Black and Brown Solidarity Shines in Lefty Gunplay and JasonMartin’s New Collaboration

In a high-energy appearance on Power 106’s Brown Bag Mornings, Lefty Gunplay and JasonMartin—also known as Problem—delivered a compelling insight into their creative partnership and shared vision for music and community impact. The two artists opened up about their dynamic collaboration, the challenges of the industry, and the cultural significance of their work.

From the get-go, the chemistry between Lefty Gunplay and JasonMartin was evident. JasonMartin, revered for his West Coast legacy, spoke about his initial impression of working with Lefty, describing the young artist as “the easiest person to work with in [his] career.” He highlighted Lefty’s balance of being open to feedback while bringing original ideas to the table. Lefty echoed that sentiment, praising Martin for his hands-on approach and mutual respect in the studio.

“It was like we did two ideas each,” Lefty said. “He let me do me, but we still pushed each other to make it better.” The result? A deeply personal and polished project they described as a testament to West Coast sound and storytelling.

A Natural Connection and a Cinematic Sound

The collaboration began serendipitously when mutual contacts introduced the two. Martin reimagined Lefty’s vocals with a fresh beat, sparking interest from Lefty’s team. Their formal introduction took place at a community event, setting the tone for their creative journey. Over a series of studio sessions, their partnership grew. What was initially planned as a three-day recording stint stretched longer as the pair found themselves immersed in the work.

Martin’s signature “cinematic style” added a unique texture to the project. Describing his process, Lefty said, “He creates the scenes, man. If he’s talking about a Maybach, he’s in the studio finding the exact Maybach key sound. It’s crazy, but I love it.” Their shared attention to detail and commitment to authenticity was crucial to shaping the album.

But it wasn’t just about the technical aspects. Martin emphasized the importance of understanding each other’s stories and respecting their individual artistry. “This is all him,” Martin said about Lefty’s work on the upcoming album. “I didn’t write anything for him—he wouldn’t even let me if I tried. He’s serious about making this his voice.”

Representing the West Coast and Breaking Barriers

Throughout the interview, Lefty and Martin reflected on the cultural weight of their work, particularly in representing the unity of Black and Brown communities in Los Angeles. Martin drew a connection between their collaboration and broader efforts to promote solidarity. “It’s about showing people that the work speaks louder than the noise,” he said, referencing the late Nipsey Hussle’s ethos of “the demonstration speaks.”

For Lefty, that vision extends beyond the studio. “We’re at a different time in L.A.,” he said. “We’ve got to fix ourselves first before we can come at anyone else, but we’re getting there. It’s about opening doors for more Black and Brown artists to come together and make history.”

One of the standout moments in the conversation was when the two recalled a viral interaction with a young fan, where Lefty bought the child a pair of shoes after a heartfelt meeting. The experience reinforced Lefty’s resolve to be a positive role model. “I do it for the kids, for all of us,” he said. “We’ve got to do better.”

Pushing Boundaries with “Can’t Get Right”

Their collaborative single, “Can’t Get Right,” serves as both a personal statement for Lefty and the foundation for his upcoming album of the same name. Inspired by a nickname given to him by his friends, the song’s hook, “I can’t get right,” captures the essence of Lefty’s unapologetic authenticity. “It’s like the perfect introduction,” Martin noted. “Every great artist has a song with their name in it—it sets the tone.”

The song also reflects Lefty’s ability to balance introspection and energy. While the track is undeniably fun and radio-friendly, the album promises a mix of styles, from storytelling to club anthems and heartfelt moments. Contributions from producers like Mike & Keys, and even a feature from The Game, further elevate the project.

Martin and Lefty stressed the collaborative effort behind the album, acknowledging input from industry heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Mustard, and others. “This wasn’t just me and him,” Martin said. “This was a West Coast council, making sure it sounds right.”

Building a Legacy

Beyond the music, both Lefty and Martin emphasized the importance of mentorship and longevity in the industry. “I’m letting him learn from all the L’s I’ve taken,” Martin said. “He’s a corporation now, and he has to protect that.” Lefty, for his part, spoke about embracing growth while staying true to his roots. “I’ll never forget where I came from,” he said. “But I’m always learning—there’s always more to learn.”

Their partnership is rooted in mutual respect and a shared belief in the power of authenticity. As Martin put it, “We’re family now. We’re going to keep building, keep pushing, and make sure Lefty’s voice is heard the right way.”