Born Dejuan Walker on January 17, 1970 in Gardena, California and raised through Oakland, Compton and later Pomona, Suga Free emerged in the mid-90s with a style unlike any other: rapid-fire, off-beat, comedic yet street-sharp. His debut album Street Gospel (1997) peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Working closely with DJ Quik, Suga Free’s rhythmic sense and distinctive delivery earned cult status among West Coast rap aficionados. He released several albums including The New Testament (2004) and Just Add Water (2006) before taking a brief break and returning with The Resurrection in 2019.
Though his lyrics often portray the street life and its excesses, Suga Free’s authenticity and ingenuity shine through his storytelling. Now, he continues to perform live, lend his voice to guest appearances, and maintain his status as a pioneer of unique flow and West Coast flavor.