Poobon: Reimagining Iranian identity in a modern world
In this exclusive interview, Poobon reflects on his personal journey as an artist, and also on the broader story of Iranian music.
The rise and fall of Persian drill
Few musical movements in recent decades have captured the raw tension of urban life with the immediacy and urgency of U.K. drill. Emerging in the early 2010s from the council estates of South London—particularly Brixton and Peckham—it emerged as a raw, uncompromising voice for a generation grappling with the harsh realities of life on the […]
Farzad Ghadimi and Saeed Dehghan drop ‘Rasmi’, no skip
I first encountered Farzad Ghadimi nearly three years ago, when his debut single Shelik burst forth like a sudden spark in the dark. That track wasn’t merely a promising start—it was a declaration. From the opening bars, it was clear that a distinctive new voice had emerged in Persian rap, one that refused to be […]
How rage is reshaping Persian rap
What has long set Persian rap apart from other popular music scenes in Iran is not merely its sound or lyrical boldness, but a deeper, more ambitious undercurrent—a shared desire among its artists, producers, fans, and even digital platforms to be part of something far larger than themselves. This is a community with one eye […]
D0T: Four Artists. One Vision. No Genre.
Some stories unfold gradually, shaped by time and experience. Others erupt into existence with the energy of something inevitable—like a spark catching fire. Dot is one of those stories. The collective vision of four distinct artists—Ali, Nima, Sina, and Arsham—has crystallized into a music label that dares to push the boundaries of Iranian sound. Ali […]
The 100 Best Songs of 2024: Staff Picks
Each year, as the calendar winds down, we embark on a cherished tradition: revisiting the vibrant world of Iranian music from the past year. The task of selecting the top 100 tracks of 2024 was both exhilarating and daunting, given the sheer diversity of styles, the emergence of fresh talents, and the release of thousands […]
Safir’s Role in Redefining the DNA of Persian Rap
Omid, known artistically as Safir, is an Iranian rapper, songwriter, and ideologist who has become a prominent figure in Iranian popular music and Persian rap over the past decade. He officially began his career as a member of ‘Cherik’ label with the release of the song Pavaraghi in 2012. After parting ways with that label, […]
Ashkan Fadaei’s EP ‘Adl’ and Its Enduring Influence on Persian Rap
12 years ago today, Ashkan Fadaei—a young, visionary rapper and a rising force in Persian rap—released Adl, an EP that has since become a landmark in the genre. Released under the Moltafet label, this six-track album was produced by the acclaimed Mahdyar Aghajani and Hassan, and featured collaborations with Hichkas and Quf, Fadaei’s former label […]
Hiphopologist’s Song ‘Ghors’ Released 3 Years Ago Today
For those whose playlists seldom include rap, choosing an Iranian rap track when it’s your turn to play DJ can be a daring move, especially if you dive into the newer sounds of the genre. Expect a mix of surprise, curiosity, and even resistance from your friends. The challenge is to find a song that […]
Farshad’s Song ‘Note Siah’ Featured in ‘The Penguin’ Series Tracklist
In episode five of the highly acclaimed first season of HBO’s ThePenguin, starring Cristin Milioti and Colin Farrell, an unexpected musical gem was unveiled. The episode features the track ‘Note Siah’ by Farshad a trailblazing figure in Persian rap. This powerful song’s inclusion not only underscores the global reach of Persian rap but also brings […]
