thomas iannucci
thomas iannucci is a writer, poet, and rapper from Kaua'i, Hawaii, of Italian and Filipino descent. Regardless of art form, he's known for his hard-hitting portrayals of an authentic Hawaii rarely seen in mainstream media.
The Journey Begins.
thomas' journey as an artist began in his youth, writing songs and stories in elementary school and falling in love with hip hop in middle school. This early passion laid the foundation for his diverse creative pursuits.
Award-Winning Rapper
In the music world, iannucci has made significant strides as a 3x Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) award-winning rapper. His style evokes artists like Eminem, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar, balancing lyrical consciousness with mainstream appeal. iannucci's accolades include a 2015 win for Alternative Album of the Year with Streetlight Cadence, followed by two solo wins in the Hip Hop category in 2018 and 2020. He was also a finalist in the national John Lennon Songwriting Contest's Rap category in 2016. His music has reached wide audiences, playing on the legendary New York radio station HOT 97. He has collaborated with notable artists such as Shady Records artist GRIP, foggieraw, 1k Phew, Parris Chariz, Ruslan, Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D., and GUAPDAD 4000, as well as Grammy winning producers like Alex Hitchens and Spechouse. His impact on the local scene was recognized when KHON2 News named him part of the "new generation of rappers pushing the boundaries of Hawaii Hip Hop."
As a rapper and influencer, iannucci has garnered press mentions in major publications including USWeekly, Billboard, Paper Magazine, Rapzilla.com, Earmilk, and the UK's The Mirror. He was featured in an article by Vulture/New York Magazine and became a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts in 2021.
Writing the real Hawaii.
In 2023, iannucci made his debut in the literary world, quickly making waves in the Hawaii literary scene. His writing, known for starkly realistic character pieces and authentic Pidgin dialogue, has appeared in publications such as Bamboo Ridge, New Zealand's Takahē Magazine, The 'Ulu Review, and The Hawaii Review of Books.
Across all his artistic endeavors, iannucci is a passionate advocate for social issues in Hawaii. He strives to accurately portray the nuances of the human condition, offering gritty depictions of a complex, multifaceted place. His work consistently aims to dispel the problematic veneer of paradise that often colors mainland perceptions of Hawaii.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, iannucci is dedicated to personal growth and discipline, exemplified by his training in jiujitsu where he holds a purple belt at Esaki jiujitsu. A Christian, iannucci's faith in Christ informs his art and life, though he doesn't create explicitly religious content. This multifaceted approach contributes to the authenticity and depth that characterize his work.
Photo by Sheadon Ringor
The Journey Begins.
thomas' journey as an artist began in his youth, writing songs and stories in elementary school and falling in love with hip hop in middle school. This early passion laid the foundation for his diverse creative pursuits.
Photo by Sheadon Ringor
Award-Winning Rapper
In the music world, iannucci has made significant strides as a 3x Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) award-winning rapper. His style evokes artists like Eminem, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar, balancing lyrical consciousness with mainstream appeal. iannucci's accolades include a 2015 win for Alternative Album of the Year with Streetlight Cadence, followed by two solo wins in the Hip Hop category in 2018 and 2020. He was also a finalist in the national John Lennon Songwriting Contest's Rap category in 2016. His music has reached wide audiences, playing on the legendary New York radio station HOT 97. He has collaborated with notable artists such as Shady Records artist GRIP, foggieraw, 1k Phew, Parris Chariz, Ruslan, Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D., and GUAPDAD 4000, as well as Grammy winning producers like Alex Hitchens and Spechouse. His impact on the local scene was recognized when KHON2 News named him part of the "new generation of rappers pushing the boundaries of Hawaii Hip Hop."
As a rapper and influencer, iannucci has garnered press mentions in major publications including USWeekly, Billboard, Paper Magazine, Rapzilla.com, Earmilk, and the UK's The Mirror. He was featured in an article by Vulture/New York Magazine and became a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts in 2021.
Writing the real Hawaii.
In 2023, iannucci made his debut in the literary world, quickly making waves in the Hawaii literary scene. His writing, known for starkly realistic character pieces and authentic Pidgin dialogue, has appeared in publications such as Bamboo Ridge, New Zealand's Takahē Magazine, The 'Ulu Review, and The Hawaii Review of Books.
Across all his artistic endeavors, iannucci is a passionate advocate for social issues in Hawaii. He strives to accurately portray the nuances of the human condition, offering gritty depictions of a complex, multifaceted place. His work consistently aims to dispel the problematic veneer of paradise that often colors mainland perceptions of Hawaii.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, iannucci is dedicated to personal growth and discipline, exemplified by his training in jiujitsu where he holds a purple belt at Esaki jiujitsu. A Christian, iannucci's faith in Christ informs his art and life, though he doesn't create explicitly religious content. This multifaceted approach contributes to the authenticity and depth that characterize his work.
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