Samurai Jay (born Gennaro Amatore, 1 October 1998) is an Italian rapper and singer-songwriter from Mugnano di Napoli, near Naples. He gained recognition in the urban music scene with his first EP, Promesse, released in 2018. His debut studio album, Lacrime, followed in 2020, and he has since released numerous singles and collaborated with many Italian artists. In 2025 his single Halo became a viral summer hit, and in 2026 he competed at the Sanremo Music Festival.
Early career
Raised in Mugnano di Napoli, he was introduced to rap through artists such as Co'Sang, Linkin Park and Jay-Z. His single Gang, released in 2019 on the Thaurus label and featuring Geolier, was his first to enter the FIMI singles chart and was certified gold. Through the following years he built his profile with a steady run of singles and guest appearances alongside other Italian rappers and producers.
Later releases and recognition
His debut album Lacrime came out in October 2020, with guest appearances by Gué Pequeno, Rkomi, Geolier and Boro. In 2021 he performed Guagliune at the Sanremo Music Festival with Gigi D'Alessio and others. In 2025 his single Halo, made with Vito Salamanca, went viral on social media and was regarded as the summer hit of that year. He was announced among the artists of the Sanremo Music Festival 2026, competing with the song Ossessione.