Persian Rap: The Voice of Modern Iran's Youth

Author: Johnston, Sholeh

Source: Journal of Persianate Studies, Volume 1, Number 1, 2008 , pp. 102-119(18)

Publisher: BRILL

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Persian Rap, or Rap-e Farsi, is the latest craze in contemporary underground Iranian music, both with Iran and its extensive Diaspora. In Iran, rap is met with strong opposition from the Islamic government, but continues to enjoy immense popularity amongst web-savvy Iranian youths who consume the songs online through internet chat forums, websites, blogs and radio. This article examines the development of Persian Rap from an imitation of Afro-American "Gangsta" Rap, to a unique style of fusion rap with a distinctly Iranian identity, grounded in cultural tradition and a powerful social conscience.

Keywords: IRAN; RAP; INTERNET; COUNTER-CULTURE

Document Type: Research article

Free content The full text is free.

View now: