Rising Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz watched her album release party turn into a crime scene Tuesday night (July 2) when gunfire erupted outside Artis Lounge in downtown Chicago, leaving four people dead and more than a dozen wounded.
The shooting unfolded around 11 p.m. as crowds spilled into the street after the event.
According to police, a dark-colored vehicle pulled up, and one or more shooters opened fire into the crowd before speeding away. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not released any suspect descriptions.
Among the victims were two men, ages 24 and 25, and two women, NBC Chicago reported.
At least 14 others were injured, with three women in critical condition. Most of the victims were between 21 and 32 years old.
Sources told the outlet that Mello Buckzz lost both her boyfriend and her best friend in the attack.
The rapper took to her Instagram Stories in a series of raw posts expressing her heartbreak.
“My heart hurt so bad,” she wrote alongside a video of herself in a car with a man. In another clip, the pair danced playfully. “We was having so much fun,” she wrote. “We couldn’t leave each other alone.”
“im so f###### angry,” she added.
She also shared a photo with her friend, writing, “i can’t believe i lost both yall in 1 night.”
“i dont wish this typa pain on nobody,” she wrote. “Dam my f###### crew.”
Footage from the scene showed a heavy police presence, flashing lights and paramedics treating victims on the sidewalk.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators are continuing to gather information.
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.
Kesha threw her support behind Cassie after a New York jury found Diddy guilty of transporting women for prostitution but cleared him of sex trafficking and racketeering charges, including those tied to Cassie’s allegations.
The pop singer took to X shortly after the verdict, writing, “Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor.”
Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor.
Kesha, who once referenced Combs in her 2010 hit “Tik Tok,” has since changed the lyric “feeling like P. Diddy” to “f**k P. Diddy” during live performances following the public surfacing of abuse claims in late 2023.
Diddy, 55, was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two sex trafficking charges, one of which stemmed from Cassie’s lawsuit.
However, jurors convicted him on two counts of transporting women across state lines for prostitution based on accusations from Cassie and another former partner.
Aubrey O’Day, who rose to fame under Combs’ guidance on MTV’s Making the Band in 2005, also spoke out. On Instagram, she called the outcome “heartbreaking” and said, “My heart is with Cassie.
A woman who could’ve had a life and career free of fear and control. A woman who told her truth in a courtroom, only to have the world dissect her credibility instead of her courage.”
Cassie, born Casandra Ventura, testified over four days while pregnant, becoming a central witness in the trial.
Though she has not released a personal statement, her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said she “initiated the criminal investigation into Mr. Combs by filing her lawsuit in late 2023” and helped lead to his conviction on the prostitution-related charges.
Diddy remains in custody and has been denied bail. His sentencing is scheduled for October 3.
Gunna stepped into the wellness industry spotlight this week by becoming a co-owner of Flerish, a clean hydration brand built around performance and health.
The Hip-Hop artist, known for his chart-topping records and recent lifestyle shift, announced his new business move just months after Flerish launched in late 2024.
The beverage company, founded by Avery Johnson Jr. and Nick Nevins, promotes natural hydration without artificial additives.
“I don’t put my name on just anything. Flerish is different, it’s clean, it works, and it’s become a part of my everyday lifestyle. I’m happy to be coming on board and look forward to the journey ahead,” Gunna said in a statement.
The partnership reflects a broader shift in Gunna’s public image. After a visible transformation in both appearance and focus, the rapper has leaned into wellness and discipline. His decision to invest in Flerish mirrors that evolution.
“Right now, I’m focused,” he said. “There’s no off switch. I needed something that supports me naturally and keeps me balanced and that’s exactly what Flerish does.”
The beverage line, which emphasizes clean ingredients and functional hydration, has already gained traction among health-conscious consumers.
Gunna’s involvement is expected to expand the brand’s reach and appeal, especially among younger demographics who follow his music and lifestyle.
The clean hydration market has seen rapid growth, driven by demand for wellness-focused alternatives to sugary drinks. Flerish enters the space as part of that wave, offering a product that aligns with current health trends.
Gunna’s role as co-owner goes beyond endorsement. He plans to work closely with the founders to shape the brand’s direction and marketing strategy. His influence in music and fashion could give Flerish a competitive edge in a crowded market.
The announcement was made between July 2 and July 3, 2025, marking a new chapter in Gunna’s expanding business portfolio.
Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, the former hype man for Fat Joe, told a federal judge he has four audio recordings that support his explosive $20 million lawsuit against the Bronx rapper.
Dixon’s legal team said the recordings are key to proving his claims of sexual misconduct, coercion and criminal activity involving underage girls.
According to the filing, two of the recordings are from women who were minors during their alleged contact with Fat Joe.
A third features a relative of one of the women. The fourth comes from a former member of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad, who allegedly confirms the rapper flew one of the girls to Miami for illegal purposes.
“If the Court would like to review these recordings or prefers an in camera meeting with the two women, we are prepared to facilitate that process. Both individuals have expressed their willingness and eagerness to meet with Your Honor and provide further details about their experiences with [Fat Joe],” attorney Tyrone A. Blackburn wrote in the letter.
Dixon’s legal team argues the recordings directly support his statements and disprove any suggestion he acted with malice. They say the lawsuit Fat Joe filed against Dixon earlier this year is retaliatory and designed to silence him.
Dixon claims he was forced into thousands of sex acts in front of Fat Joe and his entourage, often under threat or psychological pressure. He also alleges he was denied songwriting credits and royalties for his work on several of Fat Joe’s commercially released tracks.
The suit further accuses Fat Joe and his associates of violating the RICO Act, alleging they used violence and threats to maintain control.
Dixon also says Fat Joe defrauded tax authorities and subjected him to unjust audits by misreporting income and hiding royalty payments.
“If you get fired for doing something wrong, just take the L and live with it. But instead, they plot on your downfall as they watch you move on with your life. They decide to go after one of the things you value the most – your reputation. They figure they can make up the most insane stories and, if they threaten you with a lawsuit, then you’ll pay and they’ll feel like they finally won. Problem with your theory, I’ve never let anyone on the streets extort me, so how would I ever let a crooked attorney and a coward ex-hype man extort me?? I’m from the Bronx,” Fat Joe said.
“Mr. Tyrone Blackburn attorney at law since you want the clout, we will finish you in court. The time of lawyers using their law license as a badge to extort people and destroy families with no evidence is over!! I’m not the one!! You’ve messed with the wrong one this time!!” Fat Joe added.
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is also named in the lawsuit, accused of helping conceal Dixon’s authorship rights and pressuring him to drop his claims. Fat Joe’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, has denied all allegations, calling them “retaliatory lies” and “extortionate demands.”
The court is currently reviewing the letter and has not yet ruled on whether the recordings will be admitted as evidence.
Druski walked away from a federal lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault alongside Diddy after a judge ruled there was no evidence placing the comedian in California during the alleged 2018 incident.
Court documents show that bank statements and phone data confirmed Druski was living and working in Georgia at the time.
The judge dismissed the claims against him, citing a complete lack of connection to the location or the other defendants.
The complaint also claimed Diddy stood nearby, laughing and filming the encounter on his phone as Parham struggled to retrieve her own device, which had slipped from her hands due to the oil.
The allegations were tied to one of Diddy’s so-called “Freak Off” parties, where federal agents later seized more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant from his properties.
Druski’s legal team argued that not only was he never in California during the time of the alleged assault, but he had no relationship with Diddy or the other individuals named in the suit.
At the time, Druski was 23 years old and working as a waiter in Georgia.
Earlier police reports and sworn statements from the plaintiff described her attackers as “thin white men.”
His name only surfaced after the lawsuit gained media traction.
The comedian is now seeking legal sanctions against Parham’s attorneys, calling the case “fabricated” and riddled with inconsistencies.
His legal team is pushing for the court to award attorney’s fees and impose financial penalties on those who filed the complaint.
A hearing is scheduled for July 8 to determine whether the accuser and her lawyers will face sanctions.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was taken into custody by federal immigration agents on Wednesday (July 3) in Los Angeles, just days after losing a high-profile boxing match to Jake Paul, due to a series of criminal convictions and alleged cartel ties that led to his expedited removal proceedings.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Thursday (July 3) that Chavez is being processed for deportation after overstaying his visa and submitting what authorities described as “multiple fraudulent statements” in his application for permanent residency. The former WBC middleweight champion entered the U.S. legally in August 2023 on a B2 tourist visa, which expired in February 2024.
Chavez, 38, was convicted earlier this year in Los Angeles for possessing an assault weapon and for manufacturing or importing a short-barreled rifle. He also has a 2012 DUI conviction in the U.S. and an active arrest warrant in Mexico tied to alleged arms trafficking for the Sinaloa Cartel, according to DHS.
In April, Chavez applied for a green card based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, DHS officials said his spouse had prior ties to the Sinaloa Cartel through a relationship with the deceased son of cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
By December 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services flagged Chavez as “an egregious public safety threat” and referred his case to ICE. Despite that, DHS noted that “an entry in a DHS law enforcement system under the Biden administration indicated Chavez was not an immigration enforcement priority.”
Chavez reentered the U.S. in January 2024 through the San Ysidro port of entry. DHS determined on June 27 that he was in the country unlawfully and subject to removal.
“It is shocking the previous administration flagged this criminal illegal alien as a public safety threat, but chose to not prioritize his removal and let him leave and COME BACK into our country,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes.”
McLaughlin added, “Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
Chavez’s arrest came just four days after his loss to Paul at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Paul won the 10-round bout by unanimous decision, earning his first official ranking at No. 14 in the WBA cruiserweight division.
Chavez is the son of Julio Cesar Chavez, a boxing icon who held world titles in four weight classes.
Chavez was deemed removable from the United States on June 27.
China Walker, one half of the acclaimed twin rap duo Cam & China, has died at the age of 30. She privately fought a two-year battle with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Her family confirmed her passing week.
Cam Walker, her twin sister and rap partner, shared the news late Wednesday (July 2) via Instagram. She posted a photo holding China’s hand, believed to be from her final moments.
“Most don’t know, China has been fighting a rare aggressive ovarian cancer for 2 years,” Cam wrote. “Tonight, she transitioned and is now resting peacefully. Give me time to grieve in peace, but know she loved all our supporters.”
She added a message urging followers to stay connected with loved ones. “Check on yo people, you never know what they are going thru until it’s too late,” she said.
The Inglewood-based duo rose to prominence in 2016 with their self-titled debut EP, showcasing grit and lyricism. They also had a tight-knit chemistry that reflected their twin sisterhood. They earned viral acclaim through freestyle videos on social media, garnering millions of views.
Cam & China’s star shined bright in unlikely spaces like HBO Max’s Rap Sh*t.
Walker’s death is a painful loss for the West Coast Hip-Hop community and for those who admired the duo’s raw talent and bond as sisters.
Funeral details have not been made public. AllHipHop sends condolences to Cam and the family of China Walker.
Raekwon is bringing heavyweight bars and iconic collaborations to the forefront with The Emperor’s New Clothes, his eighth solo album arriving July 18 via Mass Appeal, packed with Hip-Hop legends like Nas and fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah, Method Man and Inspectah Deck.
The Raekwon project also ropes in the Griselda trio — Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher — along with soulful contributions from Stacy Barthe and British singer Marsha Ambrosius. Behind the boards, production is handled by Swizz Beatz, Nottz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Frank G and Roadsart.
“The Emperor’s New Clothes is more than an album — it’s a statement. A declaration of evolution, mastery, and the raw essence of New York soul,” Raekwon said in a press release.
Raekwon first made his mark with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, a 1995 classic that helped define the mafioso rap subgenre. Nearly three decades later, his lyrical sharpness remains intact and his influence continues to echo through generations of emcees.
The upcoming album marks another milestone in a career that has spanned eras without losing relevance. From mentoring rising stars to collaborating with Hip-Hop’s elite, Raekwon has kept his pen sharp and his presence felt.
LL Cool J has canceled his headlining performance at the Wawa Welcome America July 4th concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The rap legend said he stood in solidarity with striking municipal workers who have taken to the picket line to demand higher wages and better healthcare.
The Hip-Hop icon made his stance clear in an emotional Instagram video Thursday night, less than 24 hours before the show. He was slated to perform alongside R&B star and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan.
“Yo, so, I understand there’s a lot going on in Philadelphia right now, and I never, ever, ever want to disappoint my fans, especially Philadelphia, y’all mean too much to me,” LL Cool J said. “But there’s absolutely no way that I can perform, cross a picket line, and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage. I’m not doing that, you know what I’m saying?”
He added that he would still be in town, hoping negotiations resolve before the holiday event.
“I’m just letting you know, I’m not going to cross a picket line and perform for money when people are hurt. That’s it, so I love y’all. I’m on my way to Philly. Peace and love.”
AFSCME District Council 33 is Philadelphia’s largest union and represents more than 10,000 blue-collar city workers. This includes sanitation crews and 911 dispatchers, all of which have been striking for three days. The city’s trash remains uncollected, 911 emergencies unattended and tensions between union leadership and city officials grows.
“LL Cool J’s decision to stand in solidarity with the labor movement by choosing not to cross a picket line is a powerful testament to his respect for workers’ rights,” Boulware said. “By prioritizing the dignity and respect of laborers over potential fan disappointment, LL Cool J sends a strong message about the value of unity and collective action.”
Negotiations between the city and DC 33 stalled Thursday.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city’s negotiators were prepared to continue talks, but union leaders stepped away from the table. There is no new meeting scheduled.
“I am aware that LL Cool J has decided not to perform at Wawa Welcome America’s July 4th Concert tomorrow evening on the Parkway,” Mayor Parker said in a statement. “I spoke personally with LL Cool J today. I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified. He is always welcome in Philadelphia.”
There has been no revelation of changes in the concert or if Jazmine Sullivan will be the sole performer.
Philly was one of the first cities to give LL Cool J a shot at the onset of his rap career. His refusal to take the stage recognizes the profound respect he has for the common people.
(@mellobuckzz)
