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Clementino
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Key Information
Clemente Maccaro (born 21 December 1982), known professionally as Clementino, is an Italian rapper, proficient in freestyle in both Italian and Neapolitan language. Along with rapper Fabri Fibra, he is a member of the group Rapstar, formed in 2012.[1][2] After winning several freestyle competitions between 2004 and 2006, he signed a contract with the independent record label Lynx Records, releasing the debut album Napolimanicomio in 2006. Three years later, he joined Videomind, releasing IENA in 2011. In 2013 the rapper signed a contract with the record label Universal, publishing shortly afterwards Mea culpa, who had a moderate success in the motherland, reaching fourth position in the FIMI album charts and being certified a gold record.
Solo career
[edit]Growing up in the Neapolitan hinterland between Cimitile and Nola, Clementino at the age of 14 took his first steps in hip hop in Naples where he joined the Trema Crew and took place in the Neapolitan group TCK. Thanks to these first experiences, Clementino has the opportunity to refine his techniques in freestyle 2004, Da Bomb 2005, Valvarap 2006 and 2theBeat 2006, beating Ensi, then defending champion in the final, who already in 2005 defeated the same Clementino.
Napolimanicomio (2006-2008)
[edit]On 29 April 2006 he released his first studio album, entitled Napolimanicomio, sung both in Italian and in Neapolitan, and in collaboration with renowned artists such as OneMic, Kiave, Francesco Paura, Spregiudicati, as well as various important local exponents such as Kapwan, Emcee O'Zi and Patto MC, achieving a moderate success and increasing his fame nationally. After the release of his first album, Clementino embarked on a series of concerts that saw him sing on more than 200 dates throughout Italy.
Videomind and I.E.N.A (2009-2011)
[edit]In late 2009 he collaborated with DJ Tayone and the rapper Francesco Paura, creating the Videomind group, with which he released the album Afterparty in 2010, whose publication is anticipated by the single Is normal, with its video clip. second single, Music Therapy, and two further video clips (L'immenso e Peter Pan).
On 19 December 2011 he released his second solo album, entitled I.E.N.A., acronym for "I and no one else". This name is given by the fact that the album is a collection of songs concerning him and only himself. The disc is anticipated by the music video of La mia musica, released just over a year earlier. The name Iena (or more frequently Iena White) also derives from the alter ego of Clementino, also chosen to indicate the analogy between himself and the animal, which "left the carcass of the opponents on the ground", as stated by him in an interview.
The activity with Fabri Fibra and the collateral experiences (2012)
[edit]The activity with Fabri Fibra and the collateral experiences (2012) The same topic in detail: Rapstar and Non è gratis. Ci rimani male / Chimica Brother came out on 9 January 2012, single double in collaboration with the famous rapper Fabri Fibra which will precede the release of Non è gratis, a project that sees Clementino alongside Fabri Fibra himself in the musical duo Rapstar, a partnership between the mainstream and underground hip hop. On 20 January that year the second video clip extracted from I.E.N.A., Toxico was released, while the third, Rovine, was extracted on 4 March.
From 8 to 12 February 2012 Clementino starred in Pino Quartullo's play Che che è è ?, based on the 1989 film by the same name by Ettore Scola.
On 9 March the single La luce is extracted from Non è gratis, a piece totally focused on the life of Clementino, who in the passage talks about his repentances and all the mistakes made at a young age. Also on this date, the MTV channel aired the first edition of MTV Spit, a television program that will see Clementino confronting other rappers in various freestyle challenges.
In the following months three further video clips are extracted from I.E.N.A .: Laughter of an I.E.N.A., Funk and TheRivati and Animals.
On 25 September Clementino took part in the Hip Hop TV 4th B-Day Party, held at the Mediolanum Forum in Assago, together with the best Italian rappers.
On 7 December the promo of a new song, entitled Atomic Bomb, is released, which anticipates the publication of Armageddon, an album that will see the participation of rapper Dope One and beatmaker O'Luwong. The video clip of the song was published on 21 December 2012, on the occasion of the achievement of the fateful date on which, according to some apocalyptic theories, the end of the world would have occurred.
Discography
[edit]
Albums
[edit]Solo
[edit]- 2006 – Napolimanicomio
- 2011 – I.E.N.A.
- 2013 – Mea Culpa
- 2015 – Miracolo!
- 2017 – Vulcano
- 2019 – Tarantelle
With Videomind
[edit]- 2010 – Afterparty
With Rapstar
[edit]- 2012 – Non è gratis
Compilations
[edit]- 2005 – Napolizm
Singles
[edit]Solo
[edit]- 2010: La mia musica
- 2012: Toxico
- 2012: Rovine
- 2013: O' vient
- 2015: Fumo
- 2019: Chi vuol essere milionario feat. Fabri Fibra
With Rapstar
[edit]- 2012: Ci rimani male/Chimica Brother
- 2012: La luce
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | All Night Long | Il Cinese | |
| 2016 | Zeta: Una storia hip hop | Himself | Cameo appearance |
| Troppo napoletano | |||
| 2018 | Natale a Roccaraso | Barman | |
| 2020 | Cobra non è | Himself | Cameo appearance |
| 2021 | A Bookshop in Paris | Clemente | |
| 2022 | Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend | Mechanical | Cameo appearance |
| 2023 | Uomini da marciapiede | Paco | |
| Chi ha rapito Jerry Calà? | Himself |
References
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Clementino
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Early life and beginnings
Early life
Clemente Maccaro, professionally known as Clementino, was born on December 21, 1982, in Avellino, Italy. He spent his early years in the Neapolitan hinterland, growing up between the towns of Cimitile and Nola in a modest family environment. Raised in the Gescal neighborhood of Cimitile—a locality with ancient roots tied to early Christian cemeteries, often nicknamed "calpestasanti" for its historical burial sites—Clementino's childhood was marked by close family ties, including time spent at his grandmother's house.[6][7] His family fostered a deep passion for music, with his sister pursuing a career as a lyrical singer and his brother specializing in blues guitar. This artistic household influenced his early exposure to performance and creativity, though his immediate surroundings reflected the everyday challenges of a working-class upbringing in southern Italy during the 1980s and 1990s. Clementino has described nostalgic memories from this period, such as family gatherings in a typical 1980s kitchen, which shaped his connection to Neapolitan cultural identity.[8][6] By his early teens, Clementino showed initial interest in music, but his serious engagement with hip-hop began around age 14 when he entered the vibrant rap scene in nearby Naples. He joined local crews like Trema Crew and TCK Crew, honing skills in freestyle battles amid the underground Neapolitan hip-hop community. A pivotal personal event at age 16—a slip at home that resulted in broken teeth—further propelled his dedication, leading him to practice rapping in school parking lots as part of the group Lyrical Drougs and perform at small local events.[9][6]Musical beginnings
Clemente Maccaro, known professionally as Clementino, was born on December 21, 1982, in Avellino, Italy, and grew up in the Naples hinterland between Cimitile and Nola. At the age of 14 in 1996, he discovered hip hop and began his musical journey by joining the Trema Crew, a Naples-based group that introduced him to the local rap scene.[9] Following his time with Trema Crew, Clementino joined another Neapolitan collective, TCK, where he further developed his skills in rapping and beatmaking. These early group affiliations provided a foundational environment for experimenting with freestyle, a core element of his style influenced by 1990s hip hop culture. As a b-boy during that decade, he participated in and won numerous freestyle battles across Italy, crediting the genre with steering him away from the challenges of his upbringing in the troubled Terra dei Fuochi area.[1][8][10] In the early 2000s, Clementino transitioned from underground crews to releasing his initial recordings. His first known track, "Sipario Chiuso," appeared on the self-produced demo Bengala in 2003, marking his entry into more formalized music production while still balancing rap pursuits with work as an animator in tourist villages. This period solidified his reputation as a proficient freestyler in both Italian and Neapolitan, setting the stage for broader recognition in the Italian hip hop community.[11][12]Musical career
2006–2008: Debut with Napolimanicomio
In 2006, Clementino released his debut studio album, Napolimanicomio, on April 29 through the independent label Lynx Records.[13] The 20-track project, limited to 1,000 CD copies, blended hip-hop with Neapolitan dialect and Italian lyrics, showcasing his roots in Naples' underground scene.[13] Produced primarily by Mastafive, Deal The Dhilyo, and Blakesanders, the album featured collaborations with fellow Italian rappers such as Kiave, Paura, and Chief & Soci, highlighting themes of urban life, irony, and cultural identity through tracks like "Passano Gli Anni" and "L'Età Ré Tass."[14] Recorded between 2005 and 2006 at Lynx Studios in Turin and Soundinside Records in Naples, it marked Clementino's transition from freestyle competitions to a full-length recording, building on his reputation as a skilled freestyler proficient in both languages.[13][15] The album received positive recognition within Italy's hip-hop community for its authentic representation of Neapolitan street culture and Clementino's versatile flow, earning an 82 user score on music aggregation platforms. Critics praised its ironic tone and linguistic playfulness, likening his persona to the traditional Neapolitan mask of Pulcinella, while noting the project's role in elevating regional dialect rap.[16] That same year, Clementino solidified his freestyle prowess by competing in the prestigious 2TheBeat tournament, reaching the final against Ira in a highly acclaimed battle that December, often cited as one of the most intense showdowns in Italian rap history for its sharp wordplay and regional rivalries.[17] From 2007 to 2008, Clementino focused on promoting Napolimanicomio through extensive live performances across Italy, performing at over 200 concerts to build a grassroots following in the underground hip-hop circuit.[18] These shows emphasized his energetic stage presence and ability to engage audiences with bilingual freestyles, further establishing him as a key figure in southern Italy's rap scene before his next major project in 2009.[19]2009–2011: Videomind and I.E.N.A.
In 2009, Clementino joined forces with fellow Neapolitan rapper Francesco Paura and DJ Tayone to form the hip-hop collective Videomind.[20] The group debuted with live performances that year, including a show in Grosseto in September 2009, where they showcased their collaborative rap style rooted in Italian underground hip-hop.[20] Videomind's sole album, Afterparty, was released in 2010 by Relief Records Europe.[21] Spanning 12 tracks, the project blended conscious rap lyrics with electronic beats and funk samples, highlighted by singles like "È Normale" and "Music Therapy" featuring trumpeter Roy Paci. Other notable collaborations included Patrick Benifei on "L'Immenso" and "Radio Pulp," emphasizing the group's focus on energetic, party-oriented themes while addressing social realities in Naples. Shifting back to solo work, Clementino issued his second studio album, I.E.N.A., on December 19, 2011, through the same label.[22] The title, an acronym for "Io E Nessun Altro" (Me and No One Else), reflected a personal and introspective phase in his career.[23] Clocking in at 12 tracks and 42 minutes, it featured high-profile guests such as American rappers Ill Bill on "Hannibal Rapper" and R.A. the Rugged Man on "Animals," alongside Italian artists like Mama Marjas on "Rovine" and Paura on "Se Ne Cade."[24] Produced by talents including The Night Skinny and Fano, the album solidified Clementino's reputation for multilingual freestyling in Italian and Neapolitan dialects, earning praise for its raw energy and cross-cultural appeal.[24]2012–2015: Rapstar collaboration and Mea Culpa
In 2012, Clementino formed the hip hop duo Rapstar alongside fellow Italian rapper Fabri Fibra, whom he had met the previous summer during Fibra's Controcultura Tour stop in Naples.[25] The collaboration quickly led to the recording of their debut and only album, Non È Gratis, released on January 31, 2012, via Fibra's Tempi Duri label in partnership with Universal Music Italia.[26] The 15-track project featured production from artists like DJ Tayone and Blatta e Inesha, blending aggressive flows, Neapolitan influences, and social commentary on themes such as music piracy and industry struggles, as reflected in the title track "Non È Gratis." Standout singles included "Chimica Brother" and "Ci Rimani Male," showcasing the duo's chemistry through rapid-fire verses and bilingual Italian-Neapolitan lyricism.[26] Following the Rapstar project, Clementino returned to his solo career, signing with Universal Music Italia and releasing his third studio album, Mea Culpa, on June 4, 2013, again under the Tempi Duri imprint.[27] The album, produced by a team including 2P and DJ Shiz, explored personal redemption, urban life in Naples, and cultural pride across 17 tracks, with key singles like "O' Vient'" and "Amsterdam" highlighting his freestyle prowess and emotional depth.[28] Mea Culpa achieved moderate commercial success in Italy, peaking at number 4 on the FIMI Albums Chart and earning a gold certification for sales exceeding 25,000 units.[29][30] In 2014, Clementino expanded Mea Culpa with a Gold Edition re-release, which added bonus tracks, remixes, and collaborations, including features with artists like Meg and LDO, further solidifying his presence in the Italian rap scene.[31] This period also saw him engaging in live performances and guest appearances, building on the momentum from his duo work and solo output. By early 2015, Clementino delivered his fourth studio album, Miracolo!, on April 28 via Universal, marking a pivotal breakthrough. Featuring production from Big Fish and tracks like "Quando Sono Lontano" and "Cos Cos Cos," the album debuted at number 1 on the FIMI Albums Chart and charted for 21 weeks, earning gold status and establishing Clementino as a leading figure in Italian hip hop.[32]2016–2019: Miracolo!, Vulcano, and Tarantelle
In early 2016, Clementino released Miracolo! (Ultimo Round), a deluxe edition of his previous album Miracolo!, expanding it with new tracks and selections from earlier versions to create a comprehensive 20-song collection.[33] The album, distributed by Universal Music Group, featured collaborations including a posthumous appearance by Pino Daniele on "Da Che Parte Stai?" and maintained Clementino's signature blend of Neapolitan dialect, introspective lyrics, and energetic flows.[34] Critics praised its accessibility and direct storytelling, noting how it addressed complex social themes in a straightforward manner suitable for broad audiences.[35] By March 2016, Miracolo! (Ultimo Round) achieved gold certification in Italy for exceeding 25,000 units sold, reflecting strong commercial performance.[36] That same year, Clementino received the Premio De André for his reinterpretation of Fabrizio De André's "Don Raffaè," recognizing his ability to infuse classic Italian songwriting with contemporary rap elements during a tribute event in Rome.[37] This accolade highlighted his growing influence in bridging rap with Italy's musical heritage, following his established freestyle prowess. The period also saw Clementino touring extensively with the "Ultimo Round Tour," adding new dates to promote the album and connect with fans across Italy.[38] In 2017, Clementino represented established artists at the Sanremo Music Festival with "Ragazzi Fuori," a track addressing youth marginalization and street life in Naples, co-written with Marracash, Shablo, and Zef.[39] The performance at Teatro Ariston showcased his rapid-fire delivery over orchestral backing, earning visibility on RAI's national broadcast.[40] "Ragazzi Fuori" served as the lead single for his fifth studio album Vulcano, released on March 24, 2017, via Universal Music Group, comprising 13 tracks that delved into personal struggles, cultural identity, and resilience.[41] Reviewers described Vulcano as emblematic of Clementino's "Black Pulcinella" style, fusing Snoop Dogg-inspired flows with Pino Daniele-like Neapolitan soul, while emphasizing raw, autobiographical narratives over polished production.[42] Standout tracks like "Uè Ammo" and "Cenere" exemplified this volcanic energy, with the album's thematic depth reinforcing his role as a voice for Southern Italian youth.[43] Following Vulcano, Clementino maintained momentum through 2018 with select live appearances and collaborations, though no major album releases occurred that year, allowing focus on refining his sound amid evolving Italian rap trends. In 2019, he returned with Tarantelle, his sixth studio album, released on May 3 via Universal Music Group, featuring 14 tracks that explored autobiographical themes from addiction recovery to family life.[44] The title evoked traditional Neapolitan folk dances, symbolizing a rhythmic, unfiltered return to roots, with singles like "Hola!" (featuring Nayt) peaking at No. 52 on the Italian singles chart.[45] Critics lauded its sincerity and variety, blending humor, vulnerability, and social commentary in a way that appealed to longtime fans and newcomers alike, marking a mature evolution in his discography.[46]2020–present: Recent releases and activities
In 2020, Clementino released the single "Partenope", paying homage to his Neapolitan roots.[47] In 2021, Clementino released the single "Señorita" in collaboration with singer Nina Zilli, blending rap with pop elements in a track that highlighted romantic themes through Neapolitan-infused lyrics. The song, produced under Epic Records, was accompanied by an official music video directed to showcase vibrant visuals of Italian culture.[48] Following this, Clementino dropped his album Black Pulcinella on April 29, 2022, via Epic, marking a return to his roots with 15 tracks exploring personal introspection and Neapolitan identity through freestyle rap and traditional influences.[49] The project received attention for its raw production and lyrical depth, solidifying his position in the Italian hip-hop scene.[50] In 2023, he featured on Serena Brancale's single "Voglio di più," released October 6, which fused soulful vocals with his energetic rap delivery to address themes of self-empowerment and desire. The track, produced by Isola degli Artisti, underscored his versatility in cross-genre collaborations.[51] Clementino continued his output in 2024 with reggae-infused "Pree We" alongside Mellow Mood and Little Lion Sound, released April 5 on Evidence Music, promoting messages of unity and reflection in a special edition single.[52] Later that year, on June 14, he contributed to the "Tereketé (Napoli Version)" single with Ciccio Merolla and Hellen, adapting the track into a Neapolitan dialect version that celebrated local folklore and energy. His most recent major release, the album Grande Anima, arrived on July 25, 2025, through Epic Records Italy and Sony Music Italy, comprising 15 tracks that delve into intimate themes of family, resilience, dreams, and hope, drawn from personal travels and meditations.[53] Preceded by singles "Sorridi e vuoi fumo," which reveals emotional vulnerability, and "Batte il cuore," emphasizing perseverance, the album reflects a mature evolution in his artistry against a Neapolitan backdrop.[54] To promote it, Clementino embarked on live performances, including shows at Fabrique in Milan on November 20, 2025, and Palapartenope in Naples on December 28, 2025, organized by Promomusic Italia, alongside other dates like Parco 2 Mari in San Giorgio Ionico on July 31, 2025.[54][55]Collaborations and influences
Key collaborations
Clementino has engaged in several notable collaborations throughout his career, often blending his Neapolitan rap style with diverse artists from the Italian hip-hop scene and beyond. One of his most significant partnerships was with Fabri Fibra, forming the duo Rapstar in 2012. Under this moniker, they released a series of singles including "Ci Rimani Male," "La Luce," and "Chimica Brother," which showcased their combined freestyle prowess and marked a pivotal moment in Clementino's mainstream breakthrough. The collaboration extended to later works, such as the track "Chi Vuole Essere Milionario?" on Clementino's 2019 album Tarantelle.[56] In 2013, Clementino teamed up with pop icon Lorenzo Jovanotti for the single "Fratello," featured on his album Mea Culpa. The track, which addressed themes of brotherhood and social unity, benefited from Jovanotti's melodic contributions and helped Clementino reach broader audiences beyond rap circles; it was released as a radio single on September 6, 2013, and accompanied Clementino's opening performances on Jovanotti's stadium tour.[57] A particularly impactful collaboration came in 2015 with the late Neapolitan music legend Pino Daniele on "Da Che Parte Stai?" from the Miracolo! album. Recorded in Milan in December 2014, the song fused rap with Daniele's signature blues-inflected style, addressing social divides and poverty in Naples; Daniele provided guitar and vocals, adding emotional depth to Clementino's lyrics. This partnership was hailed for bridging generations of Italian music and was one of Daniele's final recordings before his death in 2015.[58][59] Clementino also ventured internationally with American rapper R.A. the Rugged Man on the 2014 track "Lyrical Mystery," featuring Rocco Hunt, from Hunt's album P.O.D. - Sempre. The song highlighted multilingual flows and underground rap energy, earning praise for its technical skill and cross-cultural appeal within the global hip-hop community.[60][61] Efforts from the late 2010s include features on Tarantelle, such as "Babylon" with Caparezza, critiquing societal excess through satirical verses, and "Alleluia" with Gemitaiz, emphasizing resilience in hip-hop. These collaborations underscore Clementino's versatility and enduring influence in Italian rap.[56][](https://www.discogs.com/release/13590427-Clementino-Tarantelle] In 2024, Clementino collaborated with Gigi D'Alessio, Guè, and Geolier on the track "Non mollare mai 2024," a motivational anthem reflecting on perseverance.[62] In 2025, he featured Gigi D'Alessio on "Il Codice dell'Anima" from his album Grande Anima, blending rap with Neapolitan melodic elements to explore themes of identity and heritage.[63]Musical style and influences
Clementino's musical style is characterized by a fusion of hip hop with Neapolitan folk elements, incorporating traditional Italian melodies alongside contemporary beats to create a distinctive sound rooted in his cultural heritage.[64] He employs expert freestyle techniques, blending theatrical improvisation and vocal delivery with emotional storytelling and catchy hooks, often rapping in both standard Italian and Neapolitan dialect to evoke authenticity and regional identity.[65] His approach emphasizes truthfulness in lyrics, prioritizing personal narratives over commercial trends, as seen in his evolution from boom bap foundations to incorporating reggaeton, trap, funk, and indie pop influences across albums like Tarantelle.[66][67] His influences draw heavily from American hip hop pioneers such as The Notorious B.I.G., Pharoahe Monch, and MF Doom, whose lyrical complexity and flow have shaped his technical prowess and narrative depth.[65] Domestically, Clementino is inspired by the "Neapolitan Power" movement, particularly Pino Daniele, whose innovative blend of jazz, blues, and local traditions elevated Southern Italian music, influencing Clementino's efforts to modernize Neapolitan sounds without diminishing their essence.[68][67] Additional Italian figures like Jovanotti, Club Dogo, and Fabri Fibra have impacted his stylistic versatility, evident in collaborations that merge rap with pop and electronic elements.[65] This synthesis reflects broader influences from classical Neapolitan music and modern Italian pop, allowing Clementino to bridge street-level hip hop with cultural introspection, often addressing themes of resilience, personal struggle, and regional pride.[64] His work stands as a testament to adapting global hip hop trends to a distinctly Southern Italian context, fostering a "hip hop new Neapolitan power" that resonates with evolving audience tastes.[68]Acting and media appearances
Film roles
Clementino, whose real name is Clemente Maccaro, has ventured into acting primarily through supporting and cameo roles in Italian cinema, often drawing on his Neapolitan roots and rap persona to enhance film narratives centered on music, culture, and urban life. His film debut occurred in 2015 with the comedy All Night Long, directed by Gianluigi Sorrentino, where he contributed to the story of a group of friends navigating nightlife and personal ambitions in Naples. In 2016, he appeared in Zeta - Una storia hip hop, directed by Cosimo Alemà, a coming-of-age drama that explores the Italian hip-hop scene through the eyes of young aspiring rappers in Rome; Clementino's involvement added authenticity to the film's portrayal of freestyle battles and musical aspirations. The following year, he featured in the crime comedy I peggiori, directed by Vincenzo Alfieri, playing a minor role amid a tale of two brothers attempting a heist to support their family.[69] Clementino gained further recognition in 2021 for his role as Clemente in Il materiale emotivo (internationally known as A Bookshop in Paris), a poignant drama directed by Sergio Castellitto about a bookseller and his daughter in Paris, where his character brings a touch of emotional depth to the ensemble.[70] He continued with a supporting part as Mario in the 2022 biographical film Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend, directed by Robert Moresco, depicting the life of automotive pioneer Ferruccio Lamborghini.[71] More recently, in 2023, Clementino portrayed Paco in the comedy Uomini da marciapiede, directed by Francesco Albanese, a satirical look at street life in Naples. That same year, he appeared as a rapper in the documentary-style film Posso entrare? An ode to Naples, directed by Trudie Styler, celebrating the city's vibrant culture.[72] Additionally, he had a role in the comedy Chi ha rapito Jerry Calà?, directed by Jerry Calà, blending humor with nostalgic elements from Italian entertainment history. These appearances highlight Clementino's growing presence in cinema while maintaining his focus on music.Television and other media
Clementino has made several notable appearances on Italian television, leveraging his rap background to participate in talent competitions, reality shows, and music programs. In 2012, he gained prominence through MTV Spit, a freestyle rap battle series on MTV Italy where he competed against other rappers like Nitro and Noema in themed challenges hosted by Marracash.[73] His performances highlighted his freestyle prowess in both Italian and Neapolitan, contributing to the show's cult status in the Italian hip-hop scene.[74] In 2014, Clementino ventured into reality television as a contestant on the third season of Pechino Express, an adventure competition on Rai 2, partnering with his brother Paolo Maccaro as the "Fratelli" team. The duo traveled from Italy to Asia, facing challenges that tested their resilience and humor, though they were eliminated in the eighth leg.[75] This appearance broadened his audience beyond music fans, showcasing his charismatic and competitive personality.[76] Clementino has been a frequent participant in the Sanremo Music Festival, Italy's premier song contest on Rai 1. He competed in the main category in 2015 with "Niente è Come Te," a Neapolitan tribute to Pino Daniele; in 2016 with "Quando sono lontano," addressing migration themes.[40] He also performed "Ragazzi Fuori" in 2017 and joined Rocco Hunt for a duet of "Yes I Know My Way" in 2025, blending rap with pop influences.[77] These Sanremo outings solidified his mainstream crossover appeal.[78] As a television host and co-presenter, Clementino co-hosted the 2017 edition of Concerto del Primo Maggio, the annual Labor Day concert on Rai 3 broadcast from Rome's Piazza San Giovanni, performing hits like "Cos Cos Cos" alongside emerging artists.[79] He returned as a performer in subsequent years, including 2022. In 2017, he served as a guest "disturbatore" on Rai 1's Un, due, tre... Fiorella!, Fiorella Mannoia's one-woman show, where he delivered comedic interludes and musical tributes, including an homage to Pino Daniele.[80] Clementino expanded into comedy and variety formats with Made in Sud on Rai 2, appearing as a guest performer in multiple episodes from 2017 onward, collaborating with acts like Gli Arteteca and Enzo Avitabile on Neapolitan-themed sketches and songs.[81] In 2022, he co-hosted the season, infusing the show with rap segments and regional humor.[82] He also served as a guest judge on Rai 1's Tale e Quale Show in 2021, critiquing impersonations of his own tracks like "Cos Cos Cos" and engaging in witty banter with panelists such as Cristiano Malgioglio.[83] Since 2021, Clementino has been a coach on Rai 1's The Voice Senior, mentoring over-60 contestants with his expertise in urban music and Neapolitan dialect, guiding teams through blind auditions and live shows.[1] He extended this role to The Voice Kids starting in 2023, coaching young talents in the third season aired in late 2024, where he connected emotionally with performers through duets and freestyle sessions.[84] These judging roles have positioned him as a mentor figure in Italian talent television, emphasizing authenticity and regional roots.[85] Beyond traditional TV, Clementino has appeared in digital and streaming media, including live performances on platforms like RaiPlay and YouTube for special events, such as New Year's Eve broadcasts on Rai 1 in 2022.[86] His media presence often blends music promotion with cultural commentary, reinforcing his status as a Neapolitan icon.Discography
Albums
Clementino's discography includes eight studio albums, spanning from underground hip-hop roots to mainstream pop-rap success, often blending Neapolitan dialect with Italian lyricism to address social issues, personal growth, and cultural identity. His works have achieved commercial milestones, such as multiple top-charting releases on Italian platforms.[47][87]| Year | Title | Label | Peak Chart Position (Italy) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Napolimanicomio | Lynx Records | — | Debut solo album, featuring 20 tracks with raw, conscious hip-hop style influenced by freestyle battles; recorded in Turin and Naples studios.[88][13] |
| 2011 | I.E.N.A. (Io E Nessun Altro) | Relief Records | — | Second solo album with 12 tracks, emphasizing solo artistry post-Videomind group; includes collaborations like R.A. the Rugged Man and Ill Bill, marking a shift to more personal narratives.[89][90] |
| 2013 | Mea Culpa | Universal Music Italia | 4 | Third studio album with introspective themes of redemption; certified gold in Italy, featuring guests like Lorenzo Jovanotti; Gold Edition reissued in 2014 with additional tracks.[27][28][29] |
| 2015 | Miracolo! | Universal Music Italia | 1 | Fourth album, debuting at number one on FIMI charts; 13 tracks blending rap with melodic elements, led by singles "Luna" and "Strade Superstar"; certified platinum for over 50,000 units sold.[91][92] |
| 2016 | Miracolo! (Ultimo Round) | Universal Music Italia | 7 | Repackaged edition of Miracolo! with new tracks and remixes, extending the original's success; includes updated collaborations reflecting career evolution.[33][93] |
| 2017 | Vulcano | Universal Music Italia | 3 | Fifth album, released post-Sanremo participation; 13 tracks with explosive energy, featuring "Ragazzi Fuori" as lead single; debuted at number one on iTunes Italy and certified gold.[39][94][95] |
| 2019 | Tarantelle | Universal Music Italia | 3 | Sixth studio release, incorporating traditional Neapolitan sounds with modern rap; 12 tracks previewed by singles like "Gandhi" and "Chi Vuole Essere Milionario" feat. Fabri Fibra; certified gold.[57][96] |
| 2022 | Black Pulcinella | Epic Records Italy / Sony Music | 7 | Seventh album drawing on commedia dell'arte themes, with 15 tracks exploring identity and resilience; released amid a creative hiatus, featuring self-produced elements.[97][98][99] |
| 2025 | Grande Anima | Epic Records Italy / Sony Music | 44 | Eighth and most recent album, an intimate reflection on life and artistry; 15 tracks including "Il Codice dell'Anima" feat. Gigi D'Alessio, released to critical acclaim for its emotional depth (peak as of July 2025).[100][54][101][5] |
Singles
Clementino's singles often blend Neapolitan dialect with Italian rap, addressing themes of personal struggle, hometown pride, and social commentary, contributing to his rise in the Italian hip-hop scene. Many have charted on Italian airplay and download rankings, with several earning FIMI certifications for sales and streaming. A pivotal early single was "O' Vient", released on May 3, 2013, as the lead track from his album Mea Culpa. The song, dedicated to Naples and performed largely in dialect, highlighted his freestyle roots and helped establish his mainstream presence.[102][103] In 2015, "Luna" arrived on April 10, serving as the first single from Miracolo!. Produced by TY1 and sampling the melody from Tony Esposito's 1980 track of the same name, it captured nostalgic and romantic elements, resonating widely on radio. The single was later certified gold by FIMI for over 25,000 units.[104][105] "Quando sono lontano", released on February 11, 2016, marked Clementino's Sanremo Festival debut in the Big category, where it placed seventh. The introspective track from the reissued Miracolo! (Ultimo Round) explores themes of ambition and distance from home, achieving significant airplay success and FIMI platinum certification in December 2017 for exceeding 50,000 units.[106][107] The 2019 collaboration "Chi Vuole Essere Milionario?" with Fabri Fibra, released on April 19, promoted his album Tarantelle. The upbeat, satirical track critiqued materialism and peaked on Italian charts, underscoring Clementino's ability to merge humor with sharp lyricism in high-profile partnerships.[108] More recently, "Batte il Cuore" featuring LDO was released on July 4, 2025, as a standalone single under Epic Records. The energetic track reflects on resilience and passion, continuing Clementino's tradition of dialect-infused rap with contemporary production.[109]| Title | Release Year | Featured Artist(s) | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O' Vient | 2013 | None | Mea Culpa | Debut mainstream single; Neapolitan dialect homage to Naples. |
| Luna | 2015 | None | Miracolo! | Sampled Tony Esposito; FIMI gold. |
| Quando sono lontano | 2016 | None | Miracolo! (Ultimo Round) | Sanremo 2016 entry; FIMI platinum. |
| Chi Vuole Essere Milionario? | 2019 | Fabri Fibra | Tarantelle | Chart-topping collaboration critiquing wealth. |
| Batte il Cuore | 2025 | LDO | Standalone | Recent release emphasizing perseverance. |
Awards and nominations
Clementino has won several freestyle competitions and received music industry awards and nominations.Freestyle competitions
- 2004: Tecniche Perfette – Winner
- 2005: Da Bomb – Winner
- 2005: 2theBeat – Runner-up[110]
- 2006: Valvarap – Winner
- 2011: MTV Spit Gala (with Rancore) – Winner
Music awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee/Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | MTV Hip Hop Awards | Best Freestyler | Clementino | Nominated | |
| 2012 | MTV Hip Hop Awards | Best Collaboration | Fabri Fibra and Clementino | Nominated | |
| 2013 | MTV Awards | Pepsi Best New Artist | Clementino | Nominated | [111] |
| 2015 | Wind Music Awards | Premio CD Oro | Mea Culpa | Won | [112] |
| 2017 | L.A. Italia | Excellence Award | Clementino | Won | [113] |