We must note that while Selva raps in his native Italian tongue, the energy and vibe he projects can be understood in many ways. From his reflective tone, commanding presence and choice of soundscapes, the rapper knows how to bring out the best and give his listeners exactly what they need. The first track, “Non Me N’Ero Mica Andato,” set the tone with an upbeat energy and a burst of smooth flows punctuated by engaging cadences. The title translates to “I Hadn’t Left,” and that alone underpins Selva’s mission parameter and is a reminder that he is still here. On “Asahi Super Dry,” he slows down the tempo and employs the classic James Bond theme from “You Only Live Twice,” and the result is a brilliant laidback cut filled with another round of dope raps. This leads into “La Piovra,” which means “The Octopus,” a solemn piece that is cinematic and punchy as well and followed by the bouncy and plucky sounds of “Flebo Preverbale,” where Selva showcases his skill with reckless abandon. The tracks are particularly striking, and one can hear how easy Selva adapts to the instrumentals placed before him. His flows can be measured, dynamic and staggered and at times mechanical (in a good way), but most importantly, he maintains the right emotions to convey his message and stories.
The project might be short, but it’s concise and cohesive. The beats are punchy and scenic and the choice to stick to traditional boombap with varying textures works perfectly for the rapper’s style. His songwriting is a blend of bravado with vivid story telling and commanding delivery to complete the musical communication. It must be noted that even while the tracks are heavy and dark, the rapper still crafts some memorable singalong hooks to break any form of monotony. For example, “Boy Dei Campi” aka “Field Boy,” where he gives audiences a glimpse into his roots, the hook here is layered and melodic, while on the classical piano-driven “Hai Visto?” he lets the instrumental breathe between verses.
Overall, the project is a solid body of work and is filled with head nodding moments, reminding us of the universal power of true hip-hop.
The Author
