War Bars: call for rhymes!

by Lucius “luskio” Bernesi

“War Bars: a beat and a mic are our weapons ...

If you rap... love rap, study rap, stop dirtying rap. You have to learn to respect rap... An incipit as much to listen to in the headphones as to repeat in the mic, if Rome and Naples are the souls, rhymes, beats and roots of a scenario in constant turmoil. Four elements that seem to tattoo themselves perfectly on the straight but springy silhouette of A4 RecordZ and “War Bars,” their musical project that connects different personalities of the Italian hip-hop scene.

But is there meaning behind that number? “Absolutely. That “4” represents exactly who we are: four minds coming together and four visions coming together. A4 RecordZ was born out of an analysis of our surroundings and a desire to observe and understand hip-hop culture internationally, then take it back to our roots. It is this reflection that led us, in the middle of last summer, to concretize the idea: a project that unites Rome and Naples. Two cities, two stories, but one passion...,” Valerio Bianchi (Valo), one of the founders, along with Mattia D'Aprile (Zinghero), Antonio Riccardi (Ntò) and Pietro Mascetta, tells us. “The name A4 RecordZ has multiple meanings: the classic white paper on which to write one's thoughts, tasks and goals, a roadmap on which to decide one's future. Four are the minds from which the project started, and the multiples should be the artists we meet along the way. In addition to the rappers invited by us, the requests we receive on social media to participate give us hope. Looking at the international scene, we notice how the rap of its origins, born to tell the story of reality and give voice to the oppressed, is often replaced by empty ostentation. Today's “pop stars” brag about crimes or contrived lifestyles, losing touch with the beating heart of this culture: the narrative of self and community. We want to rediscover and promote those values, bringing rap back to what it should be: a vehicle for true stories, not for a glossy narrative disconnected from reality. We are ambitious, we don't hide it. As we were putting together the list of artists for War Bars, we were already imagining upcoming projects.

The goal is clear: to restore dignity to a culture we deeply love, hip-hop. We speak of dignity because phrases like “the true recognizes the true” are often abused today, but how often do those words really make sense? We want to be the authentic spokespersons of this truth, respecting the value that hip-hop represents, yesterday as well as today. We hope that all hip-hop and rap culture in Italy will return to being the “real” culture it once was. Our aim is to preserve the spirit of poetic creation and storytelling, bringing the protagonists of the latter closer together, almost like a literary café, a jam session, an open microphone. We want to introduce new talent and celebrate the growth of the movement.”.

But what really is War Bars? A sort of “Rome calls... Naples answers”? Two scenarios, two realities in some ways similar, in others, different... Valerio in this sense is definitely clear “Yes, the concept may seem to be the same, but with a fundamental difference: ours is not a call-and-response relationship, but one of parity. Rome and Naples, cities that are often perceived as rivals for soccer or for certain cultural stereotypes, actually share much more than we want to admit. War Bars is a concrete example of how certain preconceptions can be overcome to create something new that unites instead of divides. We want to show that, beyond the differences, these two cities are deeply connected by the same energy, the same desire to express themselves and innovate.

The future of War Bars? We prefer not to reveal too much. We live in a time when everything seems to have to happen immediately, but we want to keep a different approach, a value linked to waiting and discovery. We can only tell you that we will not stop: our goal is to continue to involve other realities, other cities, but always maintaining an artistic and cultural coherence. We are building something solid that can leave an imprint and inspire. Stay connected, the best is yet to come.” Which then in a “rhyming war” one might think of as a simple exercise in style....

But how important is it to balance style, content and (why not) even movement, meaning head&legs flexing and not wanting to stop boombapping? “Participating in War Bars is an extraordinary experience that goes far beyond just an exercise in style. Balancing style with content is key for us, and this balance is what allows us to keep the true essence of hip-hop alive. Each rhyme is not only an expression of technical talent, but also a means of conveying meaningful messages and telling authentic stories. At the same time, the physical movement and energy that leads us to not stop “boombapping” are vital elements, because hip-hop is as much an artistic expression as it is a vibrant and dynamic culture. So as we refine our style and curate the content of our rhymes, we never forget the importance of movement and energy that make it alive and pulsating.” Speaking is Big Tino, one of the artists involved, as well as Ntò, a historical figure of Co’ Sang “I think I also speak on behalf of the artists who have participated so far. Participating in the “War of Rhymes” is more than just an exercise in style. Throughout my career, I have always tried to maintain a balance, avoiding solutions that are too easy and would risk losing the value and truth that I have built. Whether it's a freestyle or a verse in a pop featuring, I always keep in mind my roots and the responsibility to communicate true and powerful messages. So as we refine our style and curate the content of our rhymes, we never forget the importance of movement and energy that make it alive and pulsating.” A similar key, to which Zinghero points out, from Rome's TruceKlan “More than a rhyme war, it is a valuable opportunity for the underground. Considering that the mainstream is growing exponentially, it is crucial to maintain a balance with the underground. Our goal is to produce rap that exists for the simple purpose of being rap, without having to morph into something else. So we are selecting the right elements to carry this philosophy forward, showing that rap is yes a business, but also a lot of fun and passion.”



The underground, then, but also a meeting between different generations “Participating in War Bars has been an exciting experience from the beginning, especially with the idea of involving rappers from different generations and cities, such as Rome and Naples. This intergenerational aspect is something I am very interested in and have been working on for a long time, as I believe that collaboration between different generations deeply enriches the hip-hop movement. The union between Rome and Naples, two of the most powerful cities in terms of artistic production in Italy, is an idea that struck me immediately. Italian rap needs formats like this, which not only unites different artists but also highlights talents that have perhaps been less in the spotlight of the mainstream media. This project has the potential to give visibility to young artists and create a culture and awareness that is often lacking in Italy. Working on greater cultural awareness will allow everyone to express themselves better and improve the quality of music produced. For us, balancing style, content and movement is essential to keep the true essence of hip-hop alive.

Every rhyme and every physical performance are not just technical expressions, but vehicles for authentic stories and messages that reflect the dynamic culture of hip-hop,” stresses Rak, Roman rapper and co-founder of the Barracruda collective. “Participating in such a unique format was a real pleasure, especially because it tends to unite different cities and break barriers that might exist between them. This format offers a chance for lesser-known artists to emerge and reach a wider audience. It is great that this project not only involves established artists, but also niche artists and young talents with so much potential. These kinds of initiatives are exactly what Italian rap needs right now. Moreover, it was an honor to be called to participate by two great figures like Mattia and Antonio. I hope this project will continue to grow and become more and more successful,” speaking this time is Bada1 who is also joined by Bandog from Naples “War Bars was a historic event for Italian rap, characterized by great courage, especially in the particular moment we are going through. Participating was a real honor and if all this was possible we have to thank Zinghero, Nto, Valo, Pietro and the whole A4 Recordz. This format not only allowed so many artists to express themselves, but also helped put together a team like “Rap Merita.” Balancing style, content and movement is key to keeping the essence of hip-hop alive. Each rhyme is a technical expression, but also a means to convey meaningful messages and tell authentic stories. The physical movement and energy that lead us to not stop “boombapping” are equally important, as hip-hop is as much an artistic expression as it is a dynamic culture.”.

But not everyone seems to have the same vision. Chiky Realeza, an Italian-Chilean rapper straight from Ostia, gives another key to the thing “When it comes to my music, content always comes before style. My rhymes do not try to compare themselves to anyone, but simply focus on making their own. I don't like to label my genre as boombap, because to me it is simply MUSIC. Instead of talking about moving my head and legs, I intend to make music that moves my heart and mind, just as I have always done and have done in this latest piece as well. War Bars represents a unique opportunity for me to revive Rap where many thought it was dead. I regret that it is classified as underground when, as I have already said, for me it is just music.”, words that demonstrate, once again, the plurality and democratic nature of rap, its being multiple while being unique

War Bars is also an opportunity to “see each other” in single player in front of the microphone, when perhaps the “fort” of a group has forged you over the years... Although then A4 Recordz inevitably provides for unity of purpose... What are the differences in moving “alone,” versus thinking as a “group”? “Moving alone and thinking as a group are two very different approaches, each with its own advantages. I come from a background of already working as a group. So, this is not new to me. However, with the maturity and experience I have accumulated over 41 years, working as a group is much easier today. Having a professional like Antonio, who knows perfectly how to move in both the underground and the mainstream, is a great advantage. The union between Rome and Naples is an important exercise, but not an end in itself: we want the content to remain authentic and true to rap culture. The collaboration allows us to mix experiences and talents from different generations, both young and veterans, thus enriching the hip-hop movement.” reflects Zinghero, who with TruceKlan has left a particular mark on the Italian rap scene. “In this project there is great sharing and constant briefings, both telephone and physical. Working as a group allows us to combine our strengths and skills, creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels free and supported at the same time. We have complementary personalities who, depending on the needs, strive for the best result, without worrying about who gets the credit. This synergy is what makes teamwork so powerful compared to moving alone, allowing us to face challenges with greater strength and cohesion,” Antonio Riccardi aka Ntò further emphasizes.

Okay, so many words, so many rhymes, but what about the beats? If a voice is the bullet that reaps victims, a base is the gunpowder that ignites the air... Here then that War Bars“ productions answer to the names of Blocka Beatz and Funkyman ”My approach to productions has always been driven by instinct, but with a strong respect for tradition. I work from a clear idea of atmosphere and groove, which can come from a vintage sample or a particularly inspiring sound. I incorporate samples when I feel they can add depth and authenticity to the track, but I also enhance the use of played instruments and modern sound design techniques to ensure a sonic result that is always innovative and consistent with my artistic vision.“, Blocka explains, while old school has a whole special appeal on Funkyman ”My approach to productions has been to create raw and authentic beats, without letting myself be influenced by the rappers who would be rapping over them. I wanted to maintain the purity of the sound and let the raw energy of the beats speak for themselves. Yes, I also used vintage samples to add a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to my work.“ That the sound is also cyclical? In recent years, rap productions have made quite a ”turn,“ blending and evolving into unprecedented scenarios as well: that a certain kind of sound (the more ”rotten“ kind) in hip-hop is coming back? “That ”rotten" sound in hip-hop never died. Rather, it has evolved, adapting to changes without ever losing its essence.

Even at times when rap productions have explored new directions, raw energy, dirty drums and dark atmospheres have always remained a fundamental part of this culture. Today, rather than a return, I see a continuous transformation: new artists and producers are reinterpreting that sound in fresh and current ways, keeping the original spirit alive with more advanced tools and techniques.”, Blocka Beatz judges, compared to a Funkyman who remains in the wake of a more classic, almost romantic vision “Yes, I think the sound is cyclical. After years of evolution and experimentation, rap productions are making a return to their roots. The so-called “boombap” sound is re-emerging, and in my case, it consists of unearthing samples from all genres and recontextualizing them with new arrangements that complement and enrich the whole. This rediscovery of the “rotten” sound of hip-hop is a celebration of the foundations of the genre, bringing new life to old sounds.”

The rhymes, sounds and images of “War Bars” are available at the click on the Tube.