Drive-By Shooting at Rapper Mello Buckzz’s Album Release Party Kills Four, Injures 14 [WATCH]

What began as a night of celebration for rising Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz turned into a horrific tragedy when a drive-by shooting erupted outside her album release party, killing four people and injuring fourteen others.

The deadly attack occurred just after 11 p.m. Wednesday evening in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, outside what is believed to be Artis Lounge nightclub, where Mello Buckzz was celebrating the launch of her new EP, HollyHood.

As a crowd gathered outside the venue, a vehicle drove past and unleashed gunfire on the unsuspecting attendees.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

According to law enforcement, four individuals were killed at the scene, and fourteen others sustained injuries of varying severity. Of the wounded, three remain in critical condition.

Police reports indicate that the victims include a 24-year-old woman shot in the back, a 25-year-old woman shot in the left leg, and a 21-year-old woman who suffered a gunshot wound to the mouth.

A chilling video circulating on social media captured the moments leading up to the attack, showing a vehicle passing slowly by the location.

Doowop Being Carried After Wounded Post Mello Buckzz Shooting pic.twitter.com/tvRSiAq52V

— Slime (@FearedSlime) July 3, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Seconds later, the distinct crack of gunshots can be heard, followed by chaos and screams. The footage has only deepened public outrage and grief as the city grapples with yet another act of senseless violence.

At the time of publication, no suspect has been identified, and police confirm that the investigation remains ongoing.

In the hours following the massacre, Mello Buckzz took to Instagram to share her heartbreak and disbelief.

The rapper, known for her hit single “Move,” mourned the loss of her boyfriend and three of her closest friends — a brother figure and two women known as “TayyTayy” and @avi_gorgeous on Instagram.

Through raw and emotional posts, Mello painted a picture of a quiet, cherished relationship with her late boyfriend, describing it as a “private life” they had built together.

She recounted their final moments, saying she held his hand “until she no longer could.”

“My heart broke into so many pieces,” she wrote, the words resonating deeply with fans and fellow artists alike.

#BREAKING

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

The devastating event casts a long shadow over what should have been a milestone in the artist’s career.

Mello’s EP HollyHood dropped Thursday, a day after the attack, but its release has understandably been subdued in the wake of the tragedy.

The mass shooting is the latest in a string of violent incidents to plague Chicago, where community leaders and activists continue to call for urgent action to curb gun violence.

For many, this incident underscores the fragile intersection between culture, community, and the realities of urban violence that disproportionately impact Black and brown communities.

While Mello Buckzz has not responded to media requests for comment, her social media statements reveal a woman devastated by loss and reeling from trauma. “I can’t believe this happened,” she wrote in one post. “I lost my better half and my family in one night.”

Fans have since flooded her pages with messages of support, prayers, and calls for justice.

Fellow artists and public figures in Chicago’s music scene have also begun to speak out, demanding accountability and systemic change.

This tragedy not only robs a promising artist of loved ones but serves as a harrowing reminder of the dangers many face simply by gathering to celebrate life and art.

As the investigation continues, the community clings to hope that justice will be served, and that healing — though distant — will one day come.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.