Born on April 9, 2001 Melanie Doyle, widely known as Mello Buckzz, is an American drill rapper and songwriter from the East Side of Chicago. She is known for her raw lyricism and uncompromising presence in the Midwest hip-hop scene.
Early life and career: Mello Buckzz began her journey into music by observing her brothers in the studio, starting her own rapping career in 2020 and releasing her first song, “Riley,” that summer.
Chicago Roots: She is from the East Side of Chicago, the same neighborhood as fellow rapper G Herbo. Her roots in the “No Limit” neighborhood are reflected in her music.
Education: Mello Buckzz attended Curie Metro High School and Dyett High School for the Arts.
Breakout Tracks: Her rise to fame includes viral tracks like “Boom (Mouskatool)” and the even more successful “Boom Pt. 2,” which featured a significant collaboration with Atlanta rapper Latto in 2023.
Industry Recognition: Her work has been spotlighted by publications like Pitchfork, and she has millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Albums and Collaborations: She has released several projects, including the EP Hollyhood in July 2025. She has collaborated with artists like Latto, Murda B, and G Herbo, as well as being featured on G Herbo’s mixtape Strictly 4 My Fans 2.
Personal life and controversies: In 2023, Mello Buckzz pleaded guilty to assaulting another rapper and was sentenced to three years of probation.
Tragic Shooting: In July 2025, a drive-by shooting occurred outside her album release party in Chicago, leaving four people dead and 14 injured. The rapper herself is believed to have been the target. Among the deceased were her boyfriend, Devonte Williamson, and a childhood friend, Leon Andrew Henry.
Grief and Tributes: Following the incident, she took to Instagram to mourn the loss of her boyfriend and close friends, expressing her heartbreak publicly.
Maturity: Despite her young age and the tragic events surrounding her career, she is noted for her maturity on the field.
Musical style: Mello Buckzz is known for her authentic drill style, raw lyrics, and honest storytelling. Her music often reflects her life experiences and Chicago roots. She possesses a “star quality” and is seen as a potential leader for female artists in Chicago’s drill scene.
Net Worth and Earnings: With music streaming on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, plus electrifying live performances, Mello Buckzz has built an impressive estimated net worth of $1 million – not bad for the rising star!
Potential sources of income: Music sales and streaming; Mello Buckzz earns royalties from her music on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Her track “Boom Pt. 2” with Latto has accumulated millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Live Performances: Her career includes performing live shows and possibly touring, which can be a significant source of income for rappers.
Record Deals: As her career advances, she may have signed record deals that include advances and royalty structures. Her collaboration with Latto suggests high-level industry connections that could lead to lucrative deals.
Features: Mello Buckzz has been featured on tracks with other artists, including G Herbo’s mixtape Strictly 4 My Fans 2. Features can generate income and increase exposure.
Brand Partnerships: Her strong social media presence can also earn money through endorsements and sponsorships.