Lil Xan, born Nicholas Diego Leanos, grew up in Redlands, California. His early life was challenging, marked by financial struggles that often left his family living in motels. He attended Redlands East Valley High School but dropped out during his freshman year. Before finding his footing in music, Lil Xan worked various jobs, including street cleaning and briefly getting involved in drug sales.
Transition to Music
Initially, Lil Xan had an interest in photography and supported his rapper friends by capturing their moments. However, after his camera was stolen, he decided to try his hand at rapping instead of buying a new camera. This twist of fate led him to discover his passion for music.
Breakthrough with “Betrayed”
Lil Xan’s big break came with his debut single, “Betrayed,” released in 2016. The song resonated with many and peaked at number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success paved the way for his debut studio album, Total Xanarchy, released on April 6, 2018. The album featured a mix of melodic flows and emotional lyrics, establishing Lil Xan as a unique voice in the rap scene.
Notable Works and Collaborations
Over the years, Lil Xan has released several notable songs and albums, including:
- Singles:
- “Slingshot”
- “Far”
- “Deceived”
- “Diamonds”
- Albums and Mixtapes:
- Heartbreak Soldiers (2018)
- Xanarchy Militia (2019)
- Savage Mode II (2020)
Lil Xan has collaborated with well-known artists like Charli XCX, Joey Bada$$, and YBN Nahmir, showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore different musical styles.
Recent Releases and Projects
In recent years, Lil Xan has continued to innovate and push boundaries in his music. Noteworthy recent releases include:
- “have a nice day” EP (2022) ā A collaboration with Chris Miles featuring Lil Tracy, supported by the single “Miss Me.”
- “Gorgeous” (2023) ā A single featuring $teven Cannon.
- Other singles like “Stars,” “Down for Life,” “OMG its Rarri,” and “XOXO.”
Lil Xan’s Personal Life
Lil Xan’s personal life has also been in the spotlight. He dated Noah Cyrus from June to September 2018, and they released a song together titled “Live or Die.” The relationship ended amid allegations of infidelity. Later, Lil Xan got engaged to Annie Smith, but they suffered a miscarriage, which Smith publicly shared on Instagram.
Lil Xan’s Legacy and Influence
Lil Xan has made a significant impact on the music industry with his honest and unique sound. His journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful rapper is a testament to his resilience and dedication. He continues to inspire fans with his music and personal story, proving that persistence and authenticity can pave the way to success.
Conclusion
Lil Xan’s rise to fame is a story of overcoming adversity and finding one’s true passion. From his humble beginnings to becoming a renowned artist, he has shown that with perseverance and creativity, anything is possible. As he continues to evolve as an artist, fans eagerly await what Lil Xan has in store for the future.