A night of celebration turned deadly in Chicago when a drive-by shooting on July 2, 2025, claimed the life of local rapper DooWop. The attack occurred outside Artis Nightclub in the River North neighborhood during a mixtape release party for his girlfriend, rising drill artist Mello Buckzz. The incident, which left multiple people dead and injured, has sent shockwaves through the city’s hip-hop community. As authorities investigate what they believe was a targeted attack, here is what we know about DooWop and the tragic event.
DooWop, whose real name has not been publicly released, was a well-known figure in Chicago’s drill music scene. He was closely associated with the Glory Boyz Entertainment (GBE) crew and Chief Keef’s Glo Gang. Raised on the city’s South Side, he was a member of the No Limit Murder Block (NLMB) and the younger brother of the late rapper Capo, whose own violent death profoundly affected him.
He began rapping around 2010 but pursued it more seriously after receiving encouragement from Chief Keef. While known for performing, DooWop was also a significant contributor behind the scenes, helping with music production, beat selection for Chief Keef’s tracks, and video direction. He was known for his strong industry connections, frequently appearing in videos and vlogs with fellow Chicago artists like G Herbo and Uzi Vert. He reportedly had several projects in development featuring collaborations with G Herbo, Uzi Vert, and Chief Keef.
DooWop was in a serious relationship with Mello Buckzz, a 24-year-old drill artist whose real name is Melanie Doyle. The two were reportedly inseparable, with Mello Buckzz later sharing on Instagram,
“glued to my hip every day, not a night we ain’t spend together.”
In her posts mourning his death, she called him “my handsome man” and reflected on their private life together.
In addition to the loss of his brother and friends, DooWop’s personal life was also marked by health challenges reportedly linked to lean addiction. Observers had noted physical changes, including bloating, which raised concerns about potential liver issues.
The fatal shooting took place around 11 p.m. as guests were leaving the release party for Mello Buckzz’s mixtape, Hollyhood. According to police reports, a black SUV approached the crowd outside Artis Nightclub, and three occupants opened fire. The gunfire killed DooWop, Mello Buckzz’s brother, and two other friends. Fourteen other individuals were injured, many of them critically.
Authorities are investigating the shooting as a targeted attack and, as of July 4, 2025, have not announced any arrests. The violence has been felt across the city, adding to public concern over similar chaotic events at public venues. Mello Buckzz expressed her profound grief online, mourning the loss of both her brother and DooWop.
“I held yo hand until I couldn’t,”
she wrote. This incident stands as one of Chicago’s deadliest mass shootings of the year, despite an overall decrease in murders and shootings in the city in 2025.
