By: Seamus Fay
Needless of an introduction, Big Leano is a staple in Boston’s music community – an esteemed act who, whenever he pleases, can shut down a given show with the simple opening notes of the anthemic offering, “Lean For Sale“. His futuristic trap sound, highly quotable lyricism, and to-the-point, charming personality mark just a few of the reasons that listeners seem to flock to Leano so faithfully, and in this way, it only makes sense why he has grown exponentially through the authenticity and impeccable storytelling of his first two mixtapes, Tales From The Mud and Packula.
That being said, there’s no denying the power of Leano’s monstrous presence on every track he graces with a verse and every stage he sets foot on. The Boston native is a special case of importance and widespread influence in his home city, and we here at Graduation Music had to make sure we had an interview with such a venerable act.
Read our conversation with Big Leano below as we speak about Packula, his favorite movie, inspiration, fashion, tour, and much more.
Where are you originally from? What role did music play in your upbringing?
I’m from Boston. Music was always an outlet for me so it only made sense that I’d start rocking with it later on.
How and when did you start rapping?
It’s been something I always played around with, but I didn’t start posting music and taking it seriously until I started peeping the reactions at all the functions.
How would you describe your sound to someone who isn’t familiar with your music?
If astronauts were trapping this is what they’d listen to.
What inspired the name of the project Packula?
Drinking Hitech.
What is your personal favorite song on Packula and why?
“Miyagi” for sure. It was the best intro.
What’s your favorite song to perform and why?
“Lean For Sale”… that energy is consistently crazy no matter how old the song gets.
What’s on the official Big Leano tour rider?
Backwoods and some sandwich meat.
Explain how it felt selling out the House of Blues with Stizz, especially considering that you both came up in Boston together.
I mean we always knew we’d do something great. Good to see things finally panning out.
Do you have a hero? If so, who is it and why?
Not necessarily – I take my lessons from anywhere I can get them so I don’t value one man more than the next.
Lyrically, you touch on fashion and style quite a bit. What are some of your favorite brands/designers and who inspires you style-wise?
I like it if it looks hot. I don’t favor any brand other than others really. They all have their moments of glory depending on the season.
In regards to artwork, both of your two mixtapes have been on another level. How was the Packula artwork created and how did you come up with the concept for it?
I had a lot of creative direction come from my bruv Derrick Houston (Champloo). He had some great concepts and we sat down and executed them with the homie Mike Janey behind the camera.
What is your favorite movie and why?
Nbs… Fifth Element lowkey. I might’ve watched it a million times and it never gets old.
If you were stuck on a desert island and could only bring three things with you. What would those three things be?
Backwoods, Gelato, and Biscotti.
What was being on the One Night Only tour like? What is one story from the tour that you can share with our readers?
It was like a fun ass adult summer camp… nothing but jokes and Hennessy.
At this point in your career, what’s your biggest accomplishment?
I mean just being able to feed myself off of words that come out of my mouth is big enough for me.
Lastly, what can fans expect from Big Leano in 2018?
Visuals and more music.
Connect with Big Leano on:
graduationmusic.wordpress.com 