Rapper Geolier Is Italy’s Greatest Artist of 2024

Probably the most listened-to artist in Italy in 2024 (in keeping with Luminate) does now not, precisely, rap in Italian. Naples’ personal Geolier raps in his local dialect — the very musical language spoken at the streets of his group, Rione Gescal, and now spoken via children in each and every nook of Italy who, thru Geolier, have discovered it.

For the 24-year-old artist born Emanuele Palumbo, that devotion has added up, previously 12 months on my own, to a few consecutive sold-out displays at Naples’ Maradona Stadium; a historical look bringing the Neapolitan dialect for the primary time to the Sanremo Pageant, a very powerful tune match in Italy; and triple-platinum certification for his music “Dio Lo Sa,” launched in June. 5 years after his debut album, Emanuele, Geolier is obviously nonetheless taking on this good fortune — as is clear in the best way he pauses to replicate on his phrases in dialog, in his large smiles based on compliments and in his lyrics portraying a tender guy who takes the whole lot (aside from himself) critically. He spoke to Billboard Italia about how he arrived right here.

Did you all the time know you could be a rapper?

I didn’t all the time know this as a result of as children you’ll be able to’t expect the long run. Clearly I was hoping so and imagining myself onstage used to be the one factor imaginable, as a result of I didn’t understand how to do the rest and I did poorly in school. However I’d by no means have guess on myself. I set to work in a manufacturing facility at an overly younger age, I endured to rap in my loose time, however I noticed that [acceptance for the genre was] in reality a long way away in Italy. Most effective pop songs have been at the radio again then. I liked rap as a result of I seemed as much as The us, however the most that used to be performed in Italy used to be “In Da Membership” on MTV. I admired 50 Cent; I felt on the subject of him.

What did you assume you had in not unusual with him?

I noticed the movie about his lifestyles [the semi-autobiographical Get Rich or Die Tryin’], the place it’s transparent that he had taken the entire accountability of the circle of relatives on his shoulders. He offered crack at the streets of Queens; I by no means did it, however I set to work very younger. I discovered an abnormal adulthood in him and this fascinated me.

When did your personal private turning level come, knowing this is able to doubtlessly be your profession?

I noticed I may do that process after they paid me for my first are living display. It used to be about 250 euros however for me it used to be some huge cash — I used to be 18 years outdated. Alternatively, I couldn’t say after I reached what can also be outlined as a milestone.

Why is that this implausible growth in Neapolitan rap going down nowadays?

I come from the ghetto of the ghetto. I feel there’s a distinctive realness right here; possibly it’s handiest imaginable to search out it [elsewhere] in the USA. I feel rappers on this town put what they see into their lyrics. The tradition of Southern Italy is extra recognized across the world than that of Italy as an entire, additionally, due to TV collection reminiscent of The Sopranos.

2024 used to be an implausible 12 months for you, however you skilled some harder moments as smartly. On the Sanremo Pageant you gained the covers evening, however the are living target market booed you and your visitors.

We have been there and simply attempted to shield ourselves. That very same evening they right away instructed me to watch out of possible complaint. I consider that the Sanremo Pageant used to be now not in a position for rap tune; we introduced an iconic music for Italy, “Brivido” via Guè that includes Marracash, and the target market booed. Improbable.

Your mom used to be additionally within the target market. Did this make it particularly painful?

It made me smile, in truth. She used to be livid as a result of she couldn’t do the rest, and he or she wouldn’t even communicate to me about it. Even nowadays, once we discuss Sanremo, she has unhealthy recollections — however my mom is an ordinary individual and completely doesn’t need to be a part of the famous person machine.

Had been the ones 3 sold-out concert events at Maradona Stadium the height of 2024 for you, or used to be it one thing else?

Positive, however I’d say a second specifically [was] when earlier than the primary [of those shows], within the afternoon, I seemed thru a crack and noticed the stadium complete. At that second I believed: “What am I doing?” It used to be neither a good nor adverse emotion, I had merely by no means felt it. And I will be able to’t provide an explanation for it.

How do you continue to keep hooked up for your roots on your outdated group?

I feel I do just because I inform what I see in Naples. I’ll proceed to take action even supposing I’ve to transport clear of town, which may be very not going. I don’t are living that another way now: I proceed to look my buddies and communicate to other people. I believe the will additionally as a result of I need to [be true] with my lyrics. Have you learnt what standard other people inform me probably the most? To not take selfies however to stay myself.

If you’ll want to make a choice an American artist to collaborate with, who would they be?

50 Cent. I began making tune on account of him. However at this time I’m additionally taking note of Kendrick Lamar’s new album and I find it irresistible so much.

What do you might have coming in 2025?

I simply need to do the sector excursion, which can get started in March, and the 2 dates at Ippodromo di Agnano in Naples. I don’t assume I’ll unencumber new tune, except some collaborations. I wish to decelerate slightly. I feel I’ve executed so much, [and] I need to revel in this as a sport. As a result of with the entire numbers and cut-off dates, every now and then it sort of feels to have turn out to be a regimen process. And I indisputably don’t need that.