Inoki, born Fabiano Ballarin on October 2, 1979, in Rome, Italy, is a prominent rapper and record producer. Raised in Imperia and later moving to Bologna, he began rapping at 13 under the moniker Enok, inspired by the Old Testament figure Enoch. His stage name evolved to Inoki, also paying homage to Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki. Inoki co-founded the Porzione Massiccia Crew (PMC), a collective pivotal in Bologna's hip-hop community. His debut album, 5º Dan, released in 2001, showcased his lyrical prowess and commitment to authentic rap narratives. Subsequent albums like Fabiano Detto Inoki (2005) and Nobiltà di Strada (2007) further solidified his reputation. Beyond his music career, Inoki has been instrumental in promoting freestyle rap competitions in Italy, notably hosting events like 2theBeat. His dedication to the culture extends to nurturing emerging talents and advocating for social issues through his lyrics.
