While the world turns its gaze to the glittering desert lights of Coachella this weekend—where mainstream music reigns and influencers chase the next viral moment—there’s another sound vibrating through California, one you won’t hear on the Coachella stage. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s coming from Bakersfield. At the heart of this underground pulse stands Lil Sosa, a rising artist whose gritty lyrics and soulful storytelling cut deeper than any festival setlist. With co-signs from hip-hop legends like Fat Joe and Scott Storch, and a dedicated fanbase growing far beyond the West Coast, Lil Sosa represents a new kind of California artist—one grounded in truth, pain, and purpose. As New York celebrates spring with style and sound, we bring you the voice of a movement born in the shadows but destined for the spotlight.
Born Enrique Richard Sanchez III, music wasn’t always the dream, but it soon became the mission after the passing of his cousin Dominic Wright better known as G Domo- the person whom Lil Sosa started this musical journey with. What once was a shared ambition has turned into a promise: to make every verse, every performance, and every milestone a tribute to the one who’s no longer here. That pain, channeled through music, gives his bars a depth that resonates far beyond the West Coast.
Who is Lil Sosa?
Lil Sosa is a self-motivated go-getter, a hustler, and a rose that grew from the concrete. Hailing from Bakersfield, California—a city not often associated with major artists—I’m determined to put it on the map in 2025. People tend to compare me to artists from LA or the Bay Area, but I’m here to show the world that Bakersfield has its own voice in the game.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My cousin, Dominic Wright, who passed away in 2018, is my biggest inspiration and motivation. He should be the one sitting here speaking with you, not me—but I do this for him. Growing up, my father had a studio where artists from the Bay and LA would record, exposing me to music production at an early age. My cousin and I later formed a music group called Yancmob, which solidified my commitment to taking music seriously.
How would you describe your sound?
My style is influenced by everything I grew up listening to. I’ve never really been into mainstream music. I’ve always gravitated toward underground sounds. The Bay Area, LA, San Diego—all of it shaped me. Being around the artists my dad brought into the studio helped me absorb their energy and creative process. Since Bakersfield is right between LA and the Bay,
My sound naturally reflects that West Coast influence. People often mistake me for an artist from one of those bigger cities, but really, I’ve just got that raw California sound.
What was your most memorable performance?
I’ve had the chance to open for some big names, from the legendary Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to Phoenix Flexin and Caleb Tooth. But my most memorable performance happened when I was just starting out. I was buying my first car when a young boy recognized me and asked if my cousin and I would perform at his birthday party. We exchanged information, and his mom actually booked us for a backyard show. I won’t lie—it was lit! That moment reminded me why I love making music.
How does it feel to be recognized by Hip-Hop titans Fat Joe and Scott Storch?
To be honest, it still feels surreal. Coming from a small city like Bakersfield, I never expected anything like this. I didn’t even reach out to Fat Joe. One day, I just got a random notification from him on Instagram. At first, I thought it was a fake account, but it was really him. We started talking, and next thing I knew, he asked for my address and sent me a package filled with gear.
Then, out of nowhere, Scott Storch reached out, and we connected over music. It still blows my mind because you never know who’s watching.
Who do you hope to collaborate with in the future?
I’d love to collaborate with artists outside the California sound. If the song slaps and has potential, I’m open to working with anyone. But I want to expand my reach and mix my style with artists from Texas, Atlanta, New York, or Philly. The goal is to go global.
I also do a lot of collaborations outside of music. I’ve collaborated with my local barbershop, performed at schools and I even did a merch collaboration with a nutritional store out in Bakersfield. It was my brand of a teddy bear holding a protein shake – we only did so much to test it out and they sold out in a month. So, I’m marketable in many ways.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists?
I know people hear this all the time, but it’s true—no matter what, don’t give up. There were moments when I questioned whether I should keep going. I’d ask myself, “Do I even want to keep rapping?” But I pushed through, and that persistence paid off.
You never know who’s going to see that post, that reel, that song. Stay consistent and keep grinding. When I first started, I wasn’t the best—some people loved it, some people didn’t. That’s just life. But I kept at it. I saw my streams grow from 100 plays to 500, then even more. That motivated me to keep going.
So to any up-and-coming artist: Stay consistent. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Don’t let anyone stop you. Keep pushing, and you’ll earn your respect.
Few artists rise from the ashes with a sound as refreshing and authentic as Lil Sosa’s. While Coachella may capture the flash of the moment, it’s artists like Sosa who embody the soul of the culture—gritty, grounded, and unapologetically real. He isn’t just making music; he’s making history, proving that raw talent and relentless drive can break through any barrier. As he carves a lane for Bakersfield on the national stage, one thing’s clear; this is only the beginning.
Stream Lil Sosa’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and YouTube. For bookings, upcoming tours and inquiries, email beatsforlilsosa@gmail.com.