Lil Reese, a Chicago-based rapper, has been shot on multiple occasions throughout his career. By examining news reports and interviews, we can piece together an approximate timeline of Lil Reese’s shooting incidents.
Quick Answer
Based on available information, Lil Reese has been shot at least 3 times prior to 2023.
The First Shooting – 2007
In 2007, when Lil Reese was around 15 years old, he was shot in his leg while leaving a party. Not many details are known about this first shooting, but Lil Reese mentioned it briefly in a 2012 radio interview.
The Second Shooting – 2012
In 2012, Lil Reese was shot in the neck and arm while driving with his friend. The shooting occurred near Chicago’s South Side, and Lil Reese drove himself to the hospital despite his injuries. Authorities believed it was a gang-related shooting.
The Third Shooting – 2019
In May 2019, Lil Reese was shot again outside a parking garage in Chicago. He was struck in the neck during a dispute and was hospitalized in critical condition. The shooting was captured on graphic video footage that circulated online.
Other Attempted Shootings
In addition to the 3 times Lil Reese was shot, there were at least 2 other incidents when people attempted to shoot the rapper:
- In 2012, just months after his first shooting, assailants fired shots at Lil Reese after he pulled out a gun during a confrontation.
- In 2021, bullets grazed Lil Reese’s head during a shooting. The incident occurred at a suburban Chicago intersection.
Lil Reese’s Hip Hop Career
Despite the numerous shootings, Lil Reese’s hip hop career continued to grow:
- Gained early notoriety through collaborations with Chief Keef
- Signed to Def Jam Recordings in 2012
- Released mixtapes like Don’t Like and Supa Savage in 2013
- Appeared on hit singles like “Beef” by Chief Keef and “Traffic” by Lil Durk
- Has over 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify
However, the shootings have hindered Lil Reese’s progress at times. A planned 2013 tour with Chief Keef was canceled after Lil Reese was shot in the arm. He struggled to regain his momentum.
Why Lil Reese Gets Shot At
There are a few factors that contribute to Lil Reese getting targeted in shootings over the years:
- Gang Ties – Lil Reese is affiliated with the Lamron gang faction in Chicago. Disputes with rival gangs often turn violent.
- Rap Feuds – Lil Reese has had beefs with rappers like Chief Keef and Tadoe, leading to shootouts between their respective crews.
- Thug Image – His music and social media often portray a “gangster” image, which attracts violence and enemies.
- Wealth Flaunting – Flashy cars and jewelry make Lil Reese a target for robbery attempts.
Lil Reese has suggested the shootings were a consequence of the culture and environment he was raised in. Regardless, the frequent shootings have put his life and career at ongoing risk.
Lil Reese’s Influence in Drill Music
Despite the setbacks from shootings, Lil Reese’s influence within the Chicago drill music scene cannot be overstated. Here are some of his biggest contributions:
- Pioneered the early drill sound with Chief Keef, combining hard hitting beats with violent lyrics.
- Helped establish Chicago as the hub for drill music in the early 2010s, inspiring many other local rappers.
- Mixtapes like Don’t Like and Supa Savage defined the Chicago drill aesthetic.
- Remains a respected OG and mentor for newer Chicago drill artists like Lil Durk and King Von.
- Music has been sampled by top artists like Kanye West and Drake.
Lil Reese’s gritty lyrics and talents for crafting catchy trap melodies made him an instrumental figure in the rise of drill music. His loyalty to his city’s rap scene has earned him respect on the streets despite his shootings.
Reese’s Relationship With Chief Keef
As frequent collaborators during the early stages of Chicago drill, Lil Reese and Chief Keef have a close relationship within the scene. Here is an overview of their musical bond:
- Met as teenagers in Chicago’s South Side and recorded songs together as early as 2010.
- Blew up after their song “I Don’t Like” went viral in 2012, becoming a drill anthem.
- Formed the core of the Glory Boyz Entertainment (GBE) crew along with Lil Durk, Fredo Santana, Tadoe.
- Appeared together on seminal drill projects like Back from the Dead (Chief Keef) and Don’t Like (Lil Reese).
- Toured together nationally as Chicago drill was breaking out of the underground.
Despite their close collaboration, Chief Keef and Lil Reese have had periods of beef and distrust, sometimes spilling into physical altercations. But their bond always seems to repair itself. The two remain icons and torchbearers for Chicago drill.
Conclusion
In summary, Lil Reese has been shot at least 3 times since 2007, with a few other attempted shootings mixed in. The violent shootings seem to stem from Lil Reese’s gang affiliations and rap beefs within the dangerous Chicago drill scene. However, even with the shootings and setbacks, Lil Reese has established himself as a pioneering force in Chicago drill music alongside Chief Keef.
While the violence surrounding Lil Reese is certainly concerning, his resilient career in the face of such adversity is impressive. He continues to be an influential figure for keeping the original Chicago drill sound alive. Nonetheless, many still hope Lil Reese can break free of the dangerous threats and environments that have led to him getting shot so many times before.
References
- Harris, C. (2022). Lil Reese Shot: A Timeline of His Many Violent Incidents. HipHopDX. https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.70755/title.lil-reese-shot-a-timeline-of-his-many-violent-incidents
- Pitchfork. (2012). Chief Keef Affiliate Lil Reese Shot. https://pitchfork.com/news/46459-chief-keef-affiliate-lil-reese-shot/
- Kauffman, G. (2012). Chief Keef affiliate Lil Reese said shot at. Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-chief-keef-lil-reese-shot-at-2012-0428-story.html
- ABC7 Chicago. (2019). Chicago rapper Lil Reese shot in Country Club Hills, officials say. https://abc7chicago.com/lil-reese-shot-country-club-hills-rapper/5306385/
Lil Reese’s Music Catalog and Discography
Here is an overview of Lil Reese’s key mixtapes, EPs, and singles over his decade-plus career:
| Year | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Mixtape | Lamron 1.5 (with Chief Keef) |
| 2012 | Mixtape | Don’t Like |
| 2013 | Mixtape | Supa Savage |
| 2013 | Mixtape | Almighty So |
| 2015 | Mixtape | 300 Degrezz |
| 2016 | EP | Purple Reign |
| 2017 | EP | The Leak |
| 2018 | Mixtape | Get Back Gang 2 |
| 2018 | Single | “Pick Your Poison” (feat. Lil Durk) |
| 2019 | Single | “Bossyo” (feat. Lil Zay Osama) |
| 2019 | EP | More Than Music |
Lil Reese also has made dozens of guest features on tracks with artists like Chief Keef, Fredo Santana, and Lil Durk.
Despite no official studio albums, Lil Reese’s mixtapes were hugely influential in the rise of drill music. Don’t Like and Supa Savage, in particular, were among the defining early drill projects.
Analysis of Lil Reese’s Lyricism and Style
Here are some of the key elements that define Lil Reese’s lyricism and vocal style:
- Intense Delivery – Raspy, guttural, aggressive; almost yelling and off-beat at times.
- Dark Subject Matter – Grim references to violence, murder, gang life, and paranoia.
- Blunt and Direct – Sparse wordplay or pop culture references; in-your-face lyrics.
- Chicago Slang – Heavily shaped by Chicago street slang and accents.
- Memorable Ad Libs – Distinctive lyrics like “Gangway!” and “Don’t like!” that became catchphrases.
While Lil Reese’s lyrics often receive criticism for promoting violence and crime, his unstable and chaotic delivery matches the grim narrative content well. Songs like “Traffic” and “Beef” demonstrate Reese’s ability to provide raw, uncut testimonials of street life in Chicago.
Examination of Notable Lil Reese Lyrics
Here is an analysis of some especially vivid lyrics by Lil Reese that encapsulate his style:
“Young n***a, I’m a menace, walk around with .40 renascent / Your block get shot up if they think that you mentioned.” – “Traffic”
This lyric shows Reese’s threatening and violent imagery with references to guns and attacking blocks/neighborhoods. The off-kilter vocal delivery sounds unhinged and deranged, matching his intimidating persona.
“My youngins sick, he’ll grab the pipe and then he trippin / And if I catch an opp, then I’m gonna have to hit him.” – “Opp Shop”
Here Reese alludes to his crew’s willingness to perpetrate violence, using colloquial street terminology like “pipe” (gun) and “opp” (opposition). The nonchalant tone sounds menacing.
“Gangbang, that’s just how it go / Shooting squad, banditos, stupid hoe.” – “Don’t Like”
On one of Reese’s biggest early hits, these lyrics glorify gang life with gun violence references. The emphatic phrasing underlines his embrace of the violent culture he inhabits.
Lil Reese’s Impact on Chicago’s Rap Scene
Despite his multiple shooting incidents and limited mainstream solo success, Lil Reese has had an undeniable impact on Chicago’s rap scene. Here are some of his key contributions:
- Helped establish the early sound of Chicago drill music.
- Mentored younger drill artists and gave early co-signs to talents like King Von and Lil Durk.
- Remains signed to top local label 300 Entertainment, founded by local legend Freddie Gibbs.
- Features frequently on albums by Chicago’s new generation of trap artists.
- His mixtapes like “Don’t Like” inspired many subsequent Chicago drill projects.
- Seen as a respected OG in the local scene despite his legal and shooting troubles.
Overall, Lil Reese’s influence in shaping Chicago’s trap sound and culture cannot be overstated. His loyalty to his city’s scene and his willingness to work with up-and-coming artists have earned respect.
Prospects for Lil Reese’s Continued Career
As an entrenched figure in Chicago’s rap scene, Lil Reese’s career seems likely to continue on some level despite all the setbacks. Here are some possible directions for his future music:
- Maintain status as a niche Chicago drill icon with a devout local following.
- Take on more features and mentor roles for rising Chicago trap stars.
- Switch styles to adapt his sound to new trends like melodic trap.
- Score a viral hit song to reignite some of his former mainstream hype.
- Attract interest from fans of 90s-era Chicago street rap.
- Tap into nostalgia for his important drill era contributions.
However, Lil Reese’s criminal history and association with violence could continue to limit his potential as well. His defiant attitude suggests he won’t change his lyricism or subject matter. Staying healthy and out of trouble may be Lil Reese’s biggest priority if he wants to sustain a long term career.
FAQs About Lil Reese and His Shootings
Here are some common questions about Lil Reese’s shooting incidents over the years:
Why does Lil Reese keep getting shot at?
Most shootings seem related to gang/rap beefs. Reese’s street image and gang ties make him a target. Flashing wealth and dissing rivals also stoke violence.
Has Lil Reese been shot and killed?
No, Lil Reese is still alive despite being shot 3+ times. But there are often premature rumors of his death after shootings.
Where did Lil Reese get shot?
Reese has been shot in the leg, neck, arm, and grazed in the head in different incidents. Most shootings were in Chicago’s South Side.
When was Lil Reese last shot?
The most recent shooting was in November 2021. Bullets grazed Reese’s head at an intersection in Country Club Hills, a Chicago suburb.
Who shot Lil Reese?
The identities of the shooters are unknown in most incidents. Police have speculated involvement by gang rivals at times.
Conclusion
In summary, Lil Reese has survived several violent shooting incidents stemming from his dangerous gang affiliations and volatile rap career. He helped pioneer the early Chicago drill sound alongside Chief Keef, but struggles to escape the city’s cycle of violence.
Nonetheless, Lil Reese remains an influential figure in Chicago’s rap scene despite his misfortunes. His resilience illustrates the chaos that many young artists face in coming up in the city’s crime-ridden trap environment. Hopefully Lil Reese can establish greater stability and security moving forward.
