Clementino: The Sharp-Tongued Voice of Italian Hip Hop

Clementino is a rapper and songwriter from Naples, Italy, who has become a defining force in the country's hip hop scene. His career, marked by sharp lyricism and a blend of traditional rap with Neapolitan melody, reached a commercial peak with his 2017 album "MIRACOLO!", which debuted at number one on the Italian FIMI albums chart.

Early career

Clementino, born Clemente Maccaro in 1982, began his musical journey in the early 2000s within Naples' vibrant underground rap battles. His technical skill and distinctive flow quickly garnered attention, leading to his first major label involvement with Universal Music and the release of his debut studio album, "Mea Culpa", in 2010.

Breakthrough

The artist's true mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the single "Gravità", featuring Italian singer Nina Zilli. The track became a national hit, achieving platinum certification in Italy and propelling his subsequent album "Rap 'n' Roll" to a top five chart position, cementing his status beyond the underground circuit.

Key tracks

Gravità — This platinum-certified 2013 collaboration with Nina Zilli provided his first major chart hit and widespread radio play.

Quando Sono Lontano — A key track from his number-one album "MIRACOLO!", it showcases his ability to blend introspective lyrics with catchy, melodic hooks.

O' Vient — A raw and powerful track that exemplifies his deep roots in Neapolitan culture and aggressive, battle-ready rap style.

Dem — This 2015 single highlighted his continued relevance and technical prowess between major album releases.

Following "MIRACOLO!", Clementino continued to release successful albums like "Tragico Show" and collaborated with a wide range of artists, from fellow Italian rappers Guè and Marracash to international acts like Snoop Dogg. His music often tackles social issues and personal struggle, delivered with a charismatic and energetic flow that dominates both recordings and live performances. His consistent output keeps him at the forefront of the Italian hip hop conversation.

Fans of Clementino's brand of lyric-driven, culturally grounded Italian rap should also explore Guè, a longtime collaborator known for his slick wordplay and street narratives. The more introspective and conceptual work of Marracash shares a similar commitment to technical excellence and album craftsmanship. For another perspective from Naples, listen to Liberato, who blends dialectal singing with modern production in a uniquely atmospheric style.

Clementino's dynamic catalog is a staple on Italian hip hop and urban radio stations featured on this website. His hit singles receive regular rotation on mainstream FM stations, while his deeper album cuts are championed by independent music radio stations and online urban radio streams dedicated to the genre's evolving sound.

Listeners can discover the full scope of Clementino's influential Italian hip hop career through the radio stations available on onairium.com, where his music from early battles to recent chart-toppers is regularly featured.