[2025] Popular Italian Artists: A roundup of recommended singers and rappers

Chiedilo al cieloLaura Pausini

Laura Pausini – Chiedilo al cielo (Official Video)

Laura Pausini is one of Italy’s leading female singers.

Italy has the Sanremo Music Festival, a competition where professional artists seriously vie on merit, and she won it in 1993.

Winning among professional musicians from around the world—let alone an amateur contest like The X Factor—is truly an extraordinary achievement.

Her vocals are remarkably sharp and, while powerful, highly expressive.

She has also performed with Luciano Pavarotti, and even alongside him she never pales in comparison, thanks to her exceptional vocal skill and projection.

Be sure to check her out.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sole SpentoTimoria

Timoria – Sole Spento

Standing out in Italy’s rock scene, Timoria is an alternative rock band formed in Brescia in 1985.

They skillfully weave elements of hard rock and progressive rock into a rich musical style that at times carries social messages.

They debuted in 1988 with the EP “Macchine e dollari,” and drew attention with the 1990 album “Colori che esplodono.” In particular, their 1993 concept album “Viaggio senza vento” is their signature work, earning the first gold disc in Italian indie rock.

In 1991, their song “L’uomo che ride” won the Critics’ Award at the Sanremo Music Festival.

Their music blends poetic lyrics that sharply observe the human psyche and society with a dramatic sound—perfect for anyone seeking passionate rock.

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.