This Is A Story Worth Telling, With A Disclaimer
Let’s start with a key point: when we talk about authentic Italian rap and hip-hop culture, there’s a story, and it needs to be told. Since the mid-80s, I’ve been following, loving, and spreading music: mostly rap, but also other sounds. Music is culture, and culture is sharing.
From this idea, StrettoBlaster was born: a project designed to amplify the music that matters, the culture that resonates, and that has substance. Our motto? Vibes, not hype. A simple concept, but essential.
StrettoBlaster: From Italy to America, to London and Back
During my long stay in London, I had the opportunity and pleasure to return to my first love: radio broadcasting.
That’s how StrettoBlaster found its way back to the airwaves.
Once a month, on Netil Radio, I curate two hours of music for an attentive audience that knows how to recognize the value of a well-thought-out selection. Specifically, every second Wednesday of the month, from 12 to 2 PM Italian time, or 11 AM to 1 PM UK time.
In recent weeks, to celebrate the new direction of our creative space, I decided to dedicate a special edition to authentic Italian rap. Not just a mix, but a carefully considered selection: a national team of Italian rap. Not based on fame but on quality.
Italian rap is alive and thriving, despite the distortions of the mainstream. So here we have two hours of authentic hip-hop, rooted in underground culture, built on art, culture, and respect for its origins.
L to R clockwise: Karlino Princip, Southology, Eric Draven, Luigi Bugia, Sandro Su, Esa, Sfera Ebbasta, Tormento, Michael Sorriso
Authentic Italian Rap Special: A Curated Selection
A necessary disclaimer: this isn’t a comprehensive overview of the scene. Some names are missing, but there will be other chances to make up for it. This is a selection of authentic Italian rap artists who make DIY (Do It Yourself), uplifting underground entrepreneurship to leave their trademarks.
With that said, let me introduce the lineup on the mic, as a good host should.
You’ll find a free download link floating on the right side of the screen. Follow the Blast, folks.
Selected Beats and Resonating Sounds: Italy’s Got Breaks
Starting with the instrumentals: a big shout-out to HzaHza for the opening track, Shendu for his dojo-like discipline, and the friends at Spalato Wyale, who consistently deliver great vibes.
It’s no coincidence that I wanted to dedicate a segment to the works of the Ravenna-based label, featuring contributions from Lucio Carato, Little Tony Negri, Valerio Delphi, e Primo Zanasi. If you’re looking for post-Dilla beats, here’s something different: a fresh and original perspective. And honestly, after Dilla, haven’t you had enough of that stuff? Just sayin’…
The Many Voices of the Scene: Milan, Rome, and Beyond
From Milan and its surroundings, we have JayBeeVibes, versatile and always on point, alongside the queen VoodooVee and the mysterious Anubis. Go back and listen to Nuova Golden Era to see what I’m talking about.
We also have contributions from the G-Farmerz family, a Piedmontese duo that mixes Lecce (Gentle T and Kiazza Mob) and Cuneo (Snaf and Pepe Nocciola), with a stop in Rome (Superfluido crew).
Emerging Artists and Pillars of Italian Rap
Qael e Amir strongly represent Rome and Bologna, while KKrisna from Palermo adds a unique touch to the scene—a name to watch. For a guilty pleasure, Pretty Solero from Lovegang 126 is a must with the crew’s classic Signor Prefetto.
From the new Roman school come Gigi Proiettili (arguably the second-best Italian rap nickname ever – here produced by our brother Biga ), who alongside Eric Draven stands out on a few stellar tracks.
On the other hand, ClickHead from Saronno embodies the purest underground spirit. Alongside producers Lvnar e Giovane Platone, we also find mic controller Doye Tex: Problemi & Polo is my absolute favourite banger for 2024.
Another name deserving attention is Luigi Bugia, lyrical and profound, backed by beats from Nezra. Speaking of lyricism, Millelemmi from Florence makes a return as a master of syllabic breakdowns.
From Pescara, there’s GioLama, who, along with Sandro Su, Tormento, e Karlino Princip, creates a series of underground hits that you need to check out. Among the exclusives, I’d highlight Sandro e SickBoiDamn, with the gritty sound of PeezzaPopThatMolly, and the always stellar Taio Otoshi over Zanasi’s beats.
Underground Research and Cultural Initiatives
Toni Mannaja strikes a perfect balance here between rap bars and style wars, all while running his vintage clothing research shop. Loop Penn is a full-on hip-hop activist and practitioner, involved in GrowUp Studio and educational initiatives for young people. Pure talent and instinct.
From the same crew and jam sessions comes SeccoSecco from 0882Fam, here alongside Astratto in a DustMites version. Follow RagooRecords if you’re not already in the loop, and check out their cassette releases.
L to R clockwise: Voodoo Vee, Anubis, Riccardino, Deal The BeatKrusher, Royzen, Doye Tex, Astratto, SeccoSecco, Livio Pee
An honourable mention goes to Royzen from Nichelino and Michael Sorriso, who uphold the legacy of Turin’s school, as accompanied by Deal The Beatkrusha, under the HardWorkerz imprint. Lastly, a well-deserved shout-out to Southology and the stellar productions of 17AM, offering fresh nuances to a scene that continues to surprise. A couple more guilty pleasures and farewells…
Italian Rap and Hip-Hop: Authenticity is Alive
Authentic Italian rap and hip-hop culture is here: alive, vibrant, above and beneath the surface. This selection is a starting point for those seeking authenticity. Follow us on StrettoBlaster: real vibes, zero hype. Click the teaser here and get your mixtape!
