From the streets of South West Sydney to global stages, L‑FRESH The LION has built his name on resilience, identity and unapologetic lyricism. With his new single “Red Lights” and forthcoming EP Reincarnated, he is entering a bold new chapter, with a sound that refuses to compromise and a message that cuts through the noise.
From teenage nights spent watching Rage in suburban Sydney, to performing in front of the United Nations and sharing stages with Nas and Sir Elton John, L‑FRESH The LION’s journey has been anything but conventional. His rise is a story of grit and intent, guided by a commitment to telling real stories and staying grounded in his roots.
His latest single, Red Lights, featuring Nardean and produced by Charlotte Adelle, is a defiant anthem for creative independence. It challenges the idea that artists need to play by the rules in order to succeed. For L‑FRESH, the message is simple — build your own road and never ask for permission.
Tell us about the first time you fell in love with Hip-Hop?
I have a vivid memory of watching the “Nas Is Like” music video at 2am on on Rage (a music video show we have on TV) when I was a teenager. That music video captivated me. The visuals combined with the bars. That was mind blowing to me. I became obsessed with Hip Hop music after that.
You’ve performed on stages ranging from the United Nations to MTV India — how have these diverse experiences shaped your growth as an artist?
I learnt early on that the best MCs could find a way to rock any stage and win over any crowd. When I started out, there wasn’t many performance opportunities that were like specifically suited for a rapper in front of a hip hop loving audience. Especially where I grew up. So I took whatever opportunity I could get just to be on stage and perform. That meant performing at a lot of community shows in my local area, at school, on the street corner, wherever. And my goal was the same regardless of the platform: to win over the crowd through dope lyricism and storytelling. Performing at the UN and on MTV India were both huge opportunities that I’ll remember for life. They’ve given me even more confidence as a MC.
Coming from South West Sydney, how do your roots and upbringing influence the stories you tell through your music?
South West Sydney is a place that is full of struggle, strength and resilience. It’s a hub of culture. A melting pot. People from all walks of life call it home. The spirit of community is huge in the South West. We lift each other up. We challenge each other. When we see someone from our area winning, it feels like we’re all winning. Growing up in South West Sydney shaped everything about my music. It that taught me to stand tall in my identity.
Being a kid of migrant parents, I carry their sacrifices and dreams in every bar. My stories come from lived experience: the racism, the pride, the culture, and the power of community.
That foundation drives me to uplift, to represent, and to speak my truth through hip hop.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Definitely opening up for Nas on his debut headline tour of Australia. I had just turned 21 years old and I got this opportunity. This was before I released any music commercially so I felt like I definitely had to represent on that stage, to prove myself as worthy of being there. I learnt a lot on that tour about how to perform by watching a Hip Hop great do what they do best. To stand on those stages, representing not just myself but my community, my culture, my people — that was powerful. That tour proved to me that our stories belong on the biggest stages.
How does ‘RED LIGHTS’ challenge the traditional power structures in the music industry, and what message do you hope it sends to emerging artists facing similar barriers?
RED LIGHTS is about not waiting for permission. The music industry often tells us there’s only one way to succeed—follow trends, play the game, stay in line. But that doesn’t work for everyone, especially those of us who come from the margins. This song is about creating your own lane when none exists. I hope it reminds emerging artists that they don’t have to compromise themselves to fit the system. Build your own lane. Trust your voice. That’s power.
In what ways do the contributions of Nardean and Charlotte Adelle elevate the song’s message of independence and defiance?
They’re 100% themselves in their contributions to this song. No compromise. We created this in a half-day studio session. Charlotte flexed on the production, taking a sample I’d chopped previously and taking it to a whole other level, especially with the bold switch up for the third verse. Nardean’s lyrics are fierce and vulnerable at the same time. She embodies strength and a refusal to conform. They didn’t just feature on the track—they helped build its backbone.
The title REINCARNATED suggests a fresh chapter in your career. What inspired this creative rebirth, and what can listeners expect from the full EP?
Listeners can expect uncompromising lyricism. The EP has a raw energy grounded in honest storytelling over production that feels fresh but rooted. REINCARNATED marks a shift for me, not just in sound, but in spirit. I’ve grown a lot, personally and creatively since my last project, and this EP is a reflection of that evolution. It’s about shedding old expectations, trusting my instincts, and stepping into who I’ve always been at my core.
With REINCARNATED signaling a new phase, where do you see your music and message going in the next few years?
I’m going to keep pushing the boundaries creatively. I’m at that point where I’ve got nothing to lose and that’s the best place to be. No fear when it comes to creating music. I know who I am. I know what keeps me grounded. It’s always about purpose. It’s always grounded in a message. Outside of that, creatively, I’m free.
What are your thoughts on the current Hip-Hop industry, are there any artists that you are really feeling?
There’s so much dope talent around the world. I’m messing with artists like Amy True, Kobie Dee, JK-47, Raxstar, Rapsody, D Smoke, LaRussell. I saw one of my GOATs live recently, Black Thought and was blown away at the mastery. I love artists who not only have the skillset but also a strong conviction and message.
Your music has allowed you to travel, where is your favourite Hip-Hop home?
After my most recent trip to London, it’s starting to feel like a home away from home. Just good people, fam there who show nothing but love. It has a different energy than Sydney. It hits different while having some similarities too. Bhagwanpur, a small village in Punjab, also holds a special place in my heart. We shot the music video for ‘Village Boy’ from my SOUTH WEST album there and the village just embraced us. It was a beautiful moment. To see my two worlds combine in such a natural way, both my Punjabi heritage and culture along with Hip Hop culture. That’s special.
Tell us about a time when Hip-Hop saved your life?
Hip Hop has been one of the biggest blessings, for real. It’s put me in the right circles and most importantly, it’s given me the space to find myself, be myself, express myself.
If I didn’t have Hip Hop, I’d definitely be struggling to know how to process and deal with my mental health and mental well-being, that’s for sure.
What have you got in store for the rest of the year?
I’m rolling out the REINCARNATED EP song by song. Each song has a story so I want to give them all a chance to have a full life.
With Reincarnated on the horizon, Red Lights blazing forward and a creative spirit on fire, L‑FRESH The LION is not slowing down. He is just getting started.
Follow L‑FRESH The LION
Instagram: @lfreshthelion
Stream RED LIGHTS HERE
Rishma