The West Coast rap scene has changed a lot since its heyday in the 1990s, but one modern West-Coast rapper that all lovers of the genre should know about is King Lil G. Born Alex Gonzalez in Mexico City, King Lil G came of age in Los Angeles and embodies everything that’s great about Chicano rap and West Coast rap. He’s perhaps not the most popular rapper in the world, as he’s not on a major record label and doesn’t always get the same publicity as others in his genre. But King Lil G is an artist everyone in that genre should admire. He’s been in the game a long time and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. What else would you expect from someone who’s a descendant of Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata? Over the years, he’s built a loyal fanbase, and King Lil G repays that loyalty by putting on electric concerts for his fans every time he performs.

Mr. Independent

As mentioned, King Lil G isn’t on a major record label, but that’s by design. He intentionally avoided major record labels in order to maintain his freedom and independence as an artist. Rather than being focused on image, branding, marketing, and profits, King Lil G is completely focused on his music and raising social awareness with his songs. He’s going to say whatever he wants to say with his songs without any filter. He even directs his own music videos, giving King Lil G complete creative control over his career. It’s a path that not many have taken, but it’s one that more should emulate because King Lil G’s music is raw, pure, and beautiful.

Next in the Lineage

In addition to being the literal descendant of a famous Mexican revolutionary leader, King Lil G is a musical descendant of some of the best rappers of all time. In his music, it’s clear that he’s been influenced by great West Coast rappers like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Tupac. At the same time, he hasn’t abandoned his Mexican roots in a musical sense. King Lil G also incorporates the melodies and tempo of Mexican folk music. It’s an interesting fusion of the two genres that gives King Lil G a unique perspective and a sound that can’t be heard anywhere else, making him a special part of the rap scene.