LEALL shares its influences and journey

Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest cultural production centers in Brazil - and in rap, it couldn't be any different. From the old guard to the present day, Rio's hip-hop remains authentic and innovative. One name to bet all your chips on is LEALL, author of the hit "CACHORRADA" and the single "Criminal Influencer".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOWcoTKu3dI

A native of Marechal Hermes, in the northern zone of Rio de Janeiro, LEALL is part of the peripheral script of growing up without a father, relying on a hardworking mother and various external influences.

"A good part of what I learned was on the street. That's why today, at 18 years old, the themes of my songs are always violent or explicit."

- LEALL

The main one, in terms of rap, was VND (the rapper also appears in "CACHORRADA"). "He grew up on the same street as me, he was the only one in my area who dressed like a rapper and listened to different kinds of funk music. I clung to him as a reference to escape the monotony, crime, and danger in itself," says LEALL.

Just a few days away from his first show in São Paulo, which will take place on Saturday (07.09) at the NOTTHESAMO Day, LEALL shares his life, fashion, and future plans.

How did your relationship with music come about?
LEALL: It came from a need to vent the frustration of a situation I went through at 14 years old. I can't talk about what it was, but it involves the police.

Who are your biggest influences?
LEALL: Adriano Imperador (Didico), Nas, and my mother.

Your name has been sounding strong here in São Paulo. What do you have planned for your career?
LEALL: To enter history!

What does it mean to be a criminal influencer?
LEALL: A criminal influencer is to influence people from outside the favela to want to be like you; to dress, behave, and speak like you.

Dri-fit on the shirt or Lacoste cap?
LEALL: Dri-fit on the shirt, in standard.

What can we expect from your show at NOTTHESAMO Day?
LEALL: My first show outside of Rio, right, man. At the very least, I expect a lot of chaos!

Photos: I Hate Flash / @deusdeecobag