Rapper Peysoh Breaks Down Life, Loss, and His GNX Milestone with Kendrick Lamar

Los Angeles-based rapper Peysoh sat down with Power 106 for a candid conversation, offering fans a glimpse into his journey from troubled beginnings to emerging success. In the nearly hour-long interview, Peysoh spoke about his childhood, his creative process, collaborations with industry giants like Kendrick Lamar, and the struggles he continues to face as a rising star in the rap game.

Peysoh, now 21, reflected on growing up as a child under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). "I've been in and out since I was a kid," he revealed, underscoring a turbulent past marked by instability. Despite those challenges, Peysoh described developing a strong sense of responsibility early on, becoming a provider for his family at a young age. "I've always had that instinct to do what I had to do," he said.

The rapper’s early life also included stints on house arrest and even going on the run, a decision he said was driven by a desire to protect his mother. “I couldn’t keep putting her through that,” he admitted. His lyrics often reflect this tension—caught between the streets and his growing music career.

Finding His Voice and Rising to Stardom

Peysoh’s career began humbly, spurred by the encouragement of close friends like Suede, who tragically passed away. Suede played a significant role in convincing Peysoh to take music seriously. "He made me feel like I could actually rap," Peysoh said, recalling how Suede’s influence motivated him to record and release his first music video. That decision set the stage for a rapid rise, with songs like Six Block garnering millions of views online.

Despite his burgeoning fame, Peysoh admitted he wasn’t fully prepared for success. “I wasn’t ready for no million-dollar deal,” he said. “I still loved the streets… it was a thrill.” That attachment to his roots, while grounding, also delayed his transition to fully embracing the opportunities that rap presented. “Rap money doesn’t come fast,” Peysoh explained, citing the challenges of surviving while awaiting delayed payments from the industry.

Collaborating with Kendrick Lamar

One of the major highlights of Peysoh’s career so far has been his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. Recalling their sessions together, Peysoh described the surreal experience of working with one of rap’s most celebrated artists. “Kendrick was listening to my stuff all the way back to Six Block,” Peysoh said, expressing amazement at the Grammy-winning rapper’s knowledge of his story. The collaboration, which features Peysoh on a track from Kendrick’s latest album, showcased Peysoh’s ability to deliver a memorable verse in just minutes.

Peysoh sees this collaboration as a turning point, though he remains grounded. “I’m just planting seeds right now,” he said, emphasizing his desire to expand his reach beyond the West Coast audience and into international markets, including Spanish-language music.

Balancing Fame and Responsibility

Throughout the interview, Peysoh grappled with the duality of his life—balancing fame with his responsibilities as a family provider. He spoke about the pressure to not only perform but also set an example for his community. “I’m not a god,” Peysoh said, addressing fans who look up to him. “I came from where y’all came from… you can do it too.”

Still, Peysoh remains deeply tied to his roots. He proudly represents his Mexican heritage in his music and hopes to break stereotypes about Mexican rappers. “When you think about Mexican rap, you think about Cholo rap,” he said. “But I’m bringing something new.” Fluent in Spanish, Peysoh teased plans to explore Latin music, aiming to connect with audiences worldwide.

Honoring Suede’s Legacy

A significant theme of the interview was Peysoh’s tribute to his late friend Suede. He credits Suede with inspiring much of his early work and continues to honor his memory in his music and public appearances. “A lot of this wouldn’t have started if it wasn’t for him,” Peysoh said. When Kendrick Lamar acknowledged Suede’s influence, it affirmed Peysoh’s commitment to keeping his friend’s name alive. “I stand behind his name real, like Kendrick does with his homies.”

This sense of loyalty and friendship defined Peysoh’s relationship with Suede. “We talked about real-life stuff,” he said, noting that their bond extended beyond music.

Looking Ahead

As Peysoh’s career gains momentum, he remains focused on his craft. He revealed plans for a string of upcoming releases, including a heartfelt single titled God I Need to Know and a new project, Feed the Streets. Following that, he plans to debut his first full-length album in 2025.

“I’m just getting started,” Peysoh said, expressing excitement about experimenting with new sounds and genres. He also spoke about his goals to represent his Mexican heritage righteously and elevate others in his community.

Despite his success, Peysoh hasn’t lost sight of the simple things in life. Celebrating his first Thanksgiving out of incarceration, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with family. “I just want the turkey, the mashed potatoes—the simple things,” he said with a smile.

A Star on the Rise

The interview concluded with Peysoh reflecting on the long road he’s traveled and the work that lies ahead. While acknowledging the milestones he’s reached, including working with Kendrick Lamar, Peysoh made it clear that he’s far from finished. “I haven’t even warmed up yet,” he said.

For fans of Peysoh, the interview offered a rare and honest glimpse into the life of a young artist navigating fame, loss, and redemption. With his authenticity and determination, Peysoh is poised to leave an indelible mark on the rap world—and beyond.