Now 21, Diego Leanos (or Lil Xan) has released three EPs, a mixtape, and an album that’s seen him collaborate with Charli XCX and 2 Chainz.
Always a creative, Leanos originally pursued a career in photography until his camera was stolen and he began rapping instead, not believing he’d actually reach a point as high as this. He was first introduced to rap at a young age as his father showed him N.E.R.D’s first album In Search Of…, but he strayed away from this genre as he discovered indie and alt rock bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Smashing Pumpkins and Queens of the Stone Age. However, after hearing the likes of A$AP Rocky on MTV he was hooked on this new wave of hip hop.
Leanos uses his music to highlight the dark side of drugs that he feels is glamorised by other rappers, including lyrics such as “Xans don’t make you / Xans gon’ take you / Xans gon’ fake you / Xans gon’ betray you.” in his platinum certified track ‘Betrayed’. ‘Betrayed’ is one of the leading singles from his debut album Total Xanarchy which was released this April. Leanos describes his trap-hip hop sound taking a more mature twist with this album as it has appealed to more fans than ever.
His first US tour earlier this year sold out in less than five hours, and now he’s making his debut appearance in the UK at London Electric Brixton on 14th July.
Tickets available here!
Website – xanarchygang.com
Facebook – /lilxanfuhyobih
Twitter – @lilxanfuhyobih