Ricattate means "blackmailed" and is the past participle of the verb "ricattare" (to blackmail). It's a strong and somewhat dark word that immediately grabs attention, as it's not commonly found in everyday conversation or typical song lyrics.
In the context of Fabri Fibra's
“In Italia” is a rap-rock postcard that flips back and forth like a sped-up slideshow of the Bel Paese. Fabri Fibra’s verses race through sunny beaches, historic monuments and homemade pasta, only to crash into crooked business deals, hospital horror stories and drive-by neighbors. Gianna Nannini’s haunting hook floats above it all, reminding us that “there are things nobody will tell you”—and that you are “born and die here”. The result is a thrilling clash of pride and disillusionment, where football trophies and Renaissance art share the same stage with mafiosi and missing jobs.
At its core, the song paints Italy as the land of mezze verità —half-truths. It celebrates the warmth, passion and cultural riches that draw tourists, while exposing the darker realities locals face every day. By piling up contradictions at breakneck speed, Fibra challenges listeners to look past the picture-perfect postcard, question easy stereotypes and decide whether to stay, flee or fight for change in a country that can break your heart and make you fall in love at the exact same time.
Fabri Fibra, born Fabrizio Tarducci in 1976 in Senigallia, Italy, is one of the most influential voices in Italian rap. He started out in the underground scene in the 1990s, teaming up with DJ Lato in the duo Uomini di Mare before launching his own label, Teste Mobili Records, in 2000.
He went solo in 2002 with the album Turbe giovanili, but it was 2004's Mr. Simpatia that truly put him on the map and led to a major deal with Universal two years later. His breakthrough into the mainstream came with Controcultura in 2010, a double-platinum record built on hit singles like "Vip in Trip" and "Tranne Te." Guerra e Pace followed in 2013 and shot straight to number one.
Known for his sharp, outspoken lyrics, Fabri Fibra built his reputation as a "conscious rapper," tackling social and political issues alongside stories from his own life. With more than 2.3 million certified sales, he remains one of the defining figures of Italian hip hop.