Joe Cassano, also known as Giuseppe De Candia, was a pivotal figure in the Italian hip-hop scene, hailing from Bologna. Born on September 2, 1973, Cassano's career was tragically cut short when he died on November 26, 1999, at the young age of 26. Despite his brief career, Cassano made a significant impact on Italian rap with his authentic and gritty storytelling, often drawing from his personal experiences and hardships to craft his lyrics.

His seminal album "Dio Lodato" has been considered a milestone in the Italian hip-hop landscape, influencing numerous artists and fans with its raw depiction of street life and his reflections on personal and social issues. The legacy of Joe Cassano continued to thrive posthumously, as evidenced by the release of remixes and tributes such as "Dio lodato (Remix)," "Nocche dure (remix)," and "Dio lodato il ritorno," which have served to introduce his music to new generations and preserve his status as a legend of Italian rap.