Hip-hop has always been a genre born out of a mix of young boredom, political anguish and an artist yearning for their voice to be heard. Whether they were part of the genre’s roots on the opposing US coasts in the late ’70s, or the kids in South Korea making their own imprint on the scene today, the international language of rap has resonated with so many, both performers and fans.
Rarely given a shine on an international level, Italy’s hip-hop scene is a diverse breeding ground for colourfully-dressed dudes making commercial pop-rap, as well as a reel of artists making more serious stuff, who have their sights are set on a making a difference to the towns and cities they grew up in.
In a piece for Huck Magazine on Milan’s burgeoning hip-hop scene, journalist Cian Traynor argued that “some [rappers] rely on hip-hop as an outlet for self-expression, some… a weapon for social change… others just see it as fun music.” This killer triad of hip-hop making qualities can be seen all across Italy’s biggest cities; with Rome and Milan both acting as burgeoning hubs for the movement.
To prep for the imminent worldwide breakout of some of its artists, here’s our rundown of the best rappers coming out of Italy that are worth keeping an eye on.
