Hooli.
Johnston Farrugia, better known by his stage name Hooli, is a Maltese rapper who has gained significant popularity in the local music scene. Hooli was born on 23 September 1980, and he has entertained audiences with his music for over two decades.
Hooli began his career in 2002 when he worked on the opening theme song for a Smash Television show. He launched his debut album, Oriġinali Bħali, in February 2003, and it became a smash in Malta. He played at other musical events in Malta and Gozo after this triumph.
His second album, Hooliġinali, was released in 2004; the second was released in 2006. Featured: Aldo Busuttil, Ira Losco, Julie Zahra, Joe Demicoli, Dime’n’D, She 2’s, Debbie Scerri, IQ and Legacy.
In 2004 Nieħdu Buzz single was launched. It consisted of 3 tracks, including Nieħdu Buzz, Nieħdu Buzz remix by Duo Blank, and a medley from Oriġinali Bħali.
Triloġinali, his third album, was released in July 2012. A few English tracks were on the album, and some songs mixed Hooli’s usual hip-hop with dance music. Throughout his career, Hooli has been recognised for his accomplishments in the music industry. Hooli won the Best Hip Hop and R&B Performer award at the Malta Music Awards in 2013. Triloġinali – the third album – featured Fabrizio Faniello, La Barokka, Adie and Janvil.
Hooli won the first two Hip Hop Freestyle contest editions, Botta u Risposta, in 2014 and 2016. Mument ta’ Skiet, Hooli’s new song and music video, was released in 2017. Hooli was welcomed in the 2019 edition of Rock Opera Gensna, during which the song Dak iz-Zmien became a local hit.
Early Life and Career
Hooli grew up in a small town in Malta, where he developed a passion for music at a young age. He became a fan of Snoop Dogg when he was 13 years old, and the hip-hop scene inspired him in the United States. He started writing and performing his music in Maltese, his mother tongue.
Hooli’s music career began in the early 2000s, and he quickly gained a following in Malta’s underground hip-hop scene. His debut album, “Oriġinali Bħali,” was released in 2003, showcasing his unique style of blending traditional Maltese music with modern hip-hop beats.
Successes in Music
Hooli has published several popular albums and singles, and Maltese fans have welcomed his music. His second album, “Hooliġinali,” was released in 2006 and featured collaborations with other Maltese artists.
In 2012, Hooli released “Triloġinali,” a trilogy of albums exploring different themes and styles. The album received excellent reviews and assisted Hooli in solidifying his position as one of the most critical figures in Maltese music.
Achievements and Awards
Hooli’s contributions to the Maltese music scene have been recognised with several awards and honours. Additionally, Hooli has received nominations for Best Hip-Hop/R&B Artist and Best Album at the Malta Music Awards.
- 2003 – Awarded Best HipHop/ R&B and Best Newcomer.
- 2003 – Sole Gozo Festival for best HipHop.
- 2013 – MMA- Best HipHop & R&B.
- 2013 – Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija (illum Mużika Mużika) – Best stage performance.
- 2014 – Premju għall-Arti award in the music category. (Given to artists who have significantly contributed to the arts in Malta.)
- 2019 – honoured with l-Għanja li tibqa’ award by l-Għanja tal-Poplu and also ġieħ il-Qrendi.
Discography
Albums
Oriġinali Bħali (2003)
- Intro
- Oriġinali Bħali
- Tinqeridx [feat.Dogette]
- Pace Ville Spiss [feat. Luda C]
- Il-Flus Kollox? [feat.Dogette]
- Hooligan’s 3d [feat.C-Damege,Dogette]
- Maltama [feat.Buggly-B[
- Meta Tiġi Ftħila L-Bieb [feat.Dogette]
- Ready For Competition [feat.Mach 11, PpClip,kz.BJ(c-Damage), Ace,Crazed,Freak J, G-Force]
- Outro, Ready For Competition
- Għaliex? [feat.Dogette]
- Ittra l-Ommi [feat.Dogette]
- Outro.
- Mental Bonus Track Kollox Up!
Hooliġinali (2004)
- Intro
- Hooliġinali
- 8 Drabiet Remix [feat.She2’s]
- Hooldays
- Music
- Meta l-Qanpiena Ddoqq [feat.Aldo Busuttil]
- Ibda mill-Ġdid [feat.Debbie Scerri]
- Hoolistyle [feat.Julie Zahra]
- Day by Day [feat.Ira Losco]
- Kollox Up 2 [feat.Dime’n’D]
- Tasal ta’ Kulħadd [feat.Joe Demicoli]
- 8 Darbiet
- Hoolibounce
- Outro
- Nieħdu Bużż (Music Video)
Triloġinali (2012)
- Intro
- Nilqak f’Malta
- Fuq In-Nisa
- You [feat.La Barokka]
- Teqridnix (Tinqeridx Remix) [feat.Fabrizio Faniello]
- It-Telgħa tal-Kalvarju
- Skit
- Tug of War (Intro)
- Tug of War [feat.Adie]
- Nibqgħu Nieġdu Bużż
- Triloġinali (Intro)
- Triloġinali [feat.Dime’N’D]
- Hoo u Wit? [feat.Janvil]
- Sexy
- The Hoolibounce (Clean)
- Outro
- Hooliġinali Medley (Bonus Track)
Singles
- Nieħdu Buzz (2004)
Latest Singles
The latest singles released online with a music video:
- 2019 – Tippruvax – Kapitlu13 ft HOOLI
- 2020 – Dak iż-Żmien
- 2021 – FATUM
- 2022 – Tiftakar Pa
- 2022 – Rispett – HOOLI ft Lokko
- 2022 – Bil-Kelma t-Tajba – Kantera ft HOOLI
- 2023 – Namaste – Myles ft HOOLI and DJ Mac
Television
- Hooli also hosted ROADWAY with HOOLI Travel through Europe television show.
- Hosted l-Oskur television show with others (shot in Poland)
- Acted on local drama DIVISION 7, among others.
Conclusion
Hooli is among the most popular and significant musicians in the Maltese music industry, thanks to his distinctive fusion of traditional Maltese music with contemporary hip-hop beats. In recognition of his services to Maltese music, he has published several successful albums and songs and has been honoured with various prizes.
As Hooli continues creating new music and entertaining audiences in Malta and beyond, he will remain a prominent figure in the country’s music scene for years.
Hooli on Social Media
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