The Leano

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The waiting is over...the Uk hip hop scene is about to go through some major changes...

BIOGRAPHY

"A lyracist in training, to an album in the making..."

The Leano began rappin in Wembley, North West London at the tender age of 15. His influences started with the popular hip hop artists of the period but soon he became interested in the exciting drum and bass/jungle scene that was thriving in the underground. Working with the likes of Damien Black and De-fusion his sensitivity to rhythm and speed grew quickly, but the crowds lacked the willingness to listen to the lyrics and messages and this led to The leano returning to the foundations of rap and poetry culminating in the production of 'Steps to Leanoland'. This debut album was written and produced in the city of Hull. During the Leano's time in Hull he became part of a seven piece jazz/hip-hop band called 'Grounation'. They will be releasing their debut album later this year and are currently touring the North. He has also won the HULL BATTLE CHAMPIONSHIP two years running.

After countless years of writing and three years of production 'Steps to LeanoLand', the debut solo album of The Leano, has finally been finished and will be released under ColArj Records.

And so 'The Steps To Leanoland' began...

The Uk Hip hop scene is beginning to find its wings, yet the popular market fails to provide the investment needed due largely to rap music's associations with gang and street violence. 'Steps to LeanoLand' is a dynamic step away from this stereo-type towards the honesty and integrity that has been the foundation for The Leano's work. He investigates 'avenues of improvement' within our own society and breaks free from the constraints of rap music. The album concentrates on the lyrical and combines the Leano's personal style of humour with the dark morbid visions of a young struggling rapper.

"I set out to put a piece of me on CD, so maybe someone, somewhere would say 'i know what he means..." Leano.

This is the much awaited debut album that is a culmination of the Leano's poetry and rap flows, bringing contrasting styles and vibes into a single 13 track CD. It is available in some retailers and through this website.

"It attempts to delve into my frustration, as a post-adolescent British Asian...Money, sex, dirty tissues, hidden issues of identity that sit within my conscience like acorns on blooming trees. This is the auturm, my turn to burn the doubt from a tea dreanched couch, the biro will line your ears like silky tears of truth...but then again, you might not like it at all." The Leano

Striking another blow for the UK hip-hop scene, The Leano joins the ranks of Roots Manuva, Sway and to a lesser extent Mike Skinner and Lady Sovereign as an artist expressing himself in a market still clearly dominated by the US.

Closer in tone though to the stream of conciousness styles of The Roots, Questlove or MF Doom, The Leano relies on stripped back beats and atmospheric samples - confident enough to rely on his intelligent lyricism and smooth rhythmic flows. Produced by Ben, Meka and Colliss - STEPS TO LEANOLAND represents a class act in UK hip-hop, a sound collage that comes on like a tasteful mash up between Roots Manuva, DJ Shadow and at times the Boards Of Canada - intelligent, smooth and loose.

UK Musicsearch.co.uk

This album has well thought out & deep lyrics for most of the tracks. Definately a sit and smoke album! The artist has an extremely good voice. A few more years in the studio & these producers could make a real success within the music industry. They all have talent!

Dogmanet.org

But, I have to say that this album is magnificent. I've only stepped outside of my limited taste a few times over the past 20 years. The Leano combines so much of what I have enjoyed in Rap, reggae, and poetry. With the Ganjaholic track, he even introduces some of the reality that Partik Fitzgerald exposed in the punk days.

I'm writing this as I listen and there are some real gems such as Messing With My Mind (Love Tune Pt 2). It's the sheer intelligence and clarity of every line of lyrics that means it can be assessed as poetry and when you add in the beats and the melodic voice, well it's breathtaking.

Forget what you know about Rap and the posturing, The Leano deals with insecurities and has a hold on reality that goes beyond the punk days. When he talks about passion, sex or sitting on the toilet seat (yes really) he deals with the univeral male experience. Genre-busting and inspirational.

www.coolnoise.blogspot.com

The Leano works as an education artist around London and Hull having been trained by Apples and Snakes (the biggest poetry organisation in the country). Recently, he has begun his own organization called The Uplift Project that has received praise across the capital.

The Uplift Project is a one-week arts and media-based workshop for young people aged 5-16yrs. Participants can choose between rap, poetry and lyric writing, sound and music production and filmmaking. They work together to create, produce and direct their own 3-minute DVD music video to take home along with a certificate of completion.

The course has run in a variety of different settings from youth clubs to schools and we are currently taking bookings for next year. If you would like further information please e mail us at info@colarjrecords.com and we will send you a brochure as soon as possible.

From a young age, the Leano began to mix and MC over Drum and Bass and Jungle. His longterm mixing partner Damien Black AKA Murdock has played in an array of raves and is resident at Oxford's Drive-by night. LeanoMurdock is the perfect blend of quality drum and bass and meaningful lyrics. .

Grounation.

Grounation is a seven piece jazz/hip hop band that was formed in 2003. It provides the sultry vocals of Catherine Keech and the unique lyrics of The Leano combined with some of the best muscians in the country. The name of the band refers to bringing people together through music and 'Grounation' have done this across the country. The live show has received rave reviews in the local Hull scene and they are currently producing a full album and organising a national tour. You can read a review of 'Grounation' on Thisisull.com