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 strikes a balance—something fresh yet universally appealing. Three years ago, a track rose to meet this challenge: Ghors by Hiphopologist, a powerhouse name in Iranian rap at the time. Since its release, Ghors has become one of the most-streamed and celebrated tracks in the history of Persian rap, marking a watershed moment in the genre.
One of the song’s defining features is its bold deviation from rap’s traditional rhythm-heavy roots. This track abandons the drum beats central to the genre, replacing them with a minimal, hypnotic guitar riff by Mvtinvm, a producer respected in the Iranian rap scene. This unconventional approach resonated deeply, inspiring a wave of artists who sought to break from the repetitive tropes that had begun to weigh on the genre. By embracing this stripped-back, melodic style, Ghors showcased a new, emotionally resonant side of rap that struck a chord with listeners.
The phenomenal success of Ghors led Hiphopologist to revisit this formula in his later works, such as Ghors II, Daryakenar, 5 AM, and Istanbul Voice. Each track built on the emotive, minimalist sound that has since become a distinctive hallmark in Persian rap.
What gives Persian rap its lasting impact within Iranian culture is its adaptive, evolving nature—a quality that keeps its lyrics engaging, if not easy to memorize. Yet, Ghors defies even this norm; its catchy melody and relatable emotion leave listeners unconsciously humming along, as though the song has become a part of them. Ghors has not only left its mark on the playlists of Persian rap fans but has also cemented its place in the cultural memory of a generation.