DJ MS

Simone Meneguzzo, aka DJ MS, is more than just a creator of soundscapes—he’s a virtuoso and a living testament to the evolving legacy of rap and hip-hop.

CREDITS

Talent: DJ MS
Photo: Riccardo Romani

Simone Meneguzzo, aka DJ MS, is more than just a creator of soundscapes—he’s a virtuoso and a living testament to the evolving legacy of rap and hip-hop. With his mix of battles, bars, beats, and productions, he has already made a significant mark on the Italian music scene, and his journey is still unfolding.

His rise is driven by a deep respect for the pioneers of the genre and an inspired vision for the future—humble and ambitious yet entirely authentic. A unique blend of historical awareness, generational influence, national fame, and underground roots, DJ MS tells his story with sincerity, all while staying focused on a singular, ideological mission: the musical evolution of both himself and those around him.

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Origins

"I started DJing in 2003, and I've been part of this world for over 20 years. I got into hip hop and rap with my friends, discovering them little by little. Right from the start, I saw the DJ as a key figure behind the scenes—someone who doesn’t just play music, but shapes and directs everything.

I've never seen myself as a frontman, and that's part of what has always fascinated me about the role of the DJ. You're hands-on with the records, involved in all sorts of dynamics, and deeply connected to the production process. That's how it all began, and it's continued to evolve ever since."

Evolution

"I started with my own group, doing my own thing, and then, through networking, I opened many doors for myself. That's how this world works: you meet one person, you travel, you meet someone else, and opportunities start to pop up.

I've been fortunate enough to work in a thousand different contexts and situations—both in terms of location and quality. I've played in small bars in my region, Veneto, and I've also done huge events in Milan. I like to keep one foot in both worlds, balancing the more mainstream and the more underground sides of things.

One key moment in my career came with Nitro. We used to do battles together, and then he blew up on the national scene and took me on tour. At that point, I left my previous job and moved to Milan, where I opened a studio and started a label. For the last six years, I've also been involved in management and distribution—it's the latest chapter in my musical journey, while I wait for the next one."

Culture

"I'm from 1987, so the rap and hip-hop scenes were more of a niche during my teenage years. You felt different from everyone else—you didn’t go to the club or hang out downtown for drinks. Then everything changed, for better or for worse. Today, I’m fascinated by the idea of discovering and supporting small projects that push the boundaries of culture.

On a personal level, though, I feel that the concept of culture has faded a bit in recent years. Maybe rap culture never really existed the way we thought. Maybe it was something that previous generations passed down to us, and we believed in it so much that we made it real... But today the truth is that the deeper, more ideological aspect has been somewhat lost. I was lucky enough to be taught certain values that I now want to pass on.

I’m convinced that whether or not you’re introduced to ‘real’ rap culture depends on meeting the right people—those who make you love it. I want to carry forward the core values that made me fall in love with rap, and that’s why I also started my label. I see 18- to 20-year-old kids who have a hunger for knowledge. They dig into the legends of the past, study hard, and hustle to create their own path. I respect their work more than the overly polished stuff, which doesn’t resonate with me... That’s not to say I don’t love working in the more mainstream world as well—let’s be clear—but I tend to stay closer to the more raw, authentic projects."

Transmission

"I don't feel the need to directly recommend songs or artists to younger people. I’m usually the one asking them what they’re listening to. Rap has become so vast… I take in new influences and try to share both specific current and classic names that I think might inspire my listeners and expand their musical repertoire.

I’m constantly enriched by this exchange process. I don’t believe in the fracture between old and new school. You have a 20-year-old producing rap seriously, and a 40-year-old doing it poorly. It’s about professionalism and skill, which transcend age. Of course, I would tell all young people that the rap world today is tough, because it’s become like football: you can achieve incredible, massive success, but the competition is fierce, and not everyone can make it. Going all the way is really hard."

Beats

"I listen to a lot of rap. If I listen to other genres, it's usually because they come from rap or hip-hop. I’m into funk and soul, for example, and get inspired by their groove. I also listen to a lot of instrumental music because it helps me relax and focus while I work. I spend a lot of time in the studio, sometimes listening to the same track—or even just a single bar—hundreds of times, tweaking it bit by bit."

Freestyle

"I have a huge love for freestyle. I grew up in Vicenza, where there was a community center known for hosting the King of the Ring event. That’s where I first DJed in a battle, and, unlike many other DJs, I absolutely loved it. This passion eventually took me all over, and it led me to organize the Mic Tyson event with Nitro, which recently sold out at Magazzini Generali in Milan."

Workwear

"I’m not a fashion addict, but my work has given me the opportunity to connect with a brand like CAT WWR, which can make a real difference in a journey like mine, allowing me to develop meaningful projects. Brands with such a rich history in the hip-hop world help shape your identity, giving it a distinct color, and boosting your credibility.

My label has already crossed paths with CAT WWR too. We were talking about culture earlier, and inevitably, a brand that’s been tied to the hip-hop and rap world for so long fits right into that concept."

Present and Future

"If I look back at my journey, I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished, though sometimes I don’t fully realize everything I’ve built. I’m immersed in my work, constantly living and thinking about what I do. At the same time, I never feel like I’ve 'arrived' or that I’m satisfied—I’m always looking for the next step.

My philosophy is: those who last the longest win. I’m helped by the duality that defines my life: interacting with well-known, exposed people, and connecting with kids who dream of making it big. I’m really grateful to be in this position."

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