Before adopting the moniker Nek, Filippo Neviani released one album under his birth name.

This album was the watershed moment. Featuring the explosive hit "Cuori in tempesta," NEK shed his "youngster" image for a more confident, stadium-ready rocker persona. The production was bigger and cleaner. However, it is the Spanish version of this album, released immediately after, that changed his career trajectory. Spanish audiences fell in love with him, turning NEK into a Latin Grammy regular.

His sophomore effort, In te (1993), was a crucial stepping stone. It was darker and more introspective, dealing with themes of social alienation and generational angst. However, it was the 1994 album Calore umano that began to signal his pop-rock potential. Tracks like "Angeli nel ghetto" showcased a grittier edge, but the production was still rooted in the early 90s Italian pop tradition. While these albums did not break sales records, they were essential in building a fanbase and, importantly, honing Nek’s skills as a guitarist and frontman.

This album marked a slight shift toward electronic pop. The lead single "La voglia che non vorrei" featured a synth hook that was unusual for NEK. While critics were divided, the album sold well. It features the duet "Walking Away" with American singer Craig David—a bizarre but successful crossover attempt.

His self-titled debut followed a second-place finish at the Castrocaro Song Festival.