Inoki
Fabiano detto inoki

Before listening to "Fabiano Detto Inoki," I was very, very, VERY skeptical about this work. There wasn't a forum that didn't speak ill of it, and only on a few sites did I find positive opinions that pushed me to buy it. I wanted to give my own opinion and decide whether to side with the pros or cons. I must specify that I myself mocked (and still mock) Fabiano Ballarin with my friends, whether it's for his gangsta attitudes, his limited vocabulary, or his clichés.

After listening to it over and over, however, I can say that "Fabiano Detto Inoki" is quite a good album, comprised of highs and lows, a passion for hip-hop, and rhymes that are sometimes good, sometimes lacking. Released in 2004, it brings a breath of fresh air to the Ballarin household, as the Bologna myth is reaffirmed. Highs and lows, as we said, there are many, since the HipHoperaio too often falls into the banal rhymes, used multiple times in previous works, and into descriptions of street life, which ultimately neither harm nor benefit. As for the highs, there are notable level bases produced by The Italian Job, a trio of producers consisting of Don Joe, DJ Shocca, and DJ Shablo. Not just any stuff. "Serious business". And yes, let's also add a great love for the culture of which Inoki has been a spokesperson for more than 6 years; from every track oozes that aura of passion that every true album should possess.

Time for details. Where do we start? Maybe with the rhyme analysis? Well, not much to say: since the days of "NoveCinqueCinquanta," Inokines has shown us a great flow, many people categorize him as one of the best in Italy. Well, compared to what he flaunted in "5° Dan," there are some regressions, but not so evident. Sometimes it seems like the rapper is freestyling on the beat, improvising; it must be the habit of attending jams (remember, Inoki was the host of 2TheBeat, the most important rap competition in Italy, without taking anything away from TecnichePerfette and others). Rhymes that, as I already said and repeat, range from the banal to the innovative: influences from American slang, so don't be surprised if words like "cash," "fresh," "style," "action" reach your ears. Alongside Enok, his longtime friends also rap, including the Porzione Massiccia Crew from Bolo, IL Club Dogo from Milan, and Tek Money, a French rapper now affiliated with PMC.

Let us now observe the "flagship" of the album, namely the productions. These are crafted by these three big names in modern production, complementing each other, and each putting out a bomb: Don Joevanni showcases "I.N.O.K.I.," the Argentine Shablo "Nuove Leve," and Mr. Bernacchi "Pagine Bianche." Bernacchi offers us two remixes of "Bolo By Night," originally included on "60 Hz." The first remix consists of the original version with a bonus verse by Inoki instead of Royal Mehdi's, while the second is a complete remake. Each beatmaker shows his style, but Joe and Roc Bee are overshadowed by the old Shablo. I imagine, knowing Inoki's style for a long time, he could create instrumentals more coordinated with the rapper from Ostia's style. Each shows their style, Joe comes in form with fresh and energetic bases, Shocca indulges in sampling, and Shabluz creates bases that could remind one of the most renowned American producers.

In conclusion, it is a pleasant album, to listen to in the car on your way home or in spare time. Of course, if one is looking for the engaged themes of a Frankie Hi Nrg, they will be highly disappointed (but I don't think they'd choose Inoki right away). It is an album made with heart, and it should be taken as it is. If he keeps evolving like this, Inoki might release something truly big. We await. Bologna returns.
FINAL SCORE: 6/10

Track list