Emis Killa

Emis Killa, born Emiliano Rudolf Giambelli on November 14, 1989, in Vimercate, Italy, is a prominent Italian rapper who rose to fame through his raw and energetic style of music. Born to a Sicilian mother from Palermo who worked as a metalworker and a Lombard father who was a musician, Emis Killa’s early life was shaped by both the artistic and working-class influences of his parents. His father, who struggled with bipolar disorder, passed away in 2010 due to cardiac arrest, an event that deeply impacted Killa’s life and musical expression.

At the young age of 17, Emis Killa made his mark in the Italian hip-hop scene by winning the 2007 Tecniche Perfette, a prestigious freestyle competition. This victory paved the way for his entry into the music industry, leading to a contract with the independent label Blocco Recordz. With them, he released his first mixtape, Keta Music, in 2009, followed by the album Champagne e Spine in 2010. These early works showcased his lyrical prowess and established him as a rising star in the Italian rap scene.

In 2011, Emis Killa released the mixtape The Flow Clocker Vol. 1, which garnered significant attention. However, it was his debut studio album, L’erba cattiva (2012), that truly catapulted him to mainstream success. The album, which included collaborations with renowned Italian hip-hop artists like Fabri Fibra, Gué Pequeno, Tormento, and Marracash, debuted at number five on the Italian album charts and remained on the charts for over a year. The single “Parole di ghiaccio” from this album broke records, accumulating millions of views on YouTube in a short span, a testament to his growing popularity.

Following the success of L’erba cattiva, Emis Killa continued to build his career with his second studio album, Mercurio, released in 2013. The album debuted at number one on the Italian charts and was eventually certified platinum. Songs like “Scordarmi chi ero” and “A cena dai tuoi,” featuring J-Ax, further solidified his status as one of Italy’s leading rappers. The success of Mercurio led to a significant presence on Italian radio and television, including his participation in the BET Hip Hop Awards in the United States, representing Italy.

In addition to his music career, Emis Killa expanded his influence by hosting the radio show “One Two One Two” on Radio Deejay and publishing his first book, BUS323, in 2013. His involvement in social causes, such as the “Rap per l’Emilia” project, which raised funds for earthquake victims in Emilia, highlighted his commitment to giving back to his community.

Emis Killa’s later work includes the collaborative album 17 with fellow rapper Jake La Furia in 2020, and his 2023 album Effetto notte, which continued to showcase his evolving artistry. Throughout his career, Emis Killa has remained a powerful voice in Italian hip-hop, known for his compelling storytelling, emotive lyrics, and dedication to his craft. His journey from a freestyle champion to a platinum-selling artist reflects his resilience and passion for music, making him a significant figure in the Italian music industry.