The Playground Meets: Kuttem Reese

Written & Interviewed by Nishat Baig (@bolly.hood) 

19-year-old, Orlando artist Kuttem Reese has gone viral in under 1 year of making music with hits like, “Madden,” “Boston Celtics” and “No Statements.” Within the first 6 months of starting this journey Reese already has 5 million YouTube views and over 1 million SoundCloud plays. Reese overcame great odds growing up. As the oldest of 6 kids, with no father figure, Reese assumed the role of man of the house when his mother spent 3 years in prison which forced him and his siblings to live with his grandmother until his mother returned home. After a successful run of releases, Reese signed to Republic Records at the top of 2021. 

Kuttem Reese discusses a lot in this interview including what it was like helping raise his brothers and sisters and taking on that leadership role. He discusses how this helped him grow a stronger bond with his siblings.

Reese talks about free styling from a young age and what it was like going to real studio for the first time last year. Last year was also Reese’s first time ever releasing a song and already he’s amassed such a huge following in such a short amount of time. Reese mentions that he was nervous at first recording in a studio, but that he quickly outgrew that feeling and came into his own behind the mic.

Reese discusses his collaborations with artists like Lil Durk and Slimelife Shawty. Reese also describes how his most beloved releases are “Madden” and “No Statements” and how “Madden” mirrors his real life.

Reese caught up with us to talk about his upcoming project and debut release Kutt Dat Boy. Reese says he had full creative control on the project and that it’s 100% him, “straight energy.” Reese also reveals that he’s working on his album as we speak.

Unlike most people Covid actually positively affected his career by helping kick things off or him on social media. Find out what else Reese had to say in our full video interview on The Playground.