Randolph Jaleel Yelverton, rap-music maker

RANDOLPH Jaleel Yelverton was devoted to making music, and he generously used his talents to help others make their own music.

His chosen field was rap music. He not only produced CDs of his own songs, but he also acted as producer of the songs of friends, working out of his apartment on Redfield Street near Callowhill, West Philadelphia.

Jaleel, as he was known to his family, was found dead there last Thursday, badly beaten and left to die. His battered body was found by a friend. He was 25.

Police said they knew of no suspects or motive in the slaying.

He was born in Philadelphia to Randolph Yelverton and the former Gracie Tyson. He graduated from Delaware Valley High School in 2001.

In the rap world, Jaleel was known as "Ill Man." His family said it was derived from the moniker of his good friend, Earl Williams, who called himself "Ill Child."

But to his family, "he was Jaleel, the tall, skinny kid who loved video games and would play them all day and night."

His family also knew him as a young man whose smile could light up a room.

"He enjoyed spending time with his daughter, Jazmeen, and other children whose lives he had touched," his family said. "His spirit will forever shine in each of us who knew and loved him."

Jaleel worked hard on his music every day, his family said. "Although he didn't live long enough to see his dream manifest, his memory will continue to inspire us all to pursue our dreams regardless of any obstacles."

Besides his daughter, who is 2, he is survived by both parents; a sister, Karima, and stepfather, Otis.

Services: 11 a.m. tomorrow at Slater Funeral Home, 1426 Fitzwater St., South Philadelphia. Friends may call at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery. *