Neffa
107 Elementi

1998: the landscape of music publications from that year is quite interesting, then well, the usual bullshit on the radio and everything goes according to plan. But the release of Neffa's "107 elementi" marked a stunningly fundamental milestone for rap made in Italy. And the mind behind it all is always the good artist Giovanni of many worlds, who has now become clever and makes a boatload of money: although many discredit him and accuse him of betrayal. You can't have your cake and eat it too, after all, and in my opinion, Neffa and the barrel aren't too despairing over the sober wife. Maybe they'll have a drink later on.

107 Elementi
The album kicks off strongly with "Il resto della mente", an intro that hints something very interesting is about to happen. Cool beat, Skyzo and Neffa at the turntables, with lyrics that are already on the moon. It's already clear that the themes of the album are not trivial, and that the production is a whole 'nother number. Moving on to...
"Guerra e Pace" Which confirms what was just stated, a big piece with a political stamp that never falls into the "war is bad" stereotype, accuses no one gratuitously, and is simply a lucid reflection on pain. A sober beat, intense lyrics. Exceptional interventions from Deda, a god in himself, and the McCartney-Lennon duo transposition in hip-hop when paired with Neffa. In the dictionary of my dreams under 'understanding,' they should write "neffa e deda." Period.
"Non tradire mai" Nice, enjoyable piece, with a chorus by Al Castellana who is also good, but I struggle to listen to it for more than 3 minutes straight. I think it was the album launch single but really, just a microscopic tip of the iceberg for a record that offers so much more.
"Solo fumo" A track I would define as murky. Beautiful, almost distressing. Featuring La Famiglia, who enter with straightforward Neapolitan and fit perfectly into the song's concept. Gruff is also there, who as usual throws shit on people he hates... yes, okay, you're good... but.... change topic from time to time... maybe we'd even like it more.
"Carcere a vita" samples recycled from grandpa's LPs, a tormented Kaos and a always brilliant Neffa who criticizes impeccably but always sharply! A bitter reflection on showbiz, a very beautiful piece.
"Tutto può succedere" The lightest and party track of the album. Nothing special, with collaborations aplenty and a nod (or a kick in the ass, depending on your point of view) to those who can't write anything other than about mythical dancing people or underground fundamentalists always angry with the entire world.
"Freaky funk flow" Homogeneous, danceable, enjoyable. Appreciated the appearance of Carrie D, who, however, always gives too little. Dre Love is also featured, a must who never disappoints but never surprises either. Anyway, it fits.
"Nella pioggia" Very intense, I love it to death. I conceive it only along with the next track "Vento Freddo" as a nostalgic and conscious journey through the transience of things and people. In the deep sadness it contains (the latter track is dedicated to a friend who died) there is a hidden strength and hope that deeply moves me. Neffa exceptional, in few words gives so much.
"Strategie dell'universo" The core of the album. It was supposed to come out with a splendid beat that reprised "Sour Times" by Portishead but then something must have happened, and it was replaced. Nevertheless, an anthology piece, an incredible frenzy from the usual companions: Kaos, Deda, Gruff... A journey.
"Boogie Loogie BPM" Funky-chilled interlude with good Lugi. No deep content, but praise to a Mc who plays with the metrics like with lego. Pleasant.
"Suona Ancora" Smoky atmosphere, female choirs, friend Deda and a relaxed Neffa who with this piece begins a twisted path of playing with rhyme through a semi-invented language that contains everything and more. Contaminations galore and a stylistic growth that will culminate in the Chico Prisco EP, an amazing product that unfortunately also marked the end of Neffa's journey in hip hop.
"Navigherò la notte" The perfect compromise between style and marketability. A truly beautiful and moving piece, with a chorus by Al Castellana.
"Elementi" Superb. My favorite of the album. As essential as possible in production, just voice and concepts, again the dream duo Neffa-Deda in one of the most mind-blowing trips I've ever heard. A track that contains everything without actually saying anything concrete. Pure abstractionism and poetry. Stunning.
"Pressure" Experiment with international guests. Not exciting, in my opinion, but not bad either.
"Nella luce delle 6" e "Parole liquide" Closing of the album, the feeling that remains is of fullness, and of having put yourself in the hands of an eclectic, intelligent, and offbeat artist capable of moving and surprising.
A truly unique album, representing the pinnacle of evolution and the culmination of Rap produced in our country. Seven years later, I still listen to it with great passion.
The rest is history. The rest is in the mind.