Acclaimed rapper Rocco Hunt expressed deep satisfaction with his concept album ‘Ragazzo di giù’ (Boy from the South), telling ANSA at the Giffoni Festival that its exploration of his roots through rap and melody resonates despite today’s challenging music landscape. “It’s not immediate, but it’s gradually reaching people,” Hunt stated.
He highlighted the impact of his summer single “Oh Ma,” featuring Noemi, calling it an album highlight. The track is climbing charts, currently ranking as Italy’s third most-played radio song this week. “This is a great satisfaction for me. As the son of a former radio host, radio holds a special place in my heart,” Hunt added.
Looking ahead, Hunt anticipates a special tour stop in Caserta on September 11th. “Singing before such majesty is a dream for any artist, and I’ll realize it there,” he remarked.
Reflecting on collaborations, Hunt singled out performing with the late Pino Daniele at his final Naples concert as uniquely special. “It’s undoubtedly the collaboration I will miss most throughout my life, especially the time spent together in the studio with the maestro,” Hunt shared. Regarding future partnerships, he remains open: “There are so many I’d like. I let opportunities guide me. For instance, meeting Noemi backstage at Sanremo led to us promising a song together, and ‘tac’ – ‘Oh Ma’ came out months later. Never set limits; collaborations fuel experimentation.”
On Sanremo, Hunt clarified his current stance: “I returned this year after a decade. It’s the song that takes you to Sanremo, and right now, that song doesn’t exist. Maybe it comes next week, but Sanremo isn’t in my current plans.”
Attending Giffoni, near his birthplace Salerno, is a point of pride. “Seeing these interested, curious, passionate young people is fundamental for new generations. It’s what I wish for my son too – to be passionate about something like this. It’s beautiful witnessing the emotion and opportunity this festival gives,” Hunt emphasized.
He urged the young audience: “Believe in what you do and seek your own uniqueness in any field, without forcing what pleases others at all costs.” Revealing his own journey’s challenges, Hunt shared, “When I started rap, my father prayed to Padre Pio. But I was determined and never lost focus; I knew where I wanted to go. Even when I left school to work in my uncle’s fish shop, I kept writing music. My father changed his mind when I stepped onto the Sanremo stage.”
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