Rap and Talent Show

Linguistic Observations on Nuova Scena - Rhythm + Flow Italy

Abstract

This article examines Nuova Scena – Rhythm + Flow Italia from a linguistic perspective. As Netflix’s first talent show entirely devoted to Italian rap and its subgenres, the program represents the Italian adaptation of the U.S. format Rhythm + Flow. In its two editions (2024/2025), artists Fabri Fibra, Rose Villain, and Geolier serve as judges, evaluating a selected group of emerging rappers from across Italy competing for a €100,000 prize. The paper is organized into three dimensions: a linguistic analysis of the lyrics of the original songs performed across the two seasons; an examination of several samples of speech produced by members of the Italian rap in-group; finally, an analysis of textual content disseminated through social media.