Lil Xan, born Diego Leanos, is an American rapper who rose to fame during the SoundCloud rap era with his viral hit song Betrayed.
Known for his raw lyrics, controversial public image, and rapid rise to mainstream attention, Lil Xan quickly became a recognizable name in hip hop culture.
However, just as fast as his popularity surged, his career also faced major setbacks due to personal struggles and public controversies.
This has led many fans and critics to ask an important question: what is Lil Xan’s net worth today?
In this article, we take an in depth look at Lil Xan’s net worth, exploring how he made his money, the impact of his music career, income from streaming and tours, and how controversies affected his finances.
We’ll also analyze his earnings over the years, lifestyle choices, and future financial potential to give you a complete and accurate breakdown of his wealth.
Who Is Lil Xan? (Early Life & Background)
Lil Xan was born Diego Leanos on September 6, 1996, in Redlands, California, and was raised in a low income household. His early life was marked by instability, as his family frequently moved between cities due to financial difficulties. These struggles played a significant role in shaping his outlook on life and later influenced the emotional tone of his music. Unlike many artists who had structured musical training, Lil Xan’s path into music was unconventional and rooted in hardship.
As a teenager, Diego dropped out of high school and worked various odd jobs to support himself, including cleaning streets and selling drugs for a short period. During this time, he developed an interest in hip hop culture, particularly the emerging SoundCloud rap scene, which allowed independent artists to upload music without industry backing. Before becoming a rapper, he initially pursued photography, even working with local rappers, which eventually inspired him to step in front of the microphone himself.
The stage name Lil Xan was derived from the anti anxiety drug Xanax, a reference that later became controversial as he publicly spoke about substance abuse and addiction. His openness about mental health struggles and drug use resonated with many young fans who saw their own experiences reflected in his music. These early life challenges, combined with internet driven exposure, laid the foundation for Lil Xan’s rapid rise to fame and remain a crucial part of understanding both his career trajectory and financial journey.
Lil Xan’s Entry Into Music
Lil Xan’s entry into the music industry was far from traditional and closely tied to the rise of the SoundCloud rap movement. Before pursuing music seriously, Diego Leanos was more interested in photography and visual art. He often worked behind the scenes, taking photos for local rappers and artists in California. This exposure gave him a firsthand look at the independent music scene and showed him that success was possible without major industry connections.
Encouraged by the accessibility of platforms like SoundCloud, Lil Xan began experimenting with recording music of his own. With limited resources and no professional studio access, he recorded early tracks using basic equipment and uploaded them online. His music stood out due to its emotional vulnerability, minimalist beats, and raw lyricism, which resonated with younger listeners who were drawn to authenticity over polish.
During this period, Lil Xan adopted his controversial stage name, which quickly became part of his online identity. While the name attracted attention, it also sparked criticism, pushing him further into the spotlight. Despite mixed reactions, his growing online presence helped him build a dedicated fanbase that shared and promoted his songs organically across social media platforms.
As his SoundCloud numbers increased, Lil Xan began gaining traction beyond underground circles. His early releases may not have generated significant income, but they laid the groundwork for future earnings by attracting industry attention. This phase marked a crucial turning point in his career, transforming him from an unknown creative struggling financially into an emerging artist with real momentum and growing commercial potential.
Breakthrough & Rise to Fame
Lil Xan’s breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of his breakout single Betrayed. The song quickly went viral across SoundCloud, YouTube, and social media platforms, turning him into a mainstream name almost overnight. Its hypnotic beat and emotionally charged lyrics resonated strongly with younger audiences, particularly those navigating mental health struggles and substance abuse issues. As the track gained millions of streams, it caught the attention of major record labels and industry insiders.
The viral success of Betrayed significantly boosted Lil Xan’s earnings and visibility. He began performing at sold out shows, music festivals, and club venues, marking his first experience with substantial income from live performances. Streaming revenue also increased rapidly, as fans explored his catalog beyond the hit single. Media appearances, interviews, and online coverage further elevated his public profile, making him one of the most talked about artists of the SoundCloud rap era.
However, with fame came pressure and intense public scrutiny. Lil Xan’s personal life and controversial statements often overshadowed his music, affecting his reputation within the industry. Despite this, his momentum continued long enough to secure record deals and expand his fanbase internationally.
This period represented the financial peak of Lil Xan’s career, as his net worth began to grow at its fastest rate. While the rise was swift, it also set the stage for challenges that would later impact his earnings and long term financial stability.
Music Career Highlights
Following his breakout success, Lil Xan worked to solidify his place in the hip hop industry by expanding his musical catalog. In 2018, he released his debut studio album Total Xanarchy, which debuted on the Billboard 200 chart. Although the album received mixed critical reviews, it performed well commercially, largely driven by the popularity of Betrayed and his growing fanbase. The album’s chart performance helped increase his visibility and contributed to his overall earnings during this period.
Beyond his debut album, Lil Xan released several singles, EPs, and collaborative tracks that kept his name relevant within the SoundCloud rap community. Songs such as Far, Slingshot, and Wake Up showcased his signature emotional style and continued to generate streaming revenue across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. While none matched the massive success of Betrayed, they still played an important role in maintaining his income stream.
Lil Xan also collaborated with other artists, which helped him reach new audiences and strengthen his industry connections. These collaborations, combined with touring and live performances, formed a key part of his early career momentum. During his peak years, he performed at festivals and headlined shows, further boosting his music related earnings.
Despite facing criticism and declining mainstream attention in later years, Lil Xan’s music career highlights remain central to understanding his net worth. His early success created the financial foundation that still influences his overall wealth today.
Lil Xan’s Main Income Sources
Lil Xan’s net worth has been built through multiple income streams, primarily driven by his music career and online presence. The largest portion of his earnings has come from music streaming and digital sales. Platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube generated consistent revenue during the peak of his popularity, especially after the viral success of Betrayed. Although streaming payouts per play are relatively low, millions of combined streams significantly boosted his income.
Another major revenue source was concerts and tours. At the height of his fame, Lil Xan performed at sold out venues, music festivals, and club shows across the United States and internationally. Live performances often provide higher earnings than streaming, making touring one of the most profitable phases of his career. However, canceled shows and health related breaks later reduced this income stream.
Merchandise sales also contributed to Lil Xan’s earnings. Branded clothing and accessories were sold online and at live events, capitalizing on his strong fanbase. While not as lucrative as touring, merchandise provided additional income and brand visibility.
In addition, Lil Xan earned money through social media and digital platforms. His large following on Instagram and YouTube allowed him to monetize content through ad revenue and promotional posts. Although he had limited long term brand endorsements, short term partnerships and online promotions added to his overall income. Together, these sources formed the financial foundation behind Lil Xan’s net worth.
Controversies & Legal Issues
Lil Xan’s career has been heavily influenced by public controversies, many of which directly impacted his reputation and earning potential. Throughout his rise to fame, he frequently made headlines for controversial statements, online feuds, and erratic behavior on social media. These incidents often overshadowed his music, creating challenges in maintaining a positive public image and long term industry relationships.
One of the most discussed aspects of Lil Xan’s public persona has been his openness about substance abuse and mental health struggles. While some fans appreciated his honesty, others criticized the way these issues were portrayed in the media. Multiple health related incidents and rehab stints interrupted his touring schedule, leading to canceled shows and lost revenue. These setbacks significantly affected one of his most profitable income streams.
Lil Xan also faced backlash for comments about other artists and high profile events, which damaged his standing with certain fans and industry figures. As a result, brand deals and endorsement opportunities became limited, further reducing his ability to diversify income beyond music.
Although he has not been widely associated with major criminal convictions, legal expenses, management disputes, and contract issues reportedly placed additional strain on his finances. Combined, these controversies contributed to a decline in mainstream relevance and earnings over time. Understanding these challenges is essential when evaluating Lil Xan’s net worth, as they explain why his financial trajectory differs from that of other rappers who emerged during the same era.
Lil Xan Net Worth (Detailed Financial Analysis)
Lil Xan’s net worth has fluctuated significantly over the years due to the rapid rise and decline of his mainstream popularity. At the height of his career, following the success of Betrayed and his debut album Total Xanarchy, his earnings increased quickly through streaming revenue, touring, and merchandise sales. During this peak period, Lil Xan was reportedly earning substantial five figure sums per show, along with steady income from digital platforms.
As of recent estimates, Lil Xan’s net worth is believed to be in the low seven figure to high six figure range, though figures vary depending on the source. These discrepancies exist because artist income is affected by management fees, record label cuts, taxes, and inconsistent revenue streams. Unlike artists with long term commercial success, Lil Xan’s earnings were concentrated in a relatively short window, limiting sustained wealth growth.
Another factor impacting his net worth is high personal and professional expenses. Touring costs, canceled shows, medical treatment, and legal or management issues reportedly reduced his overall savings. Additionally, the absence of strong brand endorsements and long term business investments has made his income less stable over time.
While Lil Xan still earns passive income from streaming royalties and occasional performances, his current financial status reflects a more modest and controlled phase of his career. This financial analysis highlights how fast success in the music industry does not always translate into lasting wealth, making Lil Xan’s net worth a cautionary example within modern hip hop culture.
Assets & Lifestyle
During the peak of his career, Lil Xan adopted a lifestyle that reflected his sudden rise to fame and increased income. Like many young artists who achieve rapid success, he spent heavily on fashion, jewelry, and personal image. Designer clothing, high end sneakers, and custom accessories became a visible part of his public persona, often showcased through social media posts and music appearances. While these items added to his image, they did not necessarily contribute to long term financial growth.
Unlike some mainstream rappers, Lil Xan has not been widely known for owning luxury real estate or a collection of exotic cars. There is limited public information confirming large property investments, suggesting that much of his wealth was directed toward short term lifestyle spending rather than appreciating assets. This approach may explain why his net worth did not continue to rise after his peak earning years.
Lil Xan’s lifestyle has also been influenced by health related challenges. Medical treatment, recovery efforts, and time away from touring reportedly added financial strain while simultaneously reducing income. These factors often forced him to scale back his public appearances and spending habits.
In more recent years, Lil Xan appears to have adopted a lower profile and more restrained lifestyle. His reduced public exposure and focus on personal well being suggest a shift away from the excess associated with his early fame. Understanding his assets and lifestyle choices provides important context when evaluating Lil Xan’s net worth and explains why his financial position differs from artists who invested heavily in long term ventures.
Comparison With Other Rappers
When comparing Lil Xan’s net worth to other rappers who emerged during the SoundCloud rap era, clear differences in career longevity and financial strategy become apparent. Artists such as Post Malone, Lil Uzi Vert, and Juice WRLD were able to convert early viral success into sustained mainstream careers, resulting in significantly higher net worth figures. In contrast, Lil Xan’s earnings were largely concentrated in a short period, limiting his long term wealth accumulation.
One key factor behind this difference is brand development and consistency. Many of Lil Xan’s peers maintained steady music releases, strong label relationships, and major endorsement deals. Lil Xan, however, faced frequent controversies and extended breaks from touring, which disrupted income streams and weakened industry partnerships.
Additionally, diversification played a major role. Rappers with higher net worths often invested in business ventures, fashion brands, or long term sponsorships. Lil Xan had limited involvement in such ventures, making his income heavily dependent on music performance alone. When streaming numbers and concert demand declined, his earnings followed the same pattern.
Despite having similar early exposure and fan engagement, Lil Xan’s financial trajectory highlights how non musical factors such as public image, health, and financial management can significantly impact an artist’s wealth. This comparison helps explain why Lil Xan’s net worth remains lower than some of his contemporaries, even though he experienced comparable early success. It also reinforces the importance of sustainability and strategic planning in building lasting wealth within the music industry.
Business Ventures & Side Projects
Compared to many mainstream rappers, Lil Xan has had relatively limited involvement in major business ventures outside of music. While some artists use early fame to launch clothing brands, invest in startups, or secure long term endorsement deals, Lil Xan’s business portfolio has remained modest. This has played a significant role in shaping his overall net worth and long term financial stability.
That said, Lil Xan has explored independent music releases and creative projects following his departure from major label momentum. By releasing music independently, he retains a higher percentage of royalties compared to traditional label contracts. Although independent releases typically generate lower overall revenue, they provide more control and consistent passive income over time.
Merchandise has been another small but notable side project. Limited edition apparel and online merchandise drops allowed Lil Xan to monetize his fanbase without relying heavily on record labels. While these ventures did not reach the scale of major fashion collaborations, they offered supplementary income during periods of reduced touring activity.
Lil Xan has also expressed interest in content creation and direct fan engagement through social media platforms. While not a dominant revenue stream, digital engagement has helped him remain relevant and maintain a loyal audience. Overall, the absence of large scale business investments has limited his wealth growth, but his independent efforts demonstrate an attempt to stabilize income and rebuild financial independence beyond his early mainstream success.
Recent Activities & Current Career Status
In recent years, Lil Xan has maintained a lower public profile compared to the height of his fame, focusing more on personal stability and selective creative output. While he is no longer a constant presence in mainstream music headlines, he continues to release music independently and engage with his core fanbase through digital platforms. These releases, though not chart topping, contribute to ongoing streaming revenue and help sustain his career.
Lil Xan remains active on social media, where he shares updates, interacts with fans, and promotes new projects. This online engagement allows him to maintain relevance without the pressure of large scale tours or label expectations. Compared to earlier years, his approach appears more measured and intentional, prioritizing consistency over viral success.
Live performances have become less frequent, with fewer large tours and festival appearances. This shift has reduced his overall earnings but also minimized the physical and mental strain associated with constant touring. Instead, smaller performances and appearances provide controlled income opportunities while supporting his current lifestyle.
From a financial perspective, Lil Xan’s current career phase reflects stability rather than rapid growth. He continues to earn through streaming royalties, merchandise, and occasional performances, suggesting a sustainable though modest income stream. This chapter of his career highlights a transition from mainstream fame to long term independence, shaping both his present net worth and future financial potential.
Future Net Worth Potential
Lil Xan’s future net worth potential depends largely on his ability to maintain consistency, rebuild public trust, and adapt to the evolving music industry. While his mainstream peak may be behind him, there are still viable paths for financial growth if he strategically leverages his existing fanbase. Independent music releases, in particular, offer an opportunity to earn steady income with fewer intermediaries taking a percentage of profits.
A potential comeback whether through a viral track, a well received project, or a high profile collaboration could significantly increase his earnings. The music industry has seen multiple artists revive their careers by reconnecting with audiences through authenticity and personal growth. If Lil Xan successfully reshapes his public image and focuses on creative output, renewed attention could translate into higher streaming numbers and performance opportunities.
Beyond music, diversification will be critical. Expanding merchandise lines, exploring content creation, or partnering with niche brands could provide additional income streams. Even modest investments or digital ventures could help stabilize and gradually increase his net worth over time.
However, challenges remain. Competition in the hip hop space is intense, and sustained success requires discipline and strategic planning. Health, personal management, and public perception will continue to play major roles in determining his financial future. Overall, Lil Xan’s net worth potential is moderate but not closed off, with room for growth if he capitalizes on lessons learned from earlier career setbacks.
Public Perception & Legacy
Public perception of Lil Xan has evolved significantly since his initial rise to fame. During his peak, he was often viewed as a defining figure of the SoundCloud rap era an artist whose music captured the emotions, struggles, and raw authenticity of a generation. His breakout hit Betrayed became an anthem for many young listeners and remains his most recognizable contribution to hip hop culture.
However, Lil Xan’s legacy is also shaped by controversy and inconsistency. Public feuds, controversial statements, and struggles with substance abuse affected how he was perceived by both fans and industry professionals. For some, these issues overshadowed his musical talent, leading to criticism and a decline in mainstream credibility. For others, his openness about personal struggles made him relatable and humanized his public image.
Despite mixed opinions, Lil Xan’s impact on internet driven music culture cannot be dismissed. He represents a generation of artists who achieved fame without traditional industry gatekeepers, using social media and streaming platforms to build massive audiences. His career serves as both an example of the opportunities and risks associated with rapid online fame.
In terms of legacy, Lil Xan is often remembered as a cautionary tale about the pressures of early success, but also as an artist who helped shape a specific moment in modern hip hop history. This dual perception continues to influence discussions about his career and net worth today.
FAQs
What is Lil Xan’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Lil Xan’s net worth is estimated to be between the high six figures and low seven figures. Exact numbers vary depending on the source, as his income fluctuates due to independent releases, streaming royalties, and occasional live performances.
How did Lil Xan make his money?
Lil Xan earned most of his money through music streaming, digital sales, concerts, and merchandise. His viral hit Betrayed played a major role in boosting his early earnings, along with touring during the peak of his popularity.
Is Lil Xan still making music?
Yes, Lil Xan continues to release music independently. While his recent projects have not reached mainstream chart success, they contribute to steady streaming revenue and help him maintain a loyal fanbase.
Did controversies affect Lil Xan’s net worth?
Yes, controversies and health related issues significantly impacted his career and finances. Canceled tours, limited brand deals, and breaks from music reduced his earning potential over time.
Does Lil Xan have other business ventures?
Lil Xan has explored merchandise sales and independent projects, but he has not been heavily involved in large scale business ventures or major endorsements compared to other rappers.
Can Lil Xan’s net worth increase in the future?
There is potential for growth if he releases successful music, rebuilds his public image, or diversifies income streams. However, long term financial growth will depend on consistency and strategic career decisions.
Conclusion:
Lil Xan’s net worth reflects a career defined by rapid success, intense public scrutiny, and hard earned lessons.
Rising to fame during the SoundCloud rap era with his viral hit Betrayed, he experienced financial growth at a pace few artists achieve so early in their careers.
Streaming revenue, touring, and merchandise quickly turned him into a recognizable name in hip hop, laying the foundation for his initial wealth.
However, unlike many of his peers, Lil Xan’s momentum was difficult to sustain.
Personal struggles, public controversies, and health related challenges disrupted his career and significantly impacted his earning potential.
As a result, his net worth did not continue to rise at the same rate as artists who maintained consistent releases and strong industry relationships.
Today, Lil Xan’s financial position represents stability rather than explosive growth.
Through independent music releases, streaming royalties, and selective appearances, he continues to earn while maintaining a more controlled lifestyle.
His journey highlights the realities of modern internet driven fame, where success can come quickly but requires discipline and strategy to last.
Ultimately, Lil Xan’s story is both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience.
While his net worth may not rival the biggest names in hip hop, it reflects an artist who has adapted, learned, and continues to evolve.
His career serves as an important example of how talent, timing, and personal choices collectively shape long term financial outcomes in the music industry.
