Mello Buckzz was celebrating a major career milestone when gunfire erupted outside her record release event in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, killing four and injuring 14 others late Wednesday night.
The shooting happened around 11 p.m. on July 2 outside Artis Lounge, where attendees were leaving the venue following the release party for her new project, HollyHOOD The Mixtape.
According to police, multiple suspects opened fire from a vehicle, targeting the crowd gathered outside.
Two men and two women were pronounced dead at the scene. At least four others remain hospitalized in critical or serious condition, authorities said. No arrests have been made, and investigators are still working to identify the shooters. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.
The Chicago Police Department confirmed they are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, but have not yet released descriptions of the suspects or the vehicle involved.
Shortly after the violence unfolded, Mello Buckzz took to Instagram to express her grief and disbelief.
“Prayers up for all my sisters god please wrap yo arms around every last one of them. we need u i need u ngl im f##### up ..feel like everything just weighing down on me…. All i can do is talk to god and pray,” she wrote.
Artis Lounge, the venue where the shooting occurred, issued a statement condemning the violence and reaffirming its mission to serve as a safe space for marginalized communities.
“Last night, an act of violence occurred within the vicinity of our restaurant—and it shook us deeply,” the statement read. “Artis was created as a safe space. A space where Black, Brown, Queer, and allied communities could gather, be celebrated, and feel at home in River North. We’ve always led with that mission. And what happened last night disrupted it in the most painful way.”
The venue added that it is cooperating with law enforcement and taking additional steps to protect its patrons moving forward.
Mello Buckzz, a rising figure in Chicago’s drill scene, gained recognition with her viral singles “Boom” and “Boom Pt. 2,” the latter featuring Latto. She also appeared on G Herbo’s Strictly 4 My Fans 2 mixtape and joined Latto on stage at Coachella in 2023.
As of July 3, police have not announced any leads or suspects in the case.
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