Da 1 a 150
Shade Lyrics

In "Da 1 a 150", Shade uses a playful and boastful tone to showcase his skill as a rapper and his confidence in his abilities. The title itself refers to his range and versatility, from being the number one rapper (DA 1) to reaching the pinnacle of success (150) and completing his "Pokedex," a reference to the collection of Pokémon characters.

The first paragraph highlights Shade's dominance within the rap game. He compares himself to Italy's morning TV show "Uno Mattina" and emphasizes his ability to curse and provoke reactions like when playing the card game "Uno." He also mentions epic battles and his upcoming instore event, showcasing his popularity as an artist.

In the second paragraph, Shade addresses the lack of competition that he faces. He sets himself apart from other rappers, metaphorically lining them up like "Connect Four" game pieces. He dismisses their impact by pointing out that they have little influence, using the analogy of only attracting a small audience, like "four cats" in a Chinese restaurant kitchen.

Moving on to the third paragraph, Shade continues to assert his superiority by insulting those who challenge him. He mocks their skills, comparing them to diminutive characters like the seven dwarfs while positioning himself as the dominant force. He also references his sexual prowess, using it as a metaphorical representation of his ability to conquer opponents in rap battles. The line "Shade schiaccia sempre" can be interpreted as him always achieving victory.

In the fourth paragraph, Shade addresses the concept of popularity and attention-seeking. He mentions how he experiences mixed emotions after listening to other rappers, feeling both inspired and guilty because he perceives himself to be better. Using wordplay, he compares their limited success to "six" and questions the consistency of their art.

Shade then transitions to insulting the girlfriend of someone he opposes, calling her flat. He compares her to the iPhone 6, stating that it only takes one finger to unlock her and implies that she is sexually responsive. He further belittles his opponent by comparing them to the seven dwarfs and mocking their stature. Shade then asserts his dominance once again, declaring that he dominates in all areas, including sports ("scopo pallavoliste") and achieving success in every endeavor ("Schiaccia sette").

The next paragraph discusses Shade's impact as a rapper. He claims that his words have a profound effect, comparing it to the emotional intensity of the movie "8 Mile" and how he can arouse listeners. He also criticizes those who prioritize popularity and "likes," contrasting himself to Doctor Octopus from Spiderman, who has eight arms (representing his many talents) and points out the manipulative nature of fame and flattery.

Shade proceeds to challenge his opponents and compares the struggle of facing him to tackling a powerful force like a "nove" (nine) on the Beaufort scale, used to measure wind speed. He suggests that those who dare to face him will ultimately fail. The line "Chiama l'899" alludes to a premium-rate phone number commonly used for explicit content, indicating the potential negative consequences of provoking him.

In the following paragraph, Shade draws a provocative parallel between his rap style and adult content. He compares his flow to a pornographic film broadcasted at nine o'clock, emphasizing its nationwide reach. He playfully identifies himself as the number 10, comparing his impact to the soccer player Lionel Messi. He states that he will leave a mark as significant as the Roman numeral "ten" (X), symbolizing an ending or judgment.

Shade then addresses those who think they can challenge him and points out the irony of the situation. Despite having a perfect score ("dieci decimi"), he sees them poorly. He suggests that adding ten more points would still not be enough for them to compete with him and mocks their inability to last as long as a pack of cigarettes ("pacco da venti"), insinuating that their career will end quickly.

In the penultimate paragraph, Shade continues to assert his dominance. He interprets himself as the winner, comparing himself to Ali Baba's story of the "forty thieves" and someone who is still inexperienced at forty years old ("quarant'anni vergine"). He also criticizes his opponent's album and states that his raps are like lashes, referencing the explicit nature of the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise.

Finally, Shade concludes by boasting about his success and progression. He mentions earning 80 euros related to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's controversial political decision. He highlights the continuing growth of his career, encouraging his audience to download his album above 105, reaching a remarkable 110 in freestyle rap, where he maintains an unbeatable position. He further pushes boundaries, surpassing 130 and attracting the attention of the police ("la pula"), metaphorically illustrating his ability to captivate audiences with his artistic creations. Shade concludes by proudly declaring that this verse marks his 150th accomplishment, completing his musical "Pokedex" and solidifying his position as a dominant force in the rap game.