. He made a number of guest appearances on Trill Entertainment releases before being killed at the age of 19.