From Hood Life to Viral Rap Star: Spanian

​Update:
18 days after this video was originally published, Spanian went on a homophobic rant on Instagram comparing the Pride movement with paedophilia, and was subsequently dropped by his label and management company. The following video was filmed and edited prior to Spanian’s hateful and homophobic comments, which VICE strongly condemns.
@Spanian led a life of crime in the hoods until he discovered rap music in prison. He was put in juvenile detention at the age of 14, shot up heroin around the age of 16, and was in maximum security prison by the time he was 18 years old.
He continued with a life of crime until 2017. This was a turning point for him in prison, where he discovered a new passion in life through rap music. Now, Spanian has found unexpected fame producing KZbin videos and rap music inspired by his former criminal life.
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[@ProgressiveDownUnder]

The full story: He spoke out against a large mural painted on a wall in the city with plenty of nearby schools around, depicting a naked grown man wearing BDSM straps and holding a teddy bear. If protecting children and what they’re exposed to while walking down the street is homophobic, then I’m all for it.

[@monke3552]

jesus christ. This is what we call homophobia these days?

[@1312Mork2]

Disgusting woke joke world

[@DaniilBalkans-jh2rw]

That is a disgusting & putrid filthy painting on a city wall, depicting an adult naked beast in bondage holding a child's toy??. That is horrendously sick & offensive, not someone having the dash to condemn it for its putridocity?. Spanian deserves a medal for speaking straight & calling it for what it is. How about council paints over the wall with a new mural depicting Adam & Eve 😂👍?.

[@johnthiris9790]

thanks for the explanation sounds about right disgusting how they put up that banner b4 the video wrongfully slurring Spanaian got me thinking whats he said, oh no but it was just mallagiaz typical

[@TeguiProd]

i hate how vice is politicaly correct but the do make some great documentaries sometimes

[@lrdmiddlefinger]

He called out pedophiles. Respect to Spanian.

[@blueant7251]

He never said anything about being homophobic! He was talking about Pedo's hiding behind the LGBTQ community and nobody calling it out.

[@pault8600]

100% but somehow ats fuckin illegal ni,

[@bigdermogaming3572]

Yeah that’s the thing they still do that’s why they are doing all this crazy shit in front of kids it’s fucked up

[@ImGodTheMaryBanger]

cant expect vice to be smart enough to understand that

[@DIRTYPLACCY]

@@ImGodTheMaryBangerno shit the pedos paid them off

[@CrimeBeanus]

Typical Vice, just ignore it.

[@MadDog3845]

His "homophobic rant" was about a wave of disgusting sexual content being shown in the public during pride month, there was literally a massive mural of a naked fat hairy man in bondage gear in the middle of the CBD, no one told the artist that it was too far because they didn't want to offend him. Then a LGBTQ comedian who told a disgusting and offensive joke on 7pm news, yet everyone laughed along because saying "hey mate, that isn't on" would have offended him. The fact that after Spanian called it out people instantly attacked him for being "homophobic" just proves that he is right. There are gay people getting slaughtered in Uganda and yet Spanian gets more backlash? Vice news has interviewed war criminals and ISIS members with 0 warnings yet if spanian calls out a very valid problem you put a warning in? Vice news is a fucking joke now.

[@nathanial7249]

Vice has been a joke for a while

[@JohnKhalife]

FACTS! Here is so news for you. Vice media have gone into receivership 2 weeks ago mainly for appealing to wokeys and for putting out garbage FAKE announcements like the first 10 sec of this doco here.

[@darrinwaters9581]

You said that exactly right in my eyes. All that lgbtq shit brain washing children is so wrong it’s weirdddd

[@ImGodTheMaryBanger]

Always call out woke bullshit, ALWAYS!

[@bboystretch7788]

vice is controlled media. lgbtqi is a distraction propaganda

[@lickablewallpaper5512]

Stealing cars, all good, stabbing people, all good, shooting heroin all good, condemning child grooming strongly condemned.

[@mikehtims]

100%

[@firstworldproblems6064]

Lol he said its not a good life and is very lonely. telling his story. not telling people to do it

[@PapeySapote]

Modern left in a nutshell

[@PapeySapote]

@@firstworldproblems6064 they're talking about vice calling him homophobic

[@jedbellis7302]

Brilliant

[@JacksonYoung528]

His comments are not homophobic or hate speech at any level, wake up.

[@blaynehamilton2120]

Wake up to yaself lad

[@earthangel7253]

​@blaynehamilton2120 Kay

[@garnmowitdown]

you condone children being exposed to pedos do you mate? Seek help @@blaynehamilton2120

[@random_24]

Tell that to his own label who dropped him!

[@Custom2011]

His going to get gun down by going to others countries and disrespecting them. You can't understand it but it's bad for business to the people that he disrespecting

[@markem9415]

Spanian's rant was about how pedophiles are hiding behind and within the LGBTQ+ community (which is true). It was not a homophobic rant.

[@DjinnandTonik]

No this is just a homophobic conspiracy theory. Most pedophiles are straight... It doesn't have anything to do with that anyway - trying to associate it with LGBT is a conspiracy theory with no basis in fact

[@lordsysop]

Nobody accepts that shit. I hate how rich people still wear belanciago and nobody has cancelled them

[@paulparadoxia]

Where is the evidence Pedos hide behind LGBTQ+ community ? We know they hide behind the Church, the boy scouts, the junior sports coaching systems. But where is this "truth"

[@Walshyyy420]

The VAST majority of pedophiles are hetro but go off.

[@bengepp9314]

I stand by Spanian's 'rant' words , and they were not homophobic .

[@angusmacdougall1826]

Spainian didnt really say anything homophobic, weird to vice act so weirdly about this really shows how much vice as changed

[@domo-tech467]

Yepp vice was good when it first came out. Now it’s almost the same as CNN, or MSNBC.

[@AlexKokkinarasMusic]

Bro theres a photo of all the big companies etc all waving the pride banner. I found vice is one of them. Full sheeps act bro.

[@alexjames3220]

So Vice supports Agfays! 😤 Filthy dogs! They do a doco on spanian knowing he's against it... Anything for views I guess

[@mkf628]

vice the paedo fans

[@kahn9918]

Vice is probably run by paedophiles, like most organisations

[@OGguilliano]

He spoke up for children's safety - the council saw fit to remove the perverted and predatory "mural" he spoke against. Wake up to yourselves

[@Hitboxdon]

all Spanian did was say what we were all thinking and i guarentee majority of the people at vice agreed with the comments he made and vice was just to scared to get cancled. #standup

[@candyguy775]

As a gay man i can honestly say i agree with him without any repercussions lol

[@therig1339]

He was calling out paedophilia.. he did nothing wrong

[@KPROJECTS]

lol you don"t support him, but as long as his name still gives you revenue it'll stay up.

[@boxkutta]

💯.

[@kaifloyd3041]

Just like everyone else has said, was nothing homophobic about anything that he said, he even clarified that he has no problem with anyone’s sexuality, his problem is with the sick pricks taking advantage of the whole movement to slowly and quietly inject their own messed up agenda into it so they can also become “accepted”.

[@Turin_Turumba]

Sydney has changed so much, since the 90s, the days he's talking about were crazy if you were in the life

[@aussiemma8426]

Changed so much. It’s crazy when you actually think about it

[@tubes-lut]

Meth.

[@Custom2011]

Nah only Sydney is a shit hole with poofs 😂😂😂😂

[@Cam-zg1fq]

Love how all these ppl that back his authenticity bailed on him

[@loveiseternity]

Never had his back. Wanted to make money off him.

[@OG-HUSTLA]

That disclaimer at the start is how I know vice aint shit

[@random_24]

How about his own label who dropped him too?

[@angemapu7184]

My brother, he's like you. You're like a lonely person that everybody's knows. ❤❤ I love him with all my heart. I love your heart you share with us. Thank You Spanian, you're the Matua for all .. keep sharing. Keeps it reality

[@DutchFlavour]

I've been following Spanian for a long time this guy is a legend no doubt. When I just saw this docu I had to watch it and the most funny thing for me is that his friend was trying to drive him into a wall or reck his car. I have exactly a same friend like that and had such a crazy times with it I can relate so hard to this conversation. The most funny thing is that I know we were stupid and right now we both going up up. Stories like this give me the motivation to be the person I am born to be.🔥

[@bradculph6765]

Me to brother I'm just very grateful iv made it this far in life and that I'm still here to have the chance to make a different in this world for the better...some people take a long time to find this out and some people don't get the chance because they could of died or whatever...just so grateful that Im on the right path and no how important things like self talk words and thoughts are now...keep going strong brother your ment to be here so be grateful and make the most of it 🙏🏼

[@deezlilnuts]

people love him for rapping about murder selling drugs and being an addict but when you say there is overlap with men who dress like women and read to kids about going out secret at night without telling parents. seperating the child from the family one gay rights activist at a time. im not homophobic, to state the correlation is not homophobic, to pretend its homophobic is abusive and manipulation.

[@jujutrini8412]

This guy is hilarious. “I had to re-evaluate the violence to money ratio” !!! 😂😂😂😂

[@davemackinder6518]

It's uncanny how alike we are. Watching this really makes me think of the life I have had and the things I did . I was too on heroin for 20yrs+ and committed lots of crime till it led me to dealing. And was one of the biggest in my area. But thank god that is all in the past now , and like you Span am doing good too, take care Spanian , From the UK

[@rizzaliss6730]

Currently doing food reviews in Spain 😂 absolute Legend

[@MatthewRalphlyedherbetDelaney]

I Spaniard I've been addicted to heroin and morphine my father pushes on me and I am struggling battle every day I feel so alone but hearing your stories giving me strength and I appreciate your full honest

[@user-gj2oz3qj6g]

I watched my first video of him this morning. He was walking through Airdz in Sydney, I thought - this guy! His energy just draws me in to listen to him. I don’t follow any influencer social media stuff, don’t follow pod casts or content makers because most I can see is all for personal gain but this guy! You can see in his energy that he doesnt care if he gains anything from it. He’s just being his humbling self! Definitely opened my eyes on my judgements towards content creators!! I now follow one content creator - Spanian!!

[@kingfame_]

He never said anything homophobic. He’s talked about how lgbtq are targeting children. Which is true. No one can have an opinion about anything without being called homophobic

[@johnsamson9680]

How are they targeting children? I think you are thinking about religion…

[@kingfame_]

@@johnsamson9680 literally type in lgbtq targeting children. There’s plenty of videos

[@TheDarylpaullee]

being factual, and being hateful, ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT things.

[@TheDarylpaullee]

hate, is being indifferent, if spanian was hateful to the LGBTQ community, he would not care about it at all, in fact he would have let it ruin itself, instead of voicing out his opinions.

[@jasoncee5837]

Hey spainian brother I got the book haven't red though it all yet but I'll get there can't wait for more motivation that helps me put behind my jail days and I'm still recoving only demon now and I hope I get there

[@A_a_r_o_n_In_Aus]

Whens the movie coming out ?

[@eRasedXem]

Big up Spanian.... Been watchin his channel for a minute now. Lot of the same things we been through (except my vice was hennessy not heroin). Mad love G

[@cokaneds]

11:05 "I think I might've trained a bit too hard because the day I got out I stabbed someone in the neck and went back to jail" I shouldn't laugh but damn 😂

[@SwankManOfficial]

I support Spanians comments about the pride garbage

[@alexsongoro5635]

"That's why the camera is on me and not on you" 🔥

[@UserAme99]

Love his food review video btw.

[@Mandy-nw6dv]

Fair play to youfor telling ur story. I love ur channel. Thank you 😊 keep doing good, dude 👍

[@michaelougarezos8963]

most of us have a story to tell Span and watching your clip brings back memories. I am so proud of you for getting on your feet and doing the right things in life. Good on you cuz and I hope one day I might get to see you and I can shake your hand. I wonder if you felt the love power of our Lord Jesus that made you to the way you are now. Bless you 🥰🙏

[@adske1986]

Not a fan at on on your music but your utube kills it. Cruising around the world and eating vlogs are the best! Uv done good mate!

[@NoEvidenceForGod]

His music sucks ass but agree his videos are so good. Glad he chose that path instead lol

[@melissalove2463]

What pisses me off about Spanian is how proud of all the crime he done ( the innocent lives he negatively affected) ! There are so many disadvantaged kids out there that look up to him & think it’s ok & cool to also commit crime ! He is NOT someone to look up to. Just look at how proud he & his friend are & no remorse they feel !

[@angusseletto1511]

I think he's more proud of how he's changed and just giving insight into his life in the past. Got to walk in someone's shoes to judge them

[@jimmyloughnan9656]

He turned his life around and uses every opportunity he can to tell kids to use his past as a cautionary tale. You dropped your red nose when you posted this comment. 🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@TrayKai]

At the end of the day your not famous or making the type of money he is 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@fuckyoudogs0]

@@TrayKai I'm sure she at least knows the difference between "your" and "you're".

[@TrayKai]

@@fuckyoudogs0 make sure you delete that comment sweetheart she isn’t gonna sleep with you 😂

[@dalesmith4985]

Spanian is doing very well these days with his....It's all eats food reviews and his youtube tours of bad Hoods around the world, he recently brought himself a hectic looking Mitsubishi evo...the man has really turned his life around for the better

[@txddyfarquh3916]

Good to see Spanian in a happy space with his newfound Fame, dudes pretty recognisable in Australia nowadays and just comes across as a crack up dude. Most wouldnt think he had a rough background unless you really delved into his History..

[@nickonick9372]

Smart man well done 👍 and congratulations on turning your life around

[@nibzzz123]

The only one here ranting is Vice in the first 10 seconds

[@user-pu6jv7wi5x]

can anyone tell me if Anthony is of torres strait background ,not to offend anyone here.

[@chrisoliver4663]

My brother in jail all his life basically, this guy story helping me understand my brother.

[@Iswhatitisssss]

Homophobic comments” Quite the opposite actually. How low can Vice go.

[@simondixon3889]

Hood oos was just an evolution of oos oos. The sound you make when you're training on the bag hard. I really relate to your part of really not liking social interaction.

[@loveiseternity]

His label and management should hang their heads in shame. Your job is to represent and market him; not to agree with him. Respect to the truth tellers of today who are attacked. Time will not be kind to the weak, woke.

[@josephwillis9874]

Spanian was NOT homophobic in any shape or form and the update on this video is false information

[@niokieriver]

Integrity and vulnerability ❤ beautiful

[@MrAussiekev]

G'day Spanian, I've been watching a few of your video's and I just had to tell you something Brother, you touched on something that I want to make clear to you, your remark about leaving a life of crime is great, and you having made good in righteousness is awsome but that won't save you from Hell, my friend, the only thing that can save you from Hell is having great faith, in the Death, Burial and Reserrection of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, I was born and bred in Glebe, my brother, and led a very similar life to you, except I'm 30years older than you my friend, keep going brother your on the right track!

[@deezlilnuts]

wish spanian would rap again

[@nickandrews2255]

Notice how he never mentioned his father … this is what happens when we have fatherless homes or physically / emotionally distant parents do better so our children do not suffer our mistakes get therapy before you go plus ensure they get the help plus happiness / safety they deserve … he exhibits symptoms of cptsd or trauma as a child due to probably being neglected in a way plus all the abuse or trauma from other ways of his life it’s so important to help eachother mentally get the help we neeed peace lads peace get the help you need but do not have please peace 🙏

[@christofthedead]

too busy being distracted by diamonds & cars to talk about something real like trauma or mental health...

[@ddannehr003]

He's said he didn't really know his dad besides being a criminal and car thief/getaway driver

[@sko1beer]

@@ddannehr003 he grew up with all 4 grandparents he mentioned he has 2 half siblings so he does know his father unless it was his mum who remarried

[@paulywalnutz5855]

i think he father passed away when he was very young and he doesnt remember him

[@mattdavison284]

Recovering heroin addict myself, I know some still in active addiction, friends locked up, I know some gangsters, I know some who’ve got their life back on track BUT I’ve never met an addict who could successfully sell dope and not use 🤣🤣🤷‍♂️

[@Castrotherapper13]

Gang life in Sydney is heavy atm active as fuck

[@jgmunchmunch]

Truth mate! You're an inspiration your words are specific and powerful. Thank you for sharing.

[@Ronbc000]

Well done, mate. Excellent photography, light & edit. The content is riveting. 👍

[@darose810]

What is his background ? Is he Italian ??

[@hayden6056]

Have a think about what his nickname is lad.

[@NpgSymboL]

😂

[@Matthew_Ssali]

He said in an interview:25% Irish,25%Dutch,25%French,25Spanish.He looks like a Lebo tbh he deffo has some North African roots.

[@Soyuz2578]

Is Spanian of Armenian or Lebanese descent?? Or am i totally way off base???

[@adske1986]

From spain.his name says it all (Spanian)😂👍

[@deankosta6216]

Let the man speak on behalf of all of us

[@INcogNito838]

All it takes is repentance, Spanian. Repenting from one's former ways. Waking up to one's self. All of us are given chances to wake up to ourselves, a lifetime of them, perhaps few of us do. Some of us are called. Seems as though Spanian has been given a chance to turn a negative situation to a positive one, and with that to reach alot of people. If society has forgiven you, and showed you much love, how much more the benevolent loving God we believe in. We face earthly judges appointed by imperfect men; how much more will we be called to face the judgement appointed by the omnipotent when our Soul is asked of us. You can't always tell you are living in darkness until you first see Light💡 God through Christ ✨be with you ❤🕊️

[@falcon0351]

It’s amazing the hell you put yourselves through,and inevitably there’s a lightbulb moment when you think fuck this,I have had enough of this and I’m fucking doing something about it..I really enjoyed hearing Russ talking about his crazy life,and what rings true is ALCOHOL and how that is the entry gate to lots of other things,and then you are on a runaway train blasting yourself to a dead end street!! Inspirational Russell and Spanian..loved it boys💪💪

[@lilMAsRe5p3ct]

definitely would wanna have a drink with Spanian and just listen to he's stories, mans went through a lot and came out a better man

[@angusseletto1511]

The 90s were crazy as there was barely a computer,mobiles were new and expensive so it was all analogue,you had to do actual work to do crime or make money,it didn't come from the internet or videos,pagers were the dealers tool of choice in the mid late 80s then phones at best in the very late 80s but more early 90s if you had money,phones cost heaps back then but you could do business anywhere anytime and there wasn't the technology to track them and people were more anonymous.Hardly any CCTV too.Diffrent world

[@bneexotics2120]

Remember the ole Gemini keys brah !?! Hahaha one key to open them all 😂😂😂

[@JohnSmith-ij6ms]

that 90s footage is sick but

[@sk1na136]

Glad that spainian changed his life around now he does food reviews and eats all around the world 🌍

[@zeeshvisionary]

Hey Spanian i defeated heroin and it was a woman from Australia who told me a story and it stayed with me ... and it was part of helping me what she shared with me about my roots ...

[@thesauce7289]

That “update” is laughable. Shame on vice. Good to hear they’re going bankrupt tho

[@DIRTYPLACCY]

That start disclaimer 😂😂😂

[@Pesopalabra]

This guys a legend man. Really motivating me to just be myself

[@CrimxSun]

*50% stabbing / 50% moneys* 😂😂😂😂 He reminding me of *Knifey* from *High On Life*

[@morganrussell8150]

Awesome Testimony Bruv 🤙🏼💯

[@kooskoos8181]

Thats sad his whole career was flushed down the tubes for voicing his opinion. Alot of ppl may not agree with it. But back in the day u were allowed to have an opinion without being cancelled. I dont support hate in any way, but i support free speech. I think were too worried about what others do in the bedroom, its time to leave ur love life in the bedroom regardless of orientation we dont need to hear about it 24 7. Best wishes to everybody! Update: i found out what he spoke out against and it wasn't what i thought, he didnt like a mural of a naked man in bdsm holding a teddy bear (which i think is actually code for pedophiles - reference balenciaga campaign) painted on a wall by a bunch of schools!!! How is that wrong!?!?!??! This world is bizarre

[@cblimes]

good on ya Spanian you are a legend

[@chrisdarbyshire4563]

Spanian is such a sick guy big fan from the UK here he will.go far in life x

[@KristinW-ur4gf]

I respect you spanion x Thankyou for being you Much love

[@peterrule4314]

Spanian snap kicking cheeseburgers from Woolloomooloo to out of space. God bless Sydney Searchers, hope this boy keeps progressing Hood OOzz

[@ANCIENTLOVER888]

LOVE HOW REAL AND RAW YOU ARE BRUV YOU GOT MY RESPECT HARDOUT🫡💜💚☝️🙏💪

[@garybarrel6822]

Sometimes reminds me of chopper when he laughs

[@GalactusOG]

Don't try and copy this guy. he is like 1 in 10 million.

[@traphimawari7760]

No can do, I already have a crack addiction, and you know what they say if you quit doing crack it just means your crack wasn't good

[@jd32k]

Lol

[@ryan8430]

Good for him and his comments

[@MatthewRalphlyedherbetDelaney]

Worst enemies and we beat on ourselves don't do it to yourself stay strong with brothers sisters to stick to the gutter you gotta be strong

[@ryanCODMAN]

Props to spanian overcoming heroin

[@angusseletto1511]

When you hear the story it's not glamorous or happy days.Its sad to hear but it's good to see a Man who's a fighter and got off the gear.Not a happy upbringing.Looking loke a happy ending

[@thats-not-my-name2078]

I wonder how long it'll be until Vice turns off the comment sections with everyone calling them out like this ⏱️

[@MattDubbelde]

Ur n inspiration guy keep it up lad ✌

[@turpiebuds3584]

we played tips when i was taking cars im 45

[@treemanv2616]

Happy to edit the video to appease the crowd but when the truth comes out you still cower, hoping that "side" is happy with you.

[@jamesdurham2590]

Lol I didn't like him until he made that rant lol. He wnet straight to legend status with me after speaking out

[@Barra.The.World.]

Spanian is definitely my idol i look upto, calling out the "Crooks Minds" i highly respect and condemn that, hands down to Spanian, We all love you Brother Lad.

[@errollbarker2247]

His an inspiration!! On ya Span!! 🙏🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@Loctorak]

I'm calling it, cuz. REDEEMED.

[@alexcarson9638]

Acting like living a struggle is a flex 😂 😂

[@oscarmerlin1143]

Lol vice is soooooo lame and desperate now.

[@user-oc7mm5oy1z]

Love the 90's ram raids servos and hottys mazda 626 its like the whole world is standing still when that couple mins filling up smoke packets love the adrenaline makes you feel alive Never give up or lay down we Winning the War against poverty and punishment putting people in prison box for feeding their fam❤

[@JP01_]

Why had vice got a vendetta against bald people 🤣

[@angusseletto1511]

Yup Old Falcons keys opened nearly all of them😂 Analog days❤

[@jlo1390]

Span, I used to see you at Junee brother. My ex Dawso was there. You are looking well x

[@notbahhhdgoodsize5793]

And Spanian is still here brother and bigger than ever top bloke anyone that thought he wasn’t going to last get the fuck out of here +700xxx subs and climbing and all the new content going overseas love it span

[@turpiebuds3584]

my nephew steven dates and raymond started a riot in panag

[@bee366]

Gear must have been shit given how much he spent a day