In an age where artists are often encouraged to “stay in their lane,” Gianluca Picariello, universally known as **Ghemon**, defies convention with the graceful agility of a seasoned point guard. Rapper, singer, podcaster, and now a celebrated stand-up comedian with his show “Una cosetta così” (“A Little Something Like That”), Ghemon`s career trajectory is less a path and more a vibrant, ever-evolving landscape. His secret? A profound, unwavering passion for sports, which he describes as the constant backdrop to his eclectic life, a true north in his journey of reinvention.
The Art of Reinvention: More Than Just a Game
Ghemon`s philosophy, neatly encapsulated in his book “Nessuno è una cosa sola” (“Nobody is Just One Thing”), is a testament to embracing multiple facets of one`s identity. He quips about pioneering trends—”I did everything just before it became fashionable”—but the underlying truth is a relentless curiosity. This very curiosity fuels his deep dive into various athletic pursuits, from the focused discipline of marathon running to the strategic intricacies of basketball, always eager to “inform myself and be an expert.”
From Pavement Pounding to Personal Growth: The Marathon Mindset
Running, for Ghemon, began as a physical necessity but swiftly transformed into a profound journey of self-discovery. He recounts how the “appetite comes with eating” in running, pushing him to tackle new distances and speeds. From local 10k races in his hometown region of Avellino to the legendary marathons of New York and Chicago, his progression wasn`t just physical; it was a mental blueprint for life. He elaborates:
“When you have anxiety about the future and don`t know what to do, focusing on an achievable goal means thinking meter by meter.”
This wisdom, gleaned directly from the asphalt, guides his pursuit of goals both on and off the track. His next ambitious target? An ultra-marathon, a challenge that, much like his artistic shifts, requires meticulous preparation and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. (A triathlon, he admits with a smirk, might be a step too far given his current swimming prowess – “I like to do things well,” he states, implying his aquatic skills currently fall short of that standard.)
Italian Basketball`s New Chapter: A Fan`s Perspective
Ghemon`s love for basketball runs deep, woven into the fabric of his upbringing in Avellino, a city where sport is synonymous with identity. He views the current Italian national team with a mix of anticipation and intrigue, acknowledging the significant void left by the retirements of legends Gigi Datome and Marco Belinelli. This marks a clear period of renewal, a changing of the guard, prompting a “curiosity for Italy without Datome and Belinelli.”
He champions the current crop of talent: Danilo Gallinari, “a champion” who enjoyed a stellar season in Puerto Rico; Nicolò Melli, “one of Europe`s strongest players”; and the “exceptional” Simone Fontecchio. Belinelli`s departure, while a “disappointment” for fans of the national team, is also met with deep admiration for a player who “won practically everything” in his illustrious career. Ghemon even hints at a personal reunion with his friend, now that Belinelli has more time on his hands—perhaps a less competitive, more conversational pick-up game.
The “Most Improved Player” of Entertainment
If Ghemon were a basketball player, he`d aspire to be the NBA`s “Most Improved Player.” It’s a concept that resonates deeply with his own artistic trajectory: constantly evolving, always striving to be better than the previous year. It`s an insightful parallel, reflecting his journey from rap phenom to a versatile entertainer who refuses to be pigeonholed. He even muses about an “artistic Most Improved Player” award in Italy, a prize he would undoubtedly be a strong contender for.
Avellino`s Heartbeat: Where Sport and Soul Converge
Growing up in Avellino, where football and basketball reign supreme, instilled in Ghemon a profound understanding of community and the emotional weight of sport. He vividly recalls the “pain” of his beloved Avellino calcio (football) and Scandone (basketball) teams facing bankruptcy and relegation—experiences that can test the very limits of a fan`s loyalty. Yet, these lows are balanced by the “joy” of last-minute victories, dramatic comebacks, and the enduring hope of seeing both Avellino teams return to Italy`s top divisions. “We`ve paid enough purgatory in both sports; now it`s our turn,” he asserts with characteristic regional pride.
Rap, Stand-Up, and the Rhythmic Court
Ghemon sees a natural synergy between rap, stand-up comedy, and basketball—all rooted in American culture, all characterized by rhythm, immediacy, and a direct dialogue with the audience. “Stand-up and rap are two sides of the same coin,” he argues, “one in music and rhyme, the other not, but both tell the `now` with a tight rhythm.” His approach to comedy, he likens to tennis:
“You fight for every point, which are the jokes. If the joke lands, the audience cheers; if it misses, you lose the point. But you can`t get discouraged; you have to immediately move to the next one and continue until you bring the audience to your side.”
This tenacity, this relentless pursuit of connecting with the audience, is pure athlete mentality.
From Court Jesters to Comedy Kings
When asked which Italian basketball players might excel at stand-up, Ghemon doesn`t hesitate: **Gigi Datome** and **Nicolò Melli**, in a dynamic duo. Having witnessed their quick wit in national team podcasts, he`s convinced they possess the intelligence and humor for the stage. Melli, a known stand-up fan himself, even frequently attends shows. “They would definitely be excellent comedians,” Ghemon states, perhaps with a mischievous glint, envisioning a new post-career path for the basketball stars.
He even playfully considers a comparison to Adam Sandler, acknowledging the American star`s multi-faceted career. “Adam Sandler dressed better,” Ghemon jokes about himself, then adds, “But maybe to be like him in everything else, both as a basketball player and as a comedian.”
Ghemon`s diverse career might lead some to wonder if he`s “in the wrong country” for such varied ambitions. His response is pragmatic yet defiant: “I was born here and I adapt. I try to `annoy` as much as possible to broaden the field of what it means to be an entertainer: someone capable of being on stage and making people feel good by doing different things.” For him, whether performing on stage or observing the court, technical prowess and sheer spectacle must always go hand-in-hand. His journey is a powerful narrative of constant self-improvement, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and an enduring love for the game, in all its forms. His ultimate dream isn`t to win the New York Marathon, but to fill Madison Square Garden, a goal that truly encapsulates his unique blend of athletic discipline and artistic ambition.
Murray Blackwood