[2026] Popular Italian Artists: A roundup of recommended singers and rappers

Sei tu la mia cittàNegramaro

Negramaro – Sei tu la mia città

Negramaro is a six-piece rock band that debuted in 2003.

They are from Apulia, in southern Italy.

Their popularity in the country is now firmly established.

This song, which reached number one on the Italian charts, was also used in a commercial for a certain car manufacturer.

Buon Viaggio (Share The Love)Cesare Cremonini

Cesare Cremonini – Buon Viaggio (Share The Love)

Cesare Cremonini, who also works as an actor, has many songs that are easy to listen to thanks to his refreshing voice and light, buoyant music.

Many of them weave in English phrases, too.

This song has a good tempo and a bright feel, so it seems perfect for a drive.

The music video’s vibe matches that exactly.

Svegliarsi la mattinaZero Assoluto

Zero Assoluto – Svegliarsi la Mattina (Official Video)

A male pop duo.

They’re also known for their production skills, having worked on film soundtracks, and they’re popular with all genders.

This single, which incorporates rap, held the number one spot on Italy’s sales chart for eight consecutive weeks.

Cigno nero feat. Francesca MichielinFedez

FEDEZ – CIGNO NERO FEAT. FRANCESCA MICHIELIN

Fedez is a rapper who enjoys overwhelming popularity in the Italian hip-hop scene.

European hip-hop, unlike its English-speaking counterpart, often carries political messages and tends to prioritize artistry over commercial success.

As a result, there’s less trap compared to the US and UK.

Fedez is no exception—he sticks to a style reminiscent of the merit-driven new school of the 2000s.

If you’re tired of today’s trap and autotune-first mentality, you should definitely give his work a listen.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Quello che non ti ho detto (Scusami…)Modà

Modà – Quello che non ti ho detto (Scusami…) – Videoclip ufficiale

A fairly early song by the rock band Modà, which is popular with women.

It’s about thinking of an ex-girlfriend, so the music video is a love story with the vocalist, Kekko, as the protagonist.

I thought it was perfectly tailored to women’s tastes.

The other members also make proper appearances in supporting roles.

Vorrei ma non postoJ-AX

J-AX & Fedez – Vorrei ma non posto (Official Video)

The Italian rapper J-Ax.

With his sharp suit and hat, his style is very dapper.

J-Ax was born in Milan in August 1972.

In 1990, he debuted as part of the famous Italian hip-hop group Articolo 31.

Since 2006, he has been very active as a solo artist, releasing as many as nine albums by 2022.

He’s also a popular rapper in Italy, having appeared as a judge on the Italian version of the hit audition show The Voice.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

Tu sei leiLigabue

Ligabue – Tu sei lei (Official Video)

Luciano Ligabue is an Italian singer-songwriter who is also active as a film director.

In Italy, he’s affectionately known by the nickname “Liga.” Although he’s a pop artist, his time in a rock band during his amateur days adds a rock flavor to all his works.

To put it simply, the closest description would be alternative rock with a strong emphasis on catchiness.

All of his releases are easy to listen to, so he’s recommended for people just starting to get into Western music.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem