Anthony Ray Welch was born on October 11, 1990 in Chicago, Illinois. Nicknamed "Gucci", he was a gang member from the Black Disciples whom was murdered on May 15, 2010 near East 40th Street and South King Drive. Around 7 pm on May 15, Welch was shot to death while another male victim was hit on the leg.
Following Welch's death, members of his gang decided to create "Welch World" in his honor. Due to the rise of rise of drill music, many individuals started hearing about Welch World since rappers from Welch World usually pay homage to Anthony Welch in their songs such as rapper and fellow gang member Billionaire Black.