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From the Trenches to the Trophy: Lefty Gunplay Solidifies His Legend with “What’s My Name”

W: Wayne Varry

LOS ANGELES, CA — Fresh off a historic, barrier-breaking start to 2026, Los Angeles powerhouse Lefty Gunplay is officially claiming his throne. With the release of his high-octane new single and video, “What’s My Name,” the Baldwin Park native proves that his recent brush with Grammy glory was no fluke—it was a prophecy. Produced by the legendary Grammy-winner My Guy Mars (1500 or Nothin’) alongside Jason Martin and Lefty himself, the track serves as a bold reintroduction to an artist who has successfully navigated the transition from street survival to global superstardom.

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The momentum behind this release is nothing short of seismic. Earlier this year, Lefty etched his name into the history books as the first Latino rapper to win a Grammy for Best Rap Song, a feat achieved through his razor-sharp contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s viral #1 hit, "TV Off." On “What’s My Name,” Lefty channels that championship energy into a performance that is sharper and more focused than ever. Utilizing a magnetic, high-energy flip of the iconic “Hi, My Name Is” hook, the track has already transcended the airwaves to capture the attention of ESPN, where it will serve as the heartbeat of the 2026 NBA Season promotional spots and bumper music.

Lefty’s visual journey is a gritty, cinematic timeline of his rise through the West Coast underground. His videography has long been a staple of L.A. street culture, with early breakout hits like "Walk Em Down" and "Blvd Babies" garnering millions of views for their raw, unvarnished portrayal of life in the San Gabriel Valley. From the emotional weight of "Lost My Best Friend" (featuring RJmrLA) to the heavy-hitting visuals for "Can't Get Right" and "Blue Rolls Royce," Lefty has consistently worked with top-tier West Coast eyes like Shooterzongo and The Happy News Network to document his evolution. While his earlier videos were characterized by the urgency of the block, his recent work reflects an artist stepping into a larger-than-life spotlight without losing his edge.

"Walk Em Down"

"Blvd Babies

"Lost My Best Friend"

"Can't Get Right"

"Blue Rolls Royce,

Despite the accolades and the mainstream spotlight, Lefty remains an unapologetic champion for the people who raised him. Reflecting on his historic Grammy win, he views the trophy as a collective victory for the culture. “Winning that Grammy wasn’t just a win for me, but a win for every Latino kid in the hood,” Lefty shares. “To be the first Latino rapper to hold that trophy is a heavy honor. My message to the community is simple: never give up on your dreams, no matter how far away they seem. I’m grateful for Kendrick to present the opportunity, but I’m even more grateful to show my people that we belong at the top.”