Mahmood’s "Rapide" captures the wild currents of a relationship that has spun out of control. The title itself refers to rapids – fast, unpredictable waters – and Mahmood compares his former lover’s tears to those rushing waves. Over pulsing beats he jumps from glamorous images (cruising in a Mercedes) to suddenly being dropped on a train, from carefree afternoons by the lake to sleepless nights in Milan. Each scene shows how quickly affection can flip into betrayal, leaving him questioning trust, identity and the meaning of future.
Despite the heartbreak, the song is laced with a stubborn spark of self-defence. Mahmood admits to mistakes, late-night partying and fleeting flings, yet he keeps repeating one promise: “Nelle tue rapide non cadrò – I won’t fall into your rapids.” In other words, he refuses to drown in someone else’s emotional turbulence. "Rapide" is both a confession and a comeback anthem, reminding listeners that even when love feels like a raging river, you can still find the strength to swim for shore.
Mahmood (born Alessandro Mahmoud on September 12, 1992, in Milan, Italy) is a celebrated Italian singer and songwriter known for blending pop, R&B, and hip hop influences. Rising to fame through the sixth season of the Italian X Factor, Mahmood quickly made his mark by winning the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival twice — first in 2019 with the hit "Soldi" and again in 2022 alongside Blanco with "Brividi".
His success at Sanremo allowed him to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest twice, achieving second place in 2019 and sixth place as the host entry in 2022. Mahmood’s music is distinguished by its emotional depth and multicultural roots, stemming from his Egyptian and Sardinian heritage. With three acclaimed studio albums — Gioventù bruciata, Ghettolimpo, and Nei letti degli altri — he has become one of Italy’s most streamed contemporary artists, captivating audiences both nationally and internationally.