Stream: Mello Buckzz – “Hollyhood”

Mello Buckzz drops new “Hollyhood” EP

Buzzing Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz was poised to celebrate the release of her highly anticipated debut EP, Hollyhood. But instead of a night of triumph, her album release party turned into a horrific tragedy. Just hours before the EP hit streaming platforms on July 3, a deadly drive-by shooting outside the venue claimed four lives and injured fourteen others. Among the dead were her boyfriend and three of her closest friends.

In the shadow of this devastating loss, Mello Buckzz’s Hollyhood emerged not just as a debut project—but as a defining moment in her career and personal life.

Who Is Mello Buckzz?

Born and raised in Chicago, Mello Buckzz—real name Melanie Doyle—has quickly become a standout in the city’s influential drill scene. Known for her fierce delivery and unapologetic bars, she gained momentum in 2021 with early tracks like “Damn Buckzz” and “Boom.” Her breakout hit “Boom Pt. 2” featuring Latto introduced her to a wider audience and solidified her status as one of the most promising new voices in hip-hop.

Mello’s strength lies in her authenticity. She speaks openly about her experiences—both triumphant and traumatic—delivering her lyrics with confidence and purpose. With her debut EP, Hollyhood, she aimed to showcase her full range as an artist. The project blends street-ready bangers with introspective moments, revealing the layers behind her tough exterior.

The Shooting Outside Artis Lounge

On the evening of July 2, Mello Buckzz hosted her album release party at Artis Lounge, a nightlife venue in Chicago’s River North district. The mood was celebratory—friends, fans, and local supporters gathered outside as the night wound down. But around 11 p.m., a dark-colored SUV pulled up to the crowd. Without warning, gunfire erupted.

Four people were fatally shot. Fourteen others were injured, three of them critically. Witnesses described chaos, screaming, and people fleeing for safety. The gunmen sped away, and no suspects have been identified. Law enforcement recovered casings from multiple firearms, indicating the possibility of more than one shooter.

Among those killed were Mello’s boyfriend, 25-year-old Leon Henry, and her close friend Devonte Williamson, whom she referred to as her “brother.” Two women, known to her circle as “TayyTayy” and @avi_gorgeous on Instagram, also lost their lives.

The release of Hollyhood, which was scheduled for midnight, came just hours after the tragedy. It now carries the weight of a moment that will forever mark Mello’s life and career.

Mello’s Grief and Instagram Tributes

In the early morning hours following the attack, Mello Buckzz took to Instagram to share her pain with the world. Her posts were raw, honest, and heartbreaking. She described holding her boyfriend’s hand as he died, praying over her wounded friends, and begging for the violence to stop.

“I held your hand until I couldn’t anymore… My heart broke into so many pieces,” she wrote in one of several tributes.

She also expressed deep love for the two female victims, thanking them for supporting her dreams and calling them her sisters. Her words painted a picture of a tightly bonded community—one now shattered by senseless violence.

Inside the Hollyhood EP

Despite the tragedy surrounding its release, Hollyhood deserves recognition on its own artistic merit. The 8-track project is a sonic reflection of Mello Buckzz’s journey—from the tough streets of Chicago to the verge of national recognition.

Collaborations That Matter

Mello chose her features carefully, and it shows.

• G Herbo, a staple in Chicago hip-hop, brings street legitimacy and shared history. His verse adds weight and realness.
• Monaleo, a rising star from Houston, pairs well with Mello’s intensity. Their track together is bold and dynamic, showing female empowerment without compromise.
• Star Bandz, a fellow Chicago rapper, adds fire and familiarity. Their song sounds like two friends trading war stories.
• Chuckyy brings variety in tone, giving the EP a change of pace and helping broaden its sonic appeal.

These collaborations don’t feel forced—they elevate Mello’s voice and reinforce her spot among the new generation of rap talent.

Why Hollyhood Is Bigger Than Drill

Beyond the beats and bars, Hollyhood tells a story. It’s about resilience, loyalty, ambition, and surviving trauma. It blends Mello’s past with her future—creating a project that feels both street-authentic and forward-thinking.

She’s not just rapping about life on the block. She’s rapping about what it means to escape it, to dream beyond it, and to still be haunted by it. Even without the context of the shooting, this project would resonate. But given what happened, Hollyhood becomes something more: a tribute to lost lives, a cry for peace, and a personal time capsule from a rising artist navigating fame in the face of unthinkable grief.

Insights: Music, Grief, and Resilience

Mello Buckzz’s story is not unique in hip-hop. Many artists come from environments where violence is an everyday reality. What Hollyhood represents, especially in the wake of tragedy, is the power of music to be both a release and a rallying cry.

For fans, it’s a reminder of how art can emerge from pain. For cities like Chicago, it’s a call to address the root causes of community violence. And for the industry, it’s a moment to ask how rising artists can be protected—not just physically, but emotionally.

What’s Next for Mello?

As of now, Mello Buckzz has paused promotional efforts for Hollyhood as she mourns and supports the families affected. There’s no word yet on whether a tour will follow or if visuals for the EP are still in production.

But fans are rallying. Streams are rising. And the demand for her story—and her survival—is louder than ever.

When she does return, Mello Buckzz will not just be a rapper with a hot debut. She will be a symbol of strength, an artist who created in the face of loss, and a woman determined not to let pain silence her voice.

Hollyhood was meant to mark Mello Buckzz’s arrival. Instead, it marks a turning point. It’s more than just music now—it’s memory, legacy, and living proof that even in the darkest hours, creation continues.

Mello’s voice matters. Her story matters. And Hollyhood, forged through celebration and sorrow, is an unforgettable first chapter.