A Rapper with a New Meaning: Xanarchy

Carlo Lutero, Staff Writer
January 31, 2018

In August of 2017, a new rapper by the name “Lil Xan” skyrocketed in popularity after releasing hit singles “Betrayed” on YouTube and SoundCloud. Lil Xan, unintentionally, earned a spot amongst the ranks of new wave rappers like Lil Pump, Ski Mask the Slump God, XXXTentacion, and more. However, what makes him stand out in this crowd is the higher purpose he has found in his fame.

 

The 21-year-old artist, originally named Diego Leanos, grew up in Redlands, California. He attended Redlands East Valley High School but dropped out his freshman year. Before trying to find a career that would nurture his creativity, he worked as a street cleaner, earning only eight dollars an hour.

 

Initially, Leanos wanted to pursue photography in support of his friends trying to make it as rappers. To him, music was just a hobby. But after his camera was stolen at a concert, he decided to try out a career as an artist along with his other artist friends. During this time, the young dropout struggled with drug addiction, abusing substances like xanax, narcotics, and benzodiazepines. Though he earned the name “Lil Xan” from his notorious use of xanax, bad experiences with drug abuse led him to stop using the drug and start the Xanarchy movement.

 

In a world where the most popular artists for the young generations glorify lavish lifestyles, designer clothes, painkillers, cough syrup, and a cornucopia of other drugs, Lil Xan is trying to include a positive message in his increasingly popular music.

 

Nearly two years after his music career began, Lil Xan and the Xanarchy movement have become widely popular. The rapper recently changed his name to “Diego” in order to quell any confusion between his stage name and his anti-xan message. He is now trying to stop using other drugs and is concurrently working on his Total Xanarchy album and tour.

 

There is a lot of potential in Lil Xan’s growing fame. With a unique backstory and sound, coupled with ambition and positive intentions, perhaps superstardom is in the stars for this young rapper.

Photo Credit: http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/01/lil-xan-plans-changing-name/