Russian Rap

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday the Kremlin should play a leading role in Russian rap music and in youth culture, rather than trying to shut it down.

Just over a week before Russia's presidential election, billionaire candidate Mikhail Prokhorov's rapping skills have made him an internet star. Prokhorov, who shares ownership of the New Jersey Nets basketball team with US rapper Jay-Z, took to the microphone on a Russian television show a couple of weeks ago.

Young Russians who feel the state is stifling their artistic freedom, are using rap music to get their message across.Russian rap is less about girls and guns, and more about social conscience. Songs tackle hard-hitting subjects like drug addiction and politics.Songs against the police are a big hit with the audience because young people see it as ...

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday the Kremlin should play a leading role in Russian rap music and in youth culture, rather than trying to shut it down.

Just over a week before Russia's presidential election, billionaire candidate Mikhail Prokhorov's rapping skills have made him an internet star. Prokhorov, who shares ownership of the New Jersey Nets basketball team with US rapper Jay-Z, took to the microphone on a Russian television show a couple of weeks ago.

Young Russians who feel the state is stifling their artistic freedom, are using rap music to get their message across.Russian rap is less about girls and guns, and more about social conscience. Songs tackle hard-hitting subjects like drug addiction and politics.Songs against the police are a big hit with the audience because young people see it as ...