Background cover

Background

Bassi Maestro · 2002

48 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

An introspective blend of Italian hip-hop, layered with sharp lyricism and jazzy instrumentals that resonate deeply with urban life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Passo e Chiudo — This track stands out for its vivid storytelling and exploration of personal struggles within the context of societal issues, making it a pivotal moment on the album.
  • →
    Non Sappiamo — A reflective piece that delves into uncertainty and introspection, highlighting Bassi's lyrical depth and ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
  • →
    La terra trema — This track combines poignant lyrics with engaging rhythms, serving as a powerful commentary on socio-political themes relevant at the time of release.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album showcases thoughtful lyricism and jazzy production, contributing to its distinct place in Italian hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal delivery, where Bassi Maestro alternates between rapping and melodic hooks, enhancing the lyrical depth.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective moments of reflection
  • urban storytelling through sound
  • layered sounds for deep listening
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • thought-provoking lyrical depth

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party vibes
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2002, Bassi Maestro was solidifying his place in the Italian hip-hop scene with 'Background', his third studio album. Following his earlier works, this album reflected his growing lyrical maturity and production skills as he began to gain a dedicated following in Italy.
Stylistic neighbors
Marracash· Salmo· Gemitaiz

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 1:07
  • 2 Passo e Chiudo 3:37
  • 3 BackGround 4:00
  • 4 1-2-3 2:58
  • 5 Everyday 3:48
  • 6 Non Sappiamo 4:15
  • 7 H.H. Derelicts 2:19
  • 8 Sa No Biz 3:29
  • 9 Status 2:02
  • 10 Senza di te 3:51
  • 11 S.I.C 5:04
  • 12 Vivo 2:18
  • 13 La terra trema 4:19
  • 14 Non Chiamatelo un ritorno 4:04
  • 15 Ricordarmi 1:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata