Rkomi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rkomi
Rkomi in February 2025
Background information
Birth name	Mirko Manuele Martorana
Born	(1994-04-19) 19 April 1994 (age 31) Milan, Italy
Genres	Hip hop pop rap
Occupation(s)	Rapper singer-songwriter
Years active	2012–present
Labels	Universal

Mirko Manuele Martorana (born on April 19, 1994), known as Rkomi, is an Italian rapper and singer-songwriter. He is famous for his unique style that mixes hip hop with other music genres.

Early Life and Friends

Rkomi grew up in Milan, Italy, in a neighborhood called Calvairate. He went to a hotel school but left when he was 17. Before becoming a musician, he worked different jobs like a bartender, a bricklayer, and a dishwasher.

He became good friends with another rapper named Tedua. They even lived together for a while. Tedua was a big reason Rkomi started his music career.

Music Journey

First Songs and Dasein Sollen

Rkomi started making music around 2012. His first projects included Keep Calm Mixtape and Quello che non fai tu. In 2014, he released a more well-known collection of songs called Calvairate Mixtape. He worked on this with five other people, including his friends Tedua and Izi.

After a quiet period, Rkomi released the song Dasein Sollen on YouTube in 2016. The title was a unique word he found online. Later that year, he released an EP (which is like a mini-album) also called Dasein Sollen.

Big Steps and Io in terra

The EP Dasein Sollen was very popular. One song from it, Aeroplanini di carta, which he made with Izi, sold so many copies that it was certified platinum. This means it was a huge hit!

Because of his success, Rkomi got to open a show for the indie singer Calcutta. He then signed a contract with Rock Music label, which is run by Shablo and Marracash.

On September 8, 2017, Rkomi released his first full studio album, Io in terra. It had 14 songs, including collaborations with famous rappers like Marracash and Noyz Narcos. The album quickly became number one on Italy's official music chart (FIMI) and was certified gold, meaning it sold many copies. Some of its songs, like Milano Bachata and Apnea, even went platinum.

Ossigeno – EP and Dove gli occhi non arrivano

In 2018, Rkomi released another EP called Ossigeno – EP. This EP came with a special vinyl record and a book about his life. It featured songs with other artists like Ernia and Tedua. Two songs from this EP, Solletico and Acqua calda e limone, were certified gold.

In 2019, Rkomi released his second studio album, Dove gli occhi non arrivano. Many famous artists worked on this album, including Jovanotti, Elisa, and Sfera Ebbasta. Just like his first album, Dove gli occhi non arrivano also reached the top of the FIMI chart.

Recent Success: Taxi Driver and Sanremo

In April 2021, Rkomi released his third studio album, Taxi Driver. This album was a massive success! It debuted at number one on the FIMI Album Chart. One song from it, "Nuovo range" with Sfera Ebbasta, also hit number one on the singles chart. Later that year, a live version of the album, Taxi Driver (MTV Unplugged), was released.

In December 2021, Rkomi released a popular song called La coda del diavolo with singer Elodie, which also reached number one in Italy.

Rkomi took part in the famous Sanremo Music Festival 2022 with his song "Insuperabile". He placed 17th in the final competition. These songs were later added to a special edition of his Taxi Driver album. In 2022, he also worked with Elisa on her song Quello che manca.

In July 2023, Rkomi released a new album called No Stress with fellow singer Irama.

Rkomi returned to the Sanremo Music Festival 2025 with the song "Il ritmo delle cose", placing 28th.

Music Style

Rkomi's early music was pure rap. But over time, he started mixing his rap with other styles, like indie music. His album Io in terra blended hip-hop with sounds from progressive rock and funk, using instruments like drums, electric bass, guitar, and trumpet.

With Ossigeno – EP and Dove gli occhi non arrivano, Rkomi moved towards a more pop-friendly rap style. He has been influenced by many artists, including indie bands like Gorillaz and Twenty One Pilots, and famous rappers like Marracash, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the Creator.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Io in terra (2017)
• Dove gli occhi non arrivano (2019)
• Taxi Driver (2021)
• No Stress (with Irama) (2023)
• Decrescendo (2025)

EPs

• Dasein Sollen (2016)
• Ossigeno (2018)

Mixtapes

• Calvairate Mixtape (2014)

Notable Singles

• "Aeroplanini di carta" (with Izi) (2016)
• "Solo" (2017)
• "Apnea" (2017)
• "Mai più" (2017)
• "Acqua calda e limone" (with Ernia) (2018)
• "Blu" (with Elisa) (2019)
• "La coda del diavolo" (with Elodie) (2021)
• "Insuperabile" (2022)
• "5 gocce" (with Irama) (2022)
• "Il ritmo delle cose" (2025)

Awards and Nominations

• MTV Europe Music Awards
  • 2021 — Nominated for Best Italian Act
• Sanremo Music Festival
  • 2022 — Placed 17th with "Insuperabile"
  • 2025 — Placed 28th with "Il ritmo delle cose"