Iran Bans Rap Music
11/29/2007 By Cam Lindsay

Iran has officially categorised rap music as "illegal." According to Breibart.com, the Islamic country's hardline officials have declared rap a "cultural invasion" by "decadent" western music, complaining it diminishes Islamic values and traditions.

Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry Mohammad Dashtgoli made a statement saying, "There is nothing wrong with this type of music in itself, but due to the use of obscene words by its singers this music has been categorised as illegal. In coordination with the police, illegal studios producing this type of music will be sealed and the singers in this genre will be confronted."

Dashtgoli continued, pointing out his frustration over rappers distributing their music through low-priced and affordable outlets, such as the internet. He added: "We should find a solution for this." Clearly he doesn't have a MySpace account.

Breibart goes on to reveal that rap has increased in popularity amongst Tehran's young males, largely because of its explicit lyrics and "social, political and sexual themes." It also points out, that now by law, producing and recording rap albums and throwing concerts in Iran require permission from Dashtgoli and his ministry. The crackdown is a response to the growing trend of women "slack dressing," and raids on bootleg music and "sex parties."
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