Anna (rapper)

Anna Pepe (born 15 August 2003), known professionally as Anna, is an Italian rapper and singer. In 2020, she became the youngest artist to top the Italian singles chart with " Bando", her debut single.

Biography

2018–2020: Early years

In 2018, Anna started to post freestyle rap videos on Instagram, before collaborating on the songs "24/7" and "Holidays" with the rapper Anis. In March 2019, she published the song "Baby" on Instagram and YouTube. Following this, she released the single " Bando" on various music streaming platforms. However, after two weeks it was removed for copyright infringement, due to the sampling of a beat by French music producer Soulker. At the start of 2020, Anna signed a contract with Virgin Records through which "Bando" was republished on 31 January, after having secured the usage rights from Soulker. The song was sent to Italian radio on 21 February 2020.

2020–2021: Popularity with "Bando" and stand-alone singles

At the end of February 2020, "Bando" reached number one on the Italian singles chart, remaining at the top for three consecutive weeks and making Anna the youngest artist to top the chart. The single also topped the Italian Spotify, iTunes and Shazam charts. "Bando" also received international attention, with adds to official Spotify playlists and radio play in countries including France and the United States. In the former country, it placed at number 92 on the singles chart.

On 24 April 2020, an official remix of "Bando" was released featuring the Italian rappers Gemitaiz and MadMan. In 2023, the track was included in the soundtrack of the film '' Fast X''. On 15 May 2020, another remix of "Bando" was released with the German rapper Maxwell, reaching number 80 in Germany and number 70 in Switzerland. In the same month, Anna was featured on the song "Biberon" by Dark Polo Gang, along with rapper DrefGold, and on the remix of "Hasta la vista" by Ghali.

On 7 October 2020, Anna released her second single "Bla Bla" with the rapper Guè. It peaked at number 45 on the Italian singles chart. On 5 November 2020, she released "Fast", with production from Young Miles. The single "Squeeze 1" was released on 8 July 2021, followed by "Drippin' in Milano" a week later.

2022–present: ''Lista 47''

In 2022, Anna returned with the singles "3 di cuori" with Lazza, and "Ma Jolie" with Medy. On 3 June 2022, she released the single "Gasolina" produced by Drillionaire and Young Miles. These singles were later featured on her debut EP ''Lista 47'', which was certified gold by FIMI.

In 2023, Anna was featured on the track "Cookies n' Cream" with Guè and Sfera Ebbasta, which debuted atop the Italian singles chart. On 23 March 2023, she released the single "Energy". On 19 May 2023, she released the single "Vetri neri" in collaboration with Ava and Capo Plaza. On 13 October 2023, Anna featured alongside Geolier and Shiva on Takagi & Ketra's single " Everyday". The song discusses themes of jealous and possessiveness in a relationship, and has been described as an urban ballad, telling the same story from three different points of view. The track debuted atop the Italian singles chart, remaining there for six weeks. It was certified double platinum in Italy for sales in excess of 200,000 copies.

On 19 January 2024, Anna released the single "I Got It", her first release in the United States through Republic Records. A music video for the song, filmed in New York City, was released the same day.

Musical influences

In an interview with '' Billboard Italia'', Anna stated that she listens to hip hop and Italian trap. She cited Lazza, Sfera Ebbasta and FSK Satellite as influences. She also confirmed that she does not listen to other female Italian hip hop artists, preferring American artists such as Nicki Minaj.

Discography

EPs

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Other charted songs

References

Italian rappers
2003 births
Living people
People from La Spezia

{{improve categories, date=November 2023