Marracash

Born in Nicosia, Sicily but raised in Milan, Italian rapper Marracash (real name Fabio Rizzo) is one of the members of Dogo Gang, a hip-hop collective that also includes the likes of Club Dogo, Vincenzo da Via Anfossi, Ted Bundy, and others. In 1998, his name started to spread after he became a regular of the Muretto, one of Milan's most important hip-hop clubs. After debuting on PMC vs. Club Dogo: The Official Mixtape (2004), Marracash participated in some records by other Dogo Gang artists such as Don Joevanni and Guè Pequeno. His first single, "Popolare," was released in 2005 and later included on the self-released mixtape Roccia Music, which included guest appearances by Club Dogo and Inoki. In 2008, Marracash signed with Universal and released the album Marracash, produced by Dogo Gang beatmakers Don Juan and Deleterio. During the same year, he also took part in the first Dogo Gang compilation, Benvenuti Nella Giungla.

His sophomore effort, Finoa qui Tutto Bene, was released in 2010 and featured production from Crookers and Bloody Beatroots. He quickly followed with his third LP, King Del Rap, and a sequel mixtape, Roccia Music II. His ascent in the Italian rap scene bore fruit in 2012 as Marracash took home the award for Best Artist at the MTV Italy Hip Hop Awards. He also started the Rock Music label with producer Shablo.

After dropping Status in 2015, he topped the Italian charts the following year with Santeria, his collaborative LP with fellow Italian rapper Guè Pequeno. ~ Aurelio Pasini & Neil Z. Yeung