This talented new artist will no doubt become a most-played in your Spotify.
Raised by his single Dutch mother, he grew up in Naples, Italy having a passion for hip hop music. He describes himself as a calm person internally and a wild child externally. “My moods often reflect my environment and the people I am around, especially when I travel. However, I remain positive with everything I do,” said Raffaele.
What made you decide to step into the hip-hop genre?
I’ve been listening to hip hop since I was a kid. I actually never had the courage to expose myself, musically, until I realized how much my close friends appreciated the music I did. It gave me the courage to dive into this new career of mine and release new music. Hip hop has been my saving grace throughout life. It has taught me lessons when I didn’t know who to ask and fueled me in ways I never imagined. Hip hop really came through for me when my parents were going through their divorce. I also want to thank my friend, when I was 11 years old he played my first Italian rap song, Maracash. Since then I’ve stuck by this genre.
How do you tap into your creativity?
After a long day or an experience is when I feel the most creative. I allow myself to process my thoughts and analyze my feelings while listening to beats. That creates magical energy inside me that allows me to just throw it out on a microphone. Sometimes I sing the melody before even writing the song.
Where/When does your best work happen?
Usually in my home because it’s one of the few places where I can spend most of my time alone and reconnect with my emotions. It’s an environment where my main ideas come to fruition. Normally, my creative process involves a trusted producer where they help bring my ideas to life. Collaborating with others is another way I can create my best work. But, usually, the idea initially sparks when I can brainstorm on my own in Milano. I am most inspired by the surroundings there and being able to be present in the moment with myself. I don’t restrict my creativity and let it happen naturally.
Can you tell us about your upcoming EP and which songs will we expect on it?
My upcoming ep will have about 5 songs on it. I’ve been working really hard on it this summer and my fans should expect the full project to debut sometime in September. The ep will be a 360-degree reflection on how I see myself as a human and my place in this world. I really tap
into my sad, angry, and romantic emotions. I want to lay it all out there because this record is a direct connection to my life and reflects these emotions I've experienced. My sound is intense, melodious, and upbeat with some trap bangers. I think it will be the perfect ep to listen to because it will be for any type of listener. It is good for those who just want to relax and chill or when you want to ride in your car with friends and shout from the windows like a mad person.
What song off of your upcoming EP would you say you are most proud of?
I don’t want to spoil it but Savage, produced by the well-known Italian producer, Tom Trigger, really did his thing on this beat! I think Savage is going to be the most commercial song on the ep. It talks about a woman who is a prostitute because she felt she didn't have other chances in life. It shows her struggle as she gets into a serious relationship with a man but still doesn't trust him enough to leave her job indefinitely.
What does it mean to be young in the world these days?
Well, I think that young people shouldn't spend time thinking about their age, but more time trying different things and experiences. Being young today is nice because you have a lot more opportunities compared to maybe 20 or 30 years ago. At the same time, I feel there is a lot more superficiality in our world today than ever experienced before. Living in this digital media era, I
must admit, it is very cool! It’s helped create so many new opportunities, especially for young adults. I like this era because allowing everyone to reach success keeps "meritocracy" alive.
You can stay up to date with Raffaele on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music, and any other digital platform under South Rc.