Rapper whose release party preceded Chicago’s worst mass shooting of all time is arrested — for gun possession
Melanie “Mello Buckzz” Doyle, a 25-year-old rapper from Chicago, is currently facing felony weapons charges after a stolen handgun was allegedly found beneath her driver’s seat during a traffic stop last week. The incident occurred on June 15 in the Lower West Side when officers stopped her vehicle for illegal window tint on the windshield. Upon further inspection, they discovered an open bottle of Tito’s vodka, marijuana, and a handgun under the driver’s seat.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Doyle’s promotional team seized the opportunity to generate buzz for her upcoming music release by sharing her mugshot from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office on social media. This bold move sparked interest and curiosity among her followers, turning a legal setback into a marketing tactic.
Court records reveal that Doyle was already on probation for aggravated battery in a public place, stemming from an incident in April 2025. In that case, she allegedly attacked another rapper with whom she had a feud, resulting in the victim being pushed through a large window. The altercation was preceded by public exchanges of diss tracks and social media taunts, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the two artists.
Doyle gained national attention in July 2025 when a mass shooting occurred outside Artis Lounge in River North during a record release party she hosted. The tragic event claimed the lives of four individuals and left 14 others injured. While investigators suspected gang involvement, no arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved.
In a surprising twist, Doyle’s father, Melvin Doyle, faced federal charges for firearms trafficking shortly after the shooting. He allegedly sold 13 firearms to confidential informants, including transactions that occurred post-incident. However, authorities found no evidence linking his actions to the mass shooting, and he is currently in negotiations for a plea agreement with prosecutors.
The aftermath of the shooting led to the permanent closure of Artis Lounge, following pressure from city officials and allegations of dishonesty regarding the venue’s operations. The tragic event underscored the dangers of gun violence and its impact on communities, prompting calls for justice and accountability.
As the legal proceedings unfold for Melanie “Mello Buckzz” Doyle and her father, the music industry grapples with the repercussions of violence and crime within its ranks. The story of the rapper and her family serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of illegal activities and the importance of accountability in the pursuit of artistic success.
