Released in 2018 as a standout single, "Marijuana" represents a pivotal moment in Italian trap, blending the signature atmospheric production of with Ghali’s unique multicultural perspective. As a collaboration between Italy’s premier producer and its most prominent artist of Tunisian descent, the track serves as both a rhythmic powerhouse and a commentary on the "second-generation" identity within modern Europe.
An informative essay exploring the cultural and artistic impact of Ghali's "Marijuana," produced by Charlie Charles. Ghali - Marijuana (Prod. Charlie Charles)
Despite its title, the song is less a literal endorsement of drug culture and more a metaphor for escape, success, and the intoxicating nature of fame. Ghali employs his trademark linguistic fluidity, weaving together Italian, Arabic, and French. This "Balkan-Mediterranean" hybrid language has become his stylistic signature, reflecting the lived experience of millions of immigrants in Italy. By normalizing these linguistic transitions, Ghali effectively bridges the gap between the periphery ( periferia ) and the mainstream, making the "outsider" perspective the center of Italian pop culture. Released in 2018 as a standout single, "Marijuana"