Lazza, Sfera Ebbasta, Capo Plaza: The Sound of Italian Trap Dominance

Lazza, Sfera Ebbasta, and Capo Plaza are three of the most commercially successful and influential artists in the Italian trap scene. Hailing from Milan, they have collectively defined a generation of Italian hip-hop with chart-topping albums, massive streaming numbers, and numerous platinum certifications.

Early career

Each artist emerged from Milan's vibrant underground in the mid-2010s, leveraging online platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube. Sfera Ebbasta, born Gionata Boschetti in 1992, gained initial buzz with his 2015 mixtape "XDVR." Lazza, born Jacopo Lazzarini in 1994, started with the crew "Bloody Vinyl," while Capo Plaza, born Luca D'Orso in 1998, released his first tracks as a teenager, quickly attracting attention for his melodic flow.

Breakthrough

Sfera Ebbasta's 2016 debut album "XDVR Mixtape" and its hit "Panette" went platinum, but his 2018 album "Rockstar" with producer Charlie Charles was a cultural earthquake, debuting at number one and achieving multi-platinum status. Capo Plaza's 2017 mixtape "PLAZA" and the single "Nena" were viral smashes, leading to his 2018 debut album "20," which also topped the charts. Lazza's major breakthrough came with his 2019 sophomore album "Re Mida," which debuted at number one and was certified double platinum.

Key tracks

Rockstar — This Sfera Ebbasta track became an anthem, certifying the mainstream arrival of Italian trap and dominating airwaves for years.

Nena — Capo Plaza's breakout hit showcased his signature melodic style, amassing hundreds of millions of streams and going multi-platinum.

Re Mida — The title track from Lazza's acclaimed album demonstrated his sophisticated production and lyrical depth, solidifying his critical and commercial standing.

Cupido — This 2023 collaboration between Sfera Ebbasta and Lazza proved their enduring hit-making power, debuting high on the Italian singles chart.

Allenamento #2 — A key track from Capo Plaza's "20" album, it highlighted his ability to blend trap rhythms with catchy, pop-infused hooks.

Their careers are marked by strategic collaborations, both with each other and international acts. Sfera Ebbasta has worked with major global names like Rich The Kid and Duki, while Lazza's album "SIRIO" featured production from international beatmakers. Capo Plaza continued his chart success with albums like "PLAZA 2" and "Hustle Mixtape," all released under his own Plaza Music Srl label in partnership with major distributor Universal.

The sound they helped popularize is shared by contemporaries like Ghali, who blends trap with world music influences. Tony Effe is another key Milanese figure known for his gritty autotune-heavy style. The group Dark Polo Gang pioneered the quirky, lo-fi aesthetic that preceded the genre's polish. Tha Supa represents the next wave of melodic trap artists carrying the sound forward.

Their music is a staple on Italy's leading urban and mainstream pop radio stations, frequently featured in prime-time rotations. Online radio streams dedicated to hip-hop and modern hit music also ensure their latest singles and classic hits reach a global audience daily.

Listeners can explore the dominant sound of Italian trap by tuning into radio stations featured on onairium.com, where the music of Lazza, Sfera Ebbasta, and Capo Plaza is regularly broadcast, offering a direct channel to the heart of Milan's music scene.