Franklin Holladay, professionally known as Lefty Gunplay, is an emerging American rapper from Baldwin Park, Los Angeles. Raised in a mobile trailer park, Lefty’s upbringing was shaped by a blend of cultures and experiences. His mother, a Guatemalan immigrant, and his grandmother provided much of the familial influence in his life, while his father, a white man from Mississippi, was largely absent. Lefty’s childhood was marked by challenges, but music played a constant role as a form of expression and escape.
His passion for music began early—during elementary school, when he won a talent show by performing songs by Kanye West and 50 Cent. This victory sparked an interest in performing, though he didn’t immediately pursue a music career. Throughout high school, Lefty was deeply involved in sports, playing baseball, football, and basketball at the varsity level. Sports were his primary focus, but music remained a part of his life as he continued to develop his skills.
After high school, Lefty’s life took a difficult turn when he was incarcerated for several years. However, this period became a turning point in his life. During his time in prison, Lefty met rapper Jap5, who became an influential mentor. Jap5 recognized Lefty’s potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in music, particularly rap. This advice resonated with Lefty, and upon his release, he decided to fully dedicate himself to music.
In 2023, Lefty began to gain recognition with the release of two singles: "Spin the Block" and "Certified Stepper." These tracks quickly gained traction online, building a solid fanbase and attracting the attention of OTR Records, an independent label based in Los Angeles. In December 2023, he officially signed with the label, marking the beginning of his professional career in music.
By February 2024, Lefty released his debut album, "Rookie of the Year". The album introduced his raw style, vivid storytelling, and ability to blend street authenticity with catchy hooks. He followed up with three more projects in 2024: "Famous Gangbanger," "PreSeason," and "Most Valuable Gangster." Each of these albums showcased his versatility and growth as an artist, building on the momentum of his debut and solidifying his place in the rap scene.
Lefty’s big breakthrough came in November 2024, when he was featured on Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated single "TV Off" from Lamar’s album GNX. The song was a massive hit, charting at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and giving Lefty a wider audience than ever before. The feature not only boosted his career but also led to a remarkable increase in streaming numbers for his entire catalog, which saw an 84% increase in plays. This moment was a major milestone for Lefty, who spoke about recording multiple tracks with Kendrick during their studio sessions, hinting that a deluxe version of GNX might be on the way.
In addition to his musical success, Lefty has become known for his candid opinions and involvement in the wider hip-hop culture. He notably voiced his thoughts on Drake’s legal battle with Universal Music Group, following the release of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track "Not Like Us". Lefty expressed his views on the situation, standing firm in his support for Kendrick while also offering insight into the complexities of the rap industry.
As of 2024, Lefty Gunplay is rapidly becoming one of the most promising voices in hip-hop. His story, marked by overcoming adversity and taking control of his future, resonates deeply with fans. His raw lyricism, dedication to his craft, and ability to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry signal that Lefty’s journey is just beginning. With more music on the horizon and a growing presence in the rap world, Lefty Gunplay is poised to leave a lasting impact on the genre.
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