Defining what makes an “X” factor or “star power” is nearly impossible, but we’re pretty certain that Raffaele Capuano definitely falls into those categories. With a palpable stage presence as a runway model and a growing career as a rapper, is there any audience that won’t be enraptured with his performances? However, there’s much more to Capuano’s journey. Under the stage name, South RC, Capuano challenges model behavior on two levels — first as a runway model turned rapper and second through his rap lyrics that call out unjust police harassment. His single “Fresh Zone” explores the realities of bias and injustice when it comes to who and what are policed and how. As a voice for change, South RC uses his songs to shed light on the cracks in broken systems. In our interview with Capuano, we get to know more about the story behind his music and how he is giving back to local and global communities. Continue reading for our exclusive interview below!

Hello! We’re so happy to talk with you. To start off with, where are you based?
Hey there, Jejune! Thanks for talking with me. I live in Milan, Italy.

A model and a rapper? We’re so intrigued! First, we would love to know more about how you got started as a model. When did you start and what made you pursue it?
Well, my modeling and rapping careers started at two different points in my life. My modeling career started because I was scouted in Capri, by famous Italian designer Francesco Scognamigli, who introduced me to my first modeling agency in Milan. That was the moment everything started taking off. However, it wasn’t until I started traveling more and walked in my first fashion weeks across Europe that it became my full time job.

Music, meanwhile, has always been my best friend. Since I was a kid, it has always remained a huge passion of mine and a large influence in my life. I started making my own music at the age of 18, and now I am continuing my music career as a rapper. I'm a big fan of rap, and I had an inner voice telling me it was time to make my own.

How would you describe your music?
I really like to focus on the melodies, so much of my music stems from my feelings. My music describes a lot of my lifestyle and a representation of the pictures I see in my head.

How did you come up with your stage name, South RC? What does it mean to you?
South RC, aka Southboi, comes from my personal story. I grew up in Naples located in the South of Italy, I left at a young age when I went to Milan to pursue my modeling career more heavily. This stage name represents me and my story. Since I'm very southern, with a Southside style, I like to say that I bring my attitude wherever I go.

Fashion Week just happened! What’s more exhilarating, walking the catwalk or doing a live music performance?
Well, they are both very exciting to me. A live performance lasts longer than a catwalk; so, the emotion lasts longer. If I have to choose, I would have to go with that, haha.

Your song “Fresh Zone” has a very relevant message. Can you tell us more about the song and what inspired it?
Fresh zone talks about the different realities of everyday life. It touches on some deeper realities too, like the way police abuse power, and the legalization of marjuana.

Jejune loves that you use your music to shed light on social issues like police brutality and abuse of power. Where do you see music’s place in terms of inspiring change in the system?
I think that big artists have the power to influence a wide audience. Rapping about important themes may grab the attention of my listeners, so that. they consider issues going on in our world today. Ideally, to make these things not happen anymore, or at least less. Awareness is so important.

Your single “Camera 301” definitely has some relatable quarantine vibes, especially just wanting to be around people! What was it like to create music during the pandemic? What do you want your fans to get from this song?
Camera 301 is a song about my experience with feeling lonely during quarantine, remembering my life before and the things I was doing on a daily basis. I talk about my relationship with a woman who was very superfluous and superficial. However, at the same time, she gave me many positive things and a sense of control to my life. I ultimately just want my fans to vibe with this single, and maybe try and catch the feeling it has from its sound.

Jejune loves that, despite your busy schedule, you find time to give back to kids in need. Can you please tell us a bit about your work with Boys' And Girls' Towns Of Italy and Save The Children International?
Yeah, of course. When I have the opportunity to dedicate myself to these associations I try to collaborate as much as I can. Sometimes even by just sending old clothes or things I think people might need more than I do.

What got you involved with these organizations and why is their work important to you?
I’m very sensible as a person; so, I like to put myself into others and always care about the people who have been less lucky than me in life. I believe that it is ethical to do, and makes me feel good as a person.

Do you have any projects coming up in the future? We’d love to keep you on our radar!
Stay tuned because I have a big music coming up featuring some very big artists. One of their names is Octavian, and he is one of my favorite artists. He is going to appear on my track coming out in November called “Savage”.

How have you been staying positive during shelter in place?
I always strive to stay positive, no matter the circumstances I am currently facing in life.

What’s your motto in life?
Stay positive, even in the negative.

To learn more about Raffaele, please follow him via the below platforms:
Instagram: @sou th.r c
Twitter: @South RC1
Spotify: Sou th RC

Photography by Andrea Cenetiempo.

Raffaele Capuano Challenges Model Behavior