Born in Naples, Malepasso graduated in counterpoint and composition at the Liceo Musicale in his hometown.
[1] He also had a brief career as a singer, getting his major success in 1980 with the song "Ti voglio bene", which ranked second at the 30th Sanremo Music Festival and 26th at the Italian hit parade.
[1][2][3] Following his exclusion from the finals of the 31st Sanremo Music Festival, in the following years Malepasso refocused his career on composing, and in particular he contributed to the launch of Fiordaliso both as songwriter and as producer.
[1][2] In 1986, Malepasso began production of an album for Mexican pop star, Lorenzo Antonio.
That album was released in 1987 and from it came several hits, including the immensely popular ballad, "Doce Rosas," co-written by Malepasso.