In this episode, we sit down with Eastside Lenny, formerly known as Say Kuro, to talk about the evolution of an artist learning to balance energy, emotion, identity, and purpose.
Born in The Bronx and raised in Stratford, Connecticut, ESL’s story moves through church pews, studio sessions, family influence, Caribbean roots, and creative reinvention. From playing piano, violin, drums, and recorder in church to finding his own sound as an R&B artist, producer, and songwriter, his musical foundation runs deep.
We talk about the difference between Say Kuro, the rager-type persona, and Eastside Lenny, the “soft gangsta” side of his artistry. We get into his influences, from Brian McKnight, Prince, Ne-Yo, Usher, Kanye, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, and more, while also discussing his work ethic, being in the studio every day, writing from personal experience, and what productivity really looks like behind the scenes.
We also touch on his family background, his parents as educators, his Caribbean roots from St. Thomas and Antigua, his brother’s musical and athletic path, his interest in DJing, and what it meant to receive a co-sign from R&B legend Tank.
This conversation is about growth, sound, identity, discipline, vulnerability, and what happens when an artist stops trying to fit into one version of himself.

Follow on IG: @eastsidelenny
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