Lil Reese

Tavares Lamont Taylor, born January 6, 1993, in Chicago, is an American rapper known professionally as Lil Reese. He emerged from the city's drill music scene, gaining recognition for his guest appearance on Chief Keef's 2012 single "I Don't Like," which reached number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut mixtape, Don't Like (2012), was followed by three EPs, including the collaborative project with Lil Durk, Supa Vultures (2017). In March 2022, Taylor was convicted of aggravated assault for strangling his girlfriend, and in October 2024 he was sentenced to five years in prison. He is currently incarcerated at the Garza West Unit in Texas, with a release date set for February 2029 and parole eligibility in 2026. Despite his incarceration, his earlier work continues to resonate within the drill community, and his collaborations with Chief Keef and Lil Durk remain touchstones for fans of the genre. [edit]

Lil Reese grew up in Englewood, a South Side Chicago neighborhood known for its hardships. He spent his early years in the Calumet Buildings, a 16-story housing project that left a lasting impression on his worldview. By age five, he was already affiliated with the Black Disciples gang, and by his preteens, after moving to 64th and Normal, he had become a full member. It was there he befriended Lil Durk, a bond that would shape both their careers. He started rapping at age 10, inspired by the older figures around him. School took a backseat; he dropped out halfway through high school to focus on music. In 2010, at 17, he picked up his first criminal charge, burglary, which landed him two years of probation. That same year, he began recording seriously, joining a wave of young Chicago artists like Chief Keef and Fredo Santana who were turning local pain into a new sound. In a Complex interview, he described his childhood: "I was a little bad kid doing all types of stuff. I was just doing it because I could do it. It was all sorts of stuff happening. It was crazy though. I was in the projects doing everything. It was rough in Chicago. First, it was all good, and as you got older, it got harder." [edit]

Lil Reese's breakthrough came in 2012 with his verse on Chief Keef's "I Don't Like," a track that peaked at 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at 15 on the rap songs chart. The song's YouTube success, with 28 million views, put him on the map. That year, he released his debut mixtape, Don't Like, and collaborated with Rick Ross and Drake on "US." Producer No I.D., known for work with Common and Kanye West, helped him secure a deal with Def Jam Records. His second mixtape, Supa Savage, dropped in 2013, and in 2015 it was re-released under Chief Keef's Glory Boyz Entertainment label. He parted ways with Def Jam without releasing a studio album. In 2017, he teamed up with Lil Durk for the collaborative EP Supa Vultures. Since then, he has continued as an independent artist, releasing music that keeps his name alive in the drill scene. He has also been involved in incidents in 2019 and 2021 that have not been detailed. [edit]

Lil Reese is recognized as one of the pioneers of the Chicago drill music scene. His music features hard-hitting beats and gritty, street-inspired lyrics that reflect the realities of growing up in Chicago's inner city. He has stayed true to his roots, frequently rapping about the difficulties of life in his hometown. His distinctive flow and impactful delivery have earned him respect among drill fans. He has a strong social media presence with accounts like @reesemoney300 on Instagram and @LilReese300 on Twitter, where he engages with his followers. His public image has been significantly shaped by his legal troubles, including his 2022 conviction and 2024 sentencing, which have overshadowed his musical contributions in recent years. [edit]

Lil Reese stands as a foundational pillar of the Chicago drill movement, his legacy cemented by two defining chapters that resonate deeply with listeners. The first is his feature on Chief Keef's 2012 anthem "I Don't Like," a track that became the genre's breakout moment and introduced Reese to the world. Fans revere this collaboration not just for its commercial success but for how it captured the raw energy of the South Side at the time. His resilience also forms a core part of his legend; following a critical shooting in November 2019 where he was left in grave condition, the community rallied around his recovery. He returned to the studio almost immediately to release "Come Outside," a song that fans view as a triumphant return from the brink. This narrative of survival against odds remains a central story told about him within the hip-hop community. More recently, the conversation has shifted toward legal controversies, including a 2024 sentencing for aggravated assault, which has added a somber chapter to his public biography. Despite these challenges, his catalog with Lil Durk and early hits continue to drive engagement. The audience surrounding Tavares Lamont Taylor operates primarily through social media interaction and the broader drill scene rather than a formalized organization. There is no documented official name for his fanbase, nor are there recorded instances of large-scale fan-funded campaigns or specific rituals unique to his followers. Engagement remains centered on digital platforms like Instagram, where updates on his personal life and music are shared directly with supporters. While his influence on the sound of Chicago drill is undeniable, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this artist and determined that he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. Consequently, Lil Reese is not ranked within the Global Top 1,000 or any scope-specific list at this time.[edit]

Tavares Lamont Taylor goes by several aliases, including "Reese Money" and "Grim Reaper." He has expanded his reach beyond the Midwest, traveling to Southern California to further his music career. A notable track in his discography is "Distance" featuring Lil Durk, produced by Mubz Got Beats, which delves into the complexities of maintaining relationships when both partners are immersed in the music industry. Throughout his career, he has maintained a close professional bond with fellow South Side native and former Def Jam labelmate Lil Durk. Reflecting on the toll of violence in his hometown, Reese once stated, "I lost so many... people grown, the only thing I got crack, crack really crack, only thing I could crave. I lost so many more." Beyond his recorded history, lore surrounds his near-fatal shooting in November 2019. Reports placed him in critical condition after being shot in Chicago, sparking immediate concern across the city. His subsequent return to the studio to record "Come Outside" shortly after recovering became a focal point for fans celebrating his survival. Another significant event in recent memory involves a December 2024 report of his five-year prison sentence for assaulting a family member, marking a stark shift from his earlier status as an active independent artist.[edit]

Lil Reese was raised in a large family in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. He has spoken about the challenges of growing up in a rough environment, with gang violence and drugs present from an early age. In January 2019, he posted on Instagram about his grandmother's passing, a moment that highlighted the importance of family to him. He has also discussed religious topics in his music and interviews. As of 2026, he is incarcerated, and no details about a current household, spouse, or children have been reported. [edit]

Lil Reese is closely associated with fellow Chicago drill artists, particularly Chief Keef, who featured him on "I Don't Like," and Lil Durk, his childhood friend and frequent collaborator. He also worked with Fredo Santana, Rick Ross, Drake, and producer No I.D., who helped him sign to Def Jam. Other associated artists include G Herbo, King Von, Gucci Mane, and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. [edit]

Lil Reese's public dating history is limited. He was involved with a girlfriend who became the victim in his aggravated assault case, which led to his 2022 conviction. The relationship's timeline is not well-documented, and no other significant relationships have been reported. As of 2026, he is incarcerated and effectively single, with no current partner reported. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Lil Reese's net worth stands at $1 Million as of 2026. This figure reflects his tenure as an independent artist alongside his earlier tenure with Def Jam Records. Primary income streams have historically included music sales, streaming royalties, and live performances, although his current incarceration has suspended recent touring activities. The enduring viral impact of "I Don't Like" and the continued popularity of his collaborative catalog with Lil Durk remain steady revenue generators. However, his financial standing has been impacted by substantial legal fees and the absence of new releases during his imprisonment.[edit]