Matteo Professione possesses a fierce wit and a sharp pen. He discovered hip-hop as a boy in suburban Milan, listening to records by Mondo Marcio and freestyling with local rap crews. In 2012, he debuted with Troupe D’Elite, whose trap music proved controversial among Italian hip-hop heads. Five years later, he resurfaced as Ernia, armed with a nuanced hit debut devoted to his resolve to pursue music. His third record, Gemelli, delves into the light and shadows inherent in coming of age. Ernia’s ability to traverse complex themes is matched only by his vividly experimental music.