CHICAGO — A River North celebration for rising Chicago drill rapper Mello Buckzz turned into a scene of chaos and devastation late Wednesday night after a drive-by shooting killed four people and injured 14 others. Among the dead were Buckzz’s boyfriend and best friend.
The shooting occurred outside Artis Restaurant, 311 W. Chicago Ave., shortly after 11 p.m., where Buckzz — born Melanie Doyle — had just hosted a release party for her debut mixtape HollyHOOD.
A Tragic Night for the Rising Star
Police say a dark-colored vehicle drove past the restaurant and opened fire on a crowd gathered outside. Two women, ages 26 and 27, were shot in the chest and died at Northwestern Hospital. Two men — one shot in the head and another in the chest — were also killed after being rushed to Stroger Hospital. They were identified as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23.
Hours later, Buckzz took to Instagram in grief, posting: “My heart broke into so many pieces. I don’t wish this typa pain on nobody.” She confirmed that her boyfriend and best friend were among those killed.
Who Is Mello Buckzz?
Hailing from the East Side of Chicago, Mello Buckzz emerged from the same “No Limit” neighborhood that produced rapper G Herbo. She began releasing music in 2021 with her breakout track “Damn Buckzz” and has been steadily gaining traction in Chicago’s drill scene.
At 24, she boasts nearly 400,000 Instagram followers and over 200,000 TikTok fans, where she frequently posts updates on her life and music. Her collaborations include major names like Latto (on “Boom Pt. 2,” performed at Coachella 2023), Murda B, and G Herbo.
University of South Carolina professor and rapper Jabari M. Evans described her as “someone who has a presence, just period… She has that star quality.”
Controversies and Spotlight
While on the rise, Buckzz has also faced challenges, including a high-profile altercation in October 2023 where she was arrested for allegedly assaulting fellow rapper Bri’onne Dade (Amari Blaze), a former collaborator on the “Boom (Mouskatool)” track.
Evans noted that Buckzz has been “mixed up in some of the same things that you see happen with drill rappers — beef, public fights, controversies,” though it’s unclear if Wednesday’s shooting is connected to any past issues.
The Influence of Drill Rap
Chicago’s drill rap scene — born in the early 2010s from neighborhoods like the South Side and East Side — has long reflected the city’s gang and street culture. Drill helped humanize the realities of violence in underserved communities and gained traction through social media.
Evans remarked that drill rap’s virality is deeply tied to platforms like TikTok and Instagram: “What makes the genre so enticing, intriguing and energetic is the way it uses social media.”
While drill is known for its raw portrayal of life in Chicago, it also walks a tightrope between art and real-life consequences. “Chicago drill artists didn’t necessarily have a formula — they were just trying to express themselves,” Evans said.
A Mixtape Overshadowed by Grief
Mello Buckzz had expressed excitement leading up to the release of her 8-track debut HollyHOOD under the No More Heroes label. The cover art features her standing in front of JoJi Gyros on 79th Street, renamed “HOLLYHOOD” for the shoot.
In a pre-release TikTok video, she said, “I’m super excited… I have never dropped a body of work before. People have been asking for this s— since 2023… I’m just so happy it’s finally available.”
But instead of marking a milestone in her music career, the night left Buckzz — and the city — mourning.
Have you attended events near River North in recent months or noticed rising tension around nightlife venues? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
