PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philly native Maurice McDaniel (better known to fans as Reese Bangem) has had a lifelong love affair with music. “It all started as a kid,” explains the up and coming artist, “I just always loved hip hop and R&B. I’d recite the lyrics of people I used to listen to, and then I’d jot down my own lyrics in the schoolyard.” He’s come a long way from a Philadelphia school yard, with a flourishing rap career where he creates music under his own label, Pure Hustle Entertainment. Reese listens to a large variety of rappers, but finds himself infatuated with rap icon Jay Z, known for his versatility and creativity. “He’s never really boxed his sound into one type,” says Reese Bangem, who is eager to try new things and mix it up in his own music. When asked about his personal brand, one thing comes to mind: Substance. “I keep it real,” confesses the artist.
Nowadays, the radio is flooded with hip hop that misses out on the purist, substantial lyricism. Here to fill that void, Reese Bangem isn’t just about beats and hooks – he’s about the real talk. “People aren’t really rapping the way I’m raping. The game is missing something,” he explains.
Reese Bangem is unafraid of hard work. He’s never taken the easy way out, raised amongst the often hard streets of Philadelphia, his rap chronicles the struggles and triumphs of growing up with hardship. The artist knows a thing or two about tough times, having faced more trouble than anyone should (most recently, the artist tragically lost his baby brother). “I write a lot about trying to make it out,” says Reese, whose mother, aunt, and grandmother raised him despite many struggles. Even when things get tough, he’s not afraid to pound the pavement and make things happen, and give back to those he loves most. “Pure Hustle,” says the artist of his brand, “We’re doing it with pure muscle.” It’s not just a rhyme to the dynamic artist; it’s his life’s mission. Filled with content that hits every nerve, Reese’s music has something for everyone.
His newest project, a three track “mini-EP” entitled Light Year, is currently available via digital platforms. The EP, which showcases the artist’s immense talent, is a teaser for an upcoming album, Pure Hustle, which will be released later this spring.
