When you visit Rez‘s Instagram page, you might be surprised to see familiar names—people you know personally—among his followers. These are individuals who, in any typical social setting, would never bring up Persian rap in conversation. They aren’t drawn to the current hype surrounding the genre, nor do they subscribe to the quasi-intellectual aesthetic that once dominated Persian rap. Yet, here they are, captivated by Rez, a rapper who emerged in 2012 with his album Moz’men as a new member of the influential Divar label. In a landscape saturated with artists following fixed formulas for success, Rez quickly set himself apart, creating a distinct identity that not only defied trends but also paved the way for something new. His work represents an evolution in Persian rap, one that may well become a blueprint for future generations of Iranian rappers as the current era fades into memory.
Seven years ago, one of the most defining albums in Persian rap history was released. The album, featuring 14 tracks, took a year and a half to produce, from the spring of 2016 to the fall of 2017. It captured the spirit of its time in a way that few others have. Back then, the relationship between audiences and Persian rap was markedly different from today. It wasn’t uncommon to see teenagers changing their social media profile pictures to album covers as a display of loyalty or as a way to encourage others to align with the work’s perspective. In keeping with this trend, Rez’s album Shahrvand sparked an innovative cultural moment: the Divar label launched a Telegram bot that allowed users to create images with the word “Shahrvand” inscribed in red Nastaliq script over their eyes, mimicking the album’s cover. This idea resonated deeply with young Iranians, turning Shahrvand into more than just an album—it became a shared cultural experience.
Collaboration played a vital role in the album’s richness. Navid Sadr, another key figure from the Divar label, featured on tracks like Fasele, Mashin, and Khane Be Doosh, while Bamdad made his mark alongside Rez on the song Sarab. These collaborations, though few, were essential to the album’s overall tone. The production, handled Atour and Mez’rab—producers of the Divar label responsible for previous albums like Moz’men and Rangi—was expanded by the introduction of a new member, Farsea, who contributed significantly to the album’s atmospheric diversity. The tracks reflected the signature style of the label, seamlessly blending samples from both Iranian and Western music. Clips from legendary figures like Dariush Eghbali, Sattar, and Ebi, as well as composers such as Babak Bayat and Majid Entezami, not only gave the music emotional depth but also anchored it in the broader landscape of Iranian popular culture.
In its early years, Persian rap was marked by its social consciousness and a literary style deeply rooted in Iranian popular culture. Rappers took pride in weaving complex metaphors and crafting lyrics that demanded intellectual engagement. But over time, this deliberate complexity pushed the genre away from its original mission: to speak truthfully and express the struggles of everyday life in a way that resonated with the average listener. The over-intellectualization of Persian rap alienated many, leading to a decline in its popularity. Yet, throughout this shift, Rez’s star continued to rise. His appeal lies in his ability to sidestep these pitfalls entirely. Unlike his contemporaries, who often conformed to rigid formulas, Rez followed his own path.
At the heart of Shahrvand is a raw, honest portrayal of urban life in Iran, particularly within the chaotic streets of Tehran. Rez offers an unfiltered look at the struggles faced by people from all walks of life, capturing the essence of what it means to be a citizen in today’s Iran.
His own words echo this sentiment: “The Shahrvand album is a reflection of my view of the city and the concept of citizenship at this moment in time.” What sets the album apart—and what has cemented its place in Persian rap history—is its simplicity and authenticity. In an era where rap was becoming increasingly esoteric, Rez brought the genre back to its roots. His lyrics are direct, his beats stripped down, and his message clear. It’s this honesty that has resonated so deeply with listeners, many of whom felt that Persian rap had lost its way.
Rez’s work, particularly Shahrvand, represents the maturation of Persian rap. It is an album that will be hard to replicate in its sincerity and vision. More than just a collection of songs, Shahrvand is a cultural statement, a symbol of a movement that has grown up alongside its audience. As Persian rap continues to evolve, Rez’s influence will undoubtedly be felt in the years to come, as younger rappers look to his work as a guide for how to remain authentic in a world that increasingly demands conformity.
