Deadly Drive-By Shooting Rocks Mello Buckzz Album Release Party
*Another tragic shooting has gone down in the hip hop world. On Wednesday evening (07-02-25), a drive-by shooting shattered a night of celebration outside Artis Lounge in Chicago’s River North. The event was an album release party for rising rapper Mello Buckzz, who had just dropped *HollyHOOD The Mixtape*.
At around 11 p.m., a dark SUV drove past the crowd outside the club and opened fire. Four people were killed and 14 others were injured in the chaos, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in Chicago this year.
Mello Buckzz Confirms Personal Losses in the Tragedy
Mello Buckzz, whose real name is Melanie Doyle, took to Instagram Stories to mourn the loss of her boyfriend and two best friends. The rapper shared raw emotions in a series of heartbreaking posts, revealing she held her boyfriend’s hand in his final moments.
“We was having so much fun in our private little life, couldn’t leave each other alone glued to my hip everyday,” she wrote. She also remembered her two female friends, known as “TayyTayy” and @avi_gorgeous on Instagram, saying, “I can’t believe I lost both of y’all in one night.”
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Details of the Victims and Injured Revealed
The four people who lost their lives were two women aged 26 and 27 and two men aged 24 and 25. One man was shot in the head, while the others suffered fatal chest wounds.
Fourteen others, ranging in age from 21 to 32, were injured in the gunfire. Three women remain in critical condition, including a 24-year-old woman shot in the back, a 25-year-old woman with a leg wound, and a 21-year-old woman struck in the mouth.
Club Issues Statement After Second Deadly Incident
Artis Lounge, previously known as Hush Lounge, has faced tragedy before—hosting a fatal shooting in 2022. The club issued a statement saying it strives to be a safe space for Black, Brown, Queer, and allied communities. Management said they were “devastated” and are fully cooperating with police.
Law enforcement confirmed the investigation is ongoing and no suspects have been arrested. Surveillance video is being reviewed, and a clip circulating online shows a vehicle driving by moments before shots were fired.
Community Demands Justice for Mello Buckzz and Victims
Social media has been flooded with tributes and calls for justice using the hashtag #JusticeForMello. Fans and fellow artists are expressing their shock and heartbreak, demanding answers and accountability for the senseless violence.
Doowop Being Carried After Wounded Post Mello Buckzz Shooting pic.twitter.com/tvRSiAq52V
— Slime (@FearedSlime) July 3, 2025
VIDEO FROM MASS SHOOTING IN CHICAGO EARLIER TONIGHT THAT HAS LED TO 2 DEAD AND 12 People shot
It occurred at the Artis nightclub during the release party for Mello Buckzz pic.twitter.com/m8P7jTGqTD
— Brian’s Breaking News and Intel (@intelFromBrian) July 3, 2025
As Mello Buckzz grieves deeply, she has asked fans for continued prayers. “Prayers up for all my sisters,” she wrote. “God please wrap yo arms around every last one of them.”
Mello Buckzz: Rising Star Now Facing Tragedy
Known for her street anthems like “Boom Pt. 2” and “Move,” Mello Buckzz has quickly risen in the Chicago rap scene. Her mixtape *HollyHOOD* was set to be a defining moment in her career—until violence changed everything.
Now, instead of celebrating, she’s planning funerals for her loved ones. This tragedy serves as another grim reminder of the toll gun violence continues to take on communities across the country.
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