Before the Drop: Lefty Gunplay Reflects on Sobriety, Struggle, and West Coast Legacy with JasonMartin

In an intimate and unfiltered conversation just 24 hours before his new album dropped, Lefty Gunplay sat down with JasonMartin to talk legacy, loyalty, vulnerability, and the grind behind the scenes. The moment, captured with no entourage, no distractions, and full honesty, offered fans and peers a rare look into the mindset of one of West Coast rap’s most talked-about rising voices.

A West Coast Shift in Motion

JasonMartin opened by naming the moment for what it was: a major shift in the West Coast’s rap story. With Lefty’s new project poised to land on Billboard and already generating buzz, Martin didn’t mince words. He sees Lefty as the leader of what he called the "third generation of the West Coast," following legends like Snoop and Dre, and artists of the New West movement. Lefty, for his part, recognized the weight of that expectation but welcomed it. "I got to earn my spot," he said. “Everything’s lined up, but only I can mess this up.”

The two discussed the album’s creation in detail, highlighting Lefty’s growing creative control. From track selection to tweaking the intro and insisting on street credibility, his hands were in every part of the process. That energy, Martin emphasized, is what separates stars from temporary flames. "You're a building now. You’re a brand."

Purpose Over Profit

At the heart of their exchange was an unfiltered conversation about intention. JasonMartin asked Lefty if he was in it just to hit a lick or if he was genuinely committed to what they were building. Lefty’s response was emphatic: he’s here for legacy, not shortcuts. “I want to be great,” he said. “And I know you believe in me. That’s why I’m locked in.”

They acknowledged that the path hasn’t been smooth. Lefty opened up about the emotional toll of the lifestyle, the weight of fame, and adjusting to public expectations while still keeping it real in the streets. From pumping gas in LA to taking 50 pictures a day, he’s learning to balance vigilance with visibility.

Navigating Race, Respect, and the Industry

Their conversation also dove into Lefty’s complex experience navigating both Latino and Black spaces in rap. He admitted to coming from a rigid, racially segregated prison mentality, but credited growth, reflection, and community support for helping him evolve. “I was probably one of the most racist [__] in jail,” he said. “Now, I’m embraced by people I never thought would accept me. We all in the same neighborhoods—we need to stop letting people turn us against each other.”

JasonMartin echoed that sentiment, pointing out how Lefty’s authenticity and hunger were impossible to ignore. “Anybody ask me about Lefty Gunplay, I tell them: ain’t nobody outworking that boy.”

The Weight of Representation

The pressure that comes with being seen as a leading voice for Latino artists on the West Coast wasn’t lost on Lefty. He called it a blessing but admitted it came with heavy responsibility. “Everything got to be better than the last,” he said. “Especially with Solless—he’s got a high standard. But I know I deserve it.”

He also wished there was more visible support from West Coast OGs, particularly Dr. Dre. While he praised Kendrick Lamar and others for offering guidance, Lefty noted how many rising artists are left to build alone until they hit a major milestone. "Don't wait till it crack to mess with it. Mess with it when it's bubbling."

Faith, Addiction, and Turning Points

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation came when Lefty spoke about his addiction struggles and his decision to pursue sobriety. He admitted that drugs gave him a sense of escape and became a defense mechanism for imperfection and pressure. But in recent days, he’s made changes, celebrating seven days sober at the time of the interview. "I really want to stop doing drugs, bro. I just want to be healthier, to be bigger. I know I'm messing it up sometimes. But I’m turning it around myself."

JasonMartin, who also overcame personal battles with substance use, offered encouragement and hard-earned perspective. “It’s way harder to be a star in Los Angeles than it is to get off drugs,” he said. "You already did the impossible—you're top five on Billboard in your first year. You can do anything."

From Incarceration to Inspiration

Lefty’s journey from a prison cell to recording hits with Grammy-winning producers has shaped not only his music but his mindset. He talked about narrowly avoiding long prison sentences, missing performances due to legal issues, and how the fear of losing it all keeps him grounded. “I'm knocking on the door of losing it all. But I’m not going back,” he said.

Despite moments of self-doubt and the chaos that comes with fame, Lefty’s message remained clear: he’s in this for more than just the fame. “I’m doing this for my people. I’m trying to put money on the table for my homies, for my kids. And I know I got to be the one to fix it. Nobody else is going to do it for me.”

What "Can’t Get Right" Really Means

As their conversation wrapped, JasonMartin asked what message Lefty wants fans to take from the album Can’t Get Right. Lefty’s answer was simple but powerful: "Follow your dreams. Be authentic. If I can do it, you can do it."

The project, in his view, isn’t just music—it’s a window into the real life of a Latino artist navigating fame, recovery, race, and responsibility on a stage long dominated by others. It’s also a testament to what happens when a community backs someone willing to do the work.

"I'm in there," he said. "I don’t care what anybody says—we got one in there."