Style Writing, Beats, and Belief: How Hip Hop Found Me By: Matteo Smogone Benacchio
When I was a kid, it all began with a simple desire — to do something different and creative. I wanted to build something that I loved, something that would challenge me and help me grow. That’s how I found myself dancing, Style writing , and MCing — all at once. I didn’t know it yet, but I was naturally stepping into the world of Hip Hop.
The turning point came when I realized that these three expressions were all part of one powerful culture. That discovery blew my mind. Suddenly, everything I was doing made sense — it was Hip Hop, and it felt like it had always been a part of me. I had to dig deeper, to understand why this culture fit me so well.
This was 25 years ago, in Romano d’Ezzelino — a small town near the mountains in northern Italy. Hip Hop was unheard of there. I remember thinking: Why am I doing this? Why does this come so naturally to me? There must be something deeper than I understand right now.
That curiosity turned into a quest. I started researching Hip Hop’s history, and that search led me to the Universal Zulu Nation and its Infinity Lessons. Everything changed. I realized Hip Hop wasn’t just about breaking, Style writing , or rhyming — it was a way of life. A philosophy rooted in health, community, knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality. It was about turning negativity into positivity. About transforming lives — your own and those around you.
This search for truth eventually brought me to Uganda, where I could feel with my whole body and soul that Hip Hop is one of the most powerful forces for good. It was a cosmic energy, right in front of my eyes — raw, real, and full of life.
Uganda was just beginning its Hip Hop journey, and thanks to beautiful souls like Alex Heskey, Rique Orenia, and Esther Mbabazi, I had the honor of visiting powerful grassroots projects like GDP, BPU, Bavubuka, and many others. I thought: These young people are so fortunate — they are receiving the essence of true Hip Hop culture from the very beginning. With that foundation, they can build a movement that’s authentic, healthy, and strong.
I came to share knowledge — practical and theoretical — but in truth, I received far more than I gave. I shared my teachings, and people shared their lives.
Since then, I’ve stayed connected with my brothers and sisters in Uganda, doing what I can to support their journey — helping build something solid that can uplift communities and give life to the dreams of young people.
I’ve contributed my skills — my tags, my pieces, my throw-ups — offering free graphics to help Hip Hop projects build an independent economic base. Because when the culture has its own foundation, it doesn’t need to rely on outside influence.
Today, T-shirts, hats, and sneakers are more than just products. They’re how we express who we are. They are identity. Designing fresh logos that help people feel powerful, proud, and connected — that’s the spirit of Hip Hop.
The EONE logo I created is a symbol of that. It’s a journey through deconstructed letters, unified into something fresh and strong. It’s a fusion of geometry and rhythm, a dance of lines and points frozen in movement. It’s a visual that speaks of transformation — always with freshness, always with intention.
This is my journey. From a small town in Italy to the heart of Africa. From confusion to clarity. From Style writing walls to philosophy books. From self-expression to community connection.
This is Hip Hop — not just what I do, but who I am.
One thing I know about Italians is that they are big hearted people, I am so humbled by the fact that a person left his country to practice his passion and contribute to the industry in another country. Something he would equally do in his country.
There is purpose and talent , keep going 🥰