Fashawn

Fashawn is the performing alias of rapper Santiago Leyva, a lyrical realist whose work has been supported by the likes of Nas, the Alchemist, and 9th Wonder. Born to an absent father and a drug-addicted mother, the Fresno, California native grew up quickly. At age 12, he was living in a group home, but he was also writing his first rhymes -- inspired by the likes of Public Enemy, N.W.A, 2Pac, and Dilated Peoples -- and by 15, he'd released his first mixtape. After he was taken in by his uncle, the young MC caught the ear of Planet Asia. Fashawn dropped out of high school to jo...