A night meant for celebration ended in unspeakable tragedy when a mass shooting unfolded outside a Chicago nightclub during rising rapper Mello Buckzz’s album release party. The devastating incident occurred just after 11 p.m. CDT on July 2, 2025, in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.
🎯 The Shooting
The shooting took place outside the Artis Lounge nightclub, where fans and guests had gathered to celebrate the launch of Mello Buckzz’s new album, Hollyhood. A black SUV pulled up outside the venue, and at least three individuals opened fire on the crowd before fleeing the scene.
💔 Fatalities & Injuries
In the wake of the violence:
- Four people lost their lives: two men, aged 24 and 25, and two women, aged 26 and 27.
- Fourteen others were wounded, their ages ranging between 21 and 32. Several of them remain in critical condition at various area hospitals.
👥 Victims Identified
Among those impacted were Mello Buckzz’s boyfriend and a close friend, both of whom tragically lost their lives. The rapper was not injured, as she had left the venue prior to the shooting. Authorities believe she may have been the intended target of the attack.
🗣️ Mello Buckzz’s Heartbreaking Response
Mello Buckzz, whose real name is Melanie Doyle, took to Instagram to share her grief:
“We was having so much fun… I held yo hand until I couldn't… I'm f**ked up… Prayers up for all my sisters, God please wrap yo arms…”
She later revealed that two of the people she lost were not only her companions but deeply loved individuals:
“I can’t believe I lost both y’all in 1 night… my heart is broke into so many pieces.”
🔍 Crime Scene & Investigation
Police recovered multiple handgun and rifle casings from the scene. Despite the scale of the attack, no arrests have been made. Detectives are analyzing surveillance footage, speaking to witnesses, and pursuing leads, but the investigation remains ongoing.
📍 Context and Community Impact
This incident marks yet another disturbing chapter in Chicago’s struggle with gun violence. The attack occurred in a historically vibrant area of the city, now shadowed by trauma. The fact that it happened during a cultural celebration has shaken the community and sparked renewed calls for action.
Mello Buckzz, a rising star with ties to both Chicago and Atlanta, has been making waves in the music industry. Known for her raw lyrics and collaborations with artists like Latto, she now faces the unimaginable pain of mourning loved ones while continuing to cope with the fallout of a violent act that stole innocent lives.