Lil Grifo a proud product of South San Diego, California, Grifo’s rise is rooted in a story that reflects survival, self-expression, and a deep connection to his community.
Growing up with his grandparents and constantly navigating life on both sides of the border, Grifo recalls the streets quickly becoming a second home. That environment, raw and unfiltered, would eventually shape his voice as an artist. As a teenager, his path led him in and out of the jail system—an experience that unexpectedly sparked his earliest forms of writing.
“It was the only way for me to communicate my feelings,” he reflects. “There’s not much to do in there but write about what I was going through and how I felt.”
That period of introspection would follow him long after he returned home. In 2012, Grifo officially entered the music scene with his debut track “Die Smoking,” marking the first step in a journey that would soon gain momentum. He quickly earned attention for his old-school-inspired remixes and original records, blending nostalgia with West Coast grit. One of his breakthrough moments came with “No Friends,” which sampled Whodini’s iconic track “Friends.” The song resonated widely, pulling in over 1.187 million listeners and solidifying the start of a broader fan base.
Grifo continued expanding his catalog and appeal through visuals that captured the essence of California. His bouncy, Cali-infused video for “Southern Cali” struck a chord online and eventually accumulated over 1.187 million views on YouTube—another milestone in his steady rise.
Now, in 2025, Lil Grifo’s consistency is louder than ever. This year alone, he’s delivered a lineup of hard-hitting singles, including “Mentally Attached,” “Trust Issues,” “Steak & Shrimp,” “IDGAF,” “In Da Field,” and “Area Codes.” Each release showcases his ability to evolve while staying true to the street-rooted storytelling that fans connect with.
With persistence as his engine and authenticity as his compass, Lil Grifo continues to prove why he’s one of the most compelling voices coming out of South San Diego. His grind hasn’t slowed, his output remains relentless, and his story is still being written—one track at a time.
