Warner Music Italy has signed MACE, a renowned Milanese producer and DJ. MACE, whose real name is Simone Benussi, has helped to transform the Italian hip-hop and electronic music scenes over the last two decades. He is the creative force behind the beats of top rappers, including Fabri Fibra, Gemitaiz, Gué, Ghali, Marracash, Noyz Narcos, and Salmo.
His unique ability to blend different worlds and genres, such as rap, indie, pop, electronic music, has enabled him to create powerful artist projects like OBE, his debut album, which went three-times Platinum, and MAYA (Platinum), as well as chart-topping hits like “La canzone nostra,” which led the local singles chart for seven consecutive weeks and is certified six-times Platinum.
MACE says: “Pico and his team are the best in the business and truly understand my vision. They’ll empower me to create new projects that fans old and new will love, so I’m excited to get started on this new chapter of my career and create some world-class music.”
Pico Cibelli, President, Warner Music Italy, adds: “MACE’s beats have been the backbone for many artists in the Italian hip-hop and electronic scene for decades, so it’s a joy to announce that he’s signed with Warner Music Italy. We’re going to hit the ground running in building on his successful artist career and take his music to the world stage.”
MACE first began producing beats in 1999 before forming the duo La Crème with Jack the Smoker in 2013 and releasing the album L’Alba, which is considered a milestone in Italian rap. In 2007, he co-founded the collective RESET!, which started as a club night in Milan and grew into a collective of promoters, DJs, and producers. RESET! gained international recognition, releasing music on labels like Cheap Thrills, Southern Fried, Dim Mak, and Ministry Of Sound Australia, and touring extensively.
The musical style of MACE is deeply rooted in hip-hop and electronic music, but he’s known for his restless output and willingness to experiment and embrace sounds. His work often incorporates rap, electronic, and psychedelic influences, using both samples and actual musicians in his productions. His album OBE showcases his ability to freely explore music by featuring both rappers and contemporary soul and jazz artists.
