Club Dogo
Penna capitale

"Penna Capitale" is the much-anticipated return of one of the most important groups in the current Italian hip-hop scene, Club Dogo.
Jake La Furia, Guè Pequeno, and Don Joe have the daunting mission of meeting heavy expectations after releasing "Mi Fist" in 2003, an album still considered one of the last real classics of this genre.
In "Penna Capitale" the trio perfectly defines their musical approach and the individual status of the members. Jake La Furia, aka Fame for those less updated on the formation at hand, is raw and sharp like never before, but in various episodes, he also manages to "bare himself" and reveal certain fears and melancholy. Guè Pequeno, aka the Guercio, emerges as a genuine modern-day street poet, with an enveloping voice and refined lyrics. Don Joe is one of the most established Italian producers, who after the significant experience of "Regular" with Grand Agent (remarkably absent in "Penna Capitale"), has nothing left to prove and can afford the luxury of making music in search of his identity, distancing himself from the various schemes often imposed by listeners of this musical genre.
The group functions perfectly, each element fits precisely with the work of the other two, resulting in a high-quality product that sounds international in all respects, potentially opening the doors of the European market to our homegrown rap.
The album consists of 16 tracks, with no interludes and only one remix, that of "Cani Sciolti 2006", one of the album's standout pieces. A great move, very successful. This current version of "Cani Sciolti" underscores the prominent position of this group within the scene, allowing them to credibly follow up what is unanimously considered one of the milestones of Italian hip-hop, namely "Cani Sciolti" by Sangue Misto. Conversely, the remix by Deda, though sonically rich, falls short, feeling distant from the rest of the album, yet remains an appreciable contribution by the member of the historic Bolognese group.
Guè and Jake are awaiting a true revolution, often socially engaged in the lyrics as evidenced by "Falsi Leader", produced by Dj Shocca, where they attempt to replicate the impact of "Rendez Vous Col Delirio", though the pieces differ in both subject and atmosphere, making them incomparable. This track is powerful and effective.
The Dogo let loose with more lighthearted tracks in pieces like "Briatori" with Marracash and "Non Sto In Cerca Di Una Sposa", with Liv L'raynge, produced by Deleterio, which sounds refreshingly close to the vibe of Kanye West's "97 Bonnie & Clyde" by Jay-z.
The single "Butta Via Tutto" remains one of the less convincing tracks of "Penna Capitale", though with a catchy impactful chorus. Possibly, the live version of this piece could have significantly positive developments.
The Dogo Gang reveals its best side, both lyrically and production-wise, when it chooses to aim at the listener's sensitivity, in more intimate and conscious tracks like "Una Volta Sola" where a look is cast on the often difficult past of the two MCs.
In "La Testa Gira," the topic of drugs and alcohol, and the relationship Guè and Jake have with it, is addressed unfiltered but in a lyrically refined manner.
Great tracks, albeit slightly less incisive, include "Tutto Quello" and "Cattivi e Buoni".
"2 Modi" is an excellent piece, a Club Dogo-style love song, absolutely not banal, with predominantly soft sonorities and supported by a great chorus from Ricardo, in short, a piece with all the potential to be an appreciated single even in the mainstream by ears unaccustomed to this genre.
The most intense and one of the best-executed tracks is "No More Sorrow". Excellent instrumental by Dj Shablo, Guè and Jake deep and intense like on few other occasions and a chorus by Poopatch that fits the beat so perfectly it seems almost extracted from the production sample.
Varied atmospheres, absolute lyrical and musical quality, Club Dogo do not disappoint. The street attitude is in the DNA of these three artists who at this point in their career can be considered established.
With excellent management from "Oblio Produzioni," the Dogo already have several dates scheduled around the peninsula to present this product.

"Penna Capitale" is a great album, fresh and possibly so current that it could, in retrospect, be less enduring than the now old "Mi Fist" which had that classic flavor and irreplaceable gems like "Sangue e Filigrana," "Cronache di Resistenza," and "Selezione All'ingresso" that will never fade.
The purchase of "Penna Capitale" is absolutely recommended, especially for those who want testimony of the high-quality level Italian hip-hop has reached today.