Today we’d like to introduce you to Buddy McLean
Hi Buddy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Buddy McLean is more than just a rapper—he’s a force in the game, representing Orlando, Florida, and 2 Deep Ent with a raw, unfiltered sound that blends Southern grit, real-life experiences, and street wisdom. My journey isn’t the typical come-up story; it’s one built on discipline, hustle, and an undeniable passion for music.
Early Life & Military Background
Before stepping into the rap game, I served in the U.S. Army, a background that instilled the discipline and resilience that now fuel my music career. My time in the military exposed me to different cultures and life experiences that later shaped my storytelling and work ethic. But despite the structure of military life, music was always in my heart. The streets, the struggle, and the ambition to build something bigger kept calling.
From Soldier to Studio
After serving, I took his love for music and turned it into something real. Inspired by Florida’s deep-rooted hip-hop culture,I honed hey craft, bringing a style that’s both lyrical and street-smart, filled with raw, uncut stories of life in the trenches. My music isn’t just about flexing—it’s about real-life experiences, the wins and losses, and the code of the streets.
The Rise of 2 Deep Ent
Not content with just being an artist, I along with co founder Blaze, founded 2 Deep Ent, a label built on authenticity and independence. I took control of my music, brand, and business, ensuring my vision was executed without compromise. Under 2 Deep Ent, Im not just a rapper—Im a boss, guiding his own career and setting the foundation for other artists to follow.
The Music & Influence
My sound is deeply influenced by Florida’s hip-hop scene, blending elements of Southern trap, old-school storytelling, and modern-day bangers. I incorporate Orlando slang, culture, and street life into my lyrics, keeping it 100% real. My bars are raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic, mirroring the energy of Florida legends while carving his own lane.
More Than Just a Rapper
Beyond the music, Buddy McLean is about ownership and legacy. I represent independence, hard work, and the come-up mentality, proving that success in the industry doesn’t have to come with major label backing. My story is one of hustle, resilience, and staying true to my roots.
With 2 Deep Ent, a growing catalog of hard-hitting music, and a vision for the future, Buddy McLean is proving that Orlando has something to say—and he’s saying it loud.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nah, it definitely ain’t been a smooth road. This music game, just like life, come with ups and downs, twists and turns. Nothin’ worth havin’ come easy, feel me? From the jump, tryna build 2 Deep Ent from the ground up took blood, sweat, and very late nights. Had to learn the business side while still keepin’ the music raw, makin’ sure every move was solid.
One of the biggest struggles was just gettin’ the right people in my corner. A lotta folks talk a good game, but when it’s time to put in work, they fall back or move funny. I had to weed out the fake, stay focused, and keep pushin’ no matter who switched up. Another challenge was findin’ ways to fund this dream—studio time, videos, promo, all that cost bread, and when you independent, it’s all on you.
But through it all, I never folded. I stayed locked in, kept grindin’, and made sure everything I put out was fye. At the end of the day, every struggle just added to the story, made me hungrier, made me sharper. And now? 2 Deep Ent standin’ strong, and we just gettin’ started.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What are you most proud of?
Man, I’m most proud of staying’ ten toes down through all the struggles and building’ 2 Deep Ent into something’ real. A lotta folks talk about making’ moves, but I actually put in the work, stayed independent, and made sure my music stayed raw, authentic, and true to where I come from. I haven’t switched up for nobody, and I ain’t let nothin’ stop me.
I’m also proud of the impact my music has—when people hit me up sayin’ my tracks got ‘em through tough times or motivated ‘em to get on they grind, that’s real. Seein’ my work pay off, gettin’ love from my city, and knowin’ I built this from the ground up? That’s the type of sh*t money can’t buy. And trust me, we just gettin’ started—the best is yet to come.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yeah, when it comes to finding’ a mentor or just networking’ in general, the key is moving’ with intention and surrounding’ yourself with people who really got motion. You gotta tap in with folks who been where you tryna go—not just talkers, but real grinders who put in that work. Ain’t nothin’ worse than takin’ advice from somebody who ain’t never built nothin’ themselves.
For me, what worked was bein’ outside, pullin’ up to the right spots, and buildin’ real relationships—not just slidin’ in DMs askin’ for favors. If you wanna get put on, you gotta bring somethin’ to the table too. Whether it’s talent, work ethic, or just good energy, people gotta see why they should rock with you. And most importantly, stay solid—word travel fast in this game, so if you move shady or act entitled, doors gon’ close quick.
At the end of the day, be about your business, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. The right connections come when you really out here workin’.
Pricing:
- I work with all budgets. If anyone has any questions air if you are looking to get into the music industry yourself, just send me an email. buddymclean@2deepent.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.2Deepent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddy.mclean2de
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BUtYJfmir/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BuddyMclean2DE
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@buddymclean2de
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0A444cQXklZvxO57g1jdS3
