Latino rapper King Lil G, who's also recorded under the monikers Lil Gangster or simply Lil G, is carrying on Southern California's influential hip-hop legacy. But although it's easy to hear echoes of '90s West Coast G-funk in his music—Tupac Shakur is an idol—the Inglewood-raised artist is more interested in carving out a career path with diverse inspirations.

A fiercely DIY artist, King Lil G unleashed his first mixtape, ‘LA Countys Most Wanted' [sic], in 2004. Since then, he's issued a steady stream of releases that draw heavily from his life experiences. For example, the hit 2014 song "Hopeless Boy" is a harrowing, true-to-life narrative discussing past youthful indiscretions and musing about how his life choices affected his mother. Such respect and reverence for his roots (and, specifically, his Mexican heritage) also permeates his music; in fact, King Lil G frequently incorporates nods to folk-inspired Mexican ballads called corridos.

Born Alex Gonzalez, he overcame a tough childhood and adolescence—among other things, he was raised by a single mom and never knew his dad—and eventually found solace in music and lyric-writing. In an effort to give back and make the world a better place, King Lil G launched the Sucio Movement, which he's said is "a positive movement that has to do with freedom and not being afraid to accomplish and do things" and "empowerment for those that don't think they can make it and come from nothing."

King Lil G is living proof that triumphing over adversity is possible. He spent 2018 pounding the pavement, embarking on the headlining Paint the City Blue tour and also teaming with Atlanta rapper Rittz for The Top Shelf tour. An outspoken performer who isn't afraid to address meaningful social and political causes, King Lil G offers onstage swagger and ferocious commentary that's matched only by his powerful music.