Persian Street Rap

A study of the phenomenon of Persian rap within the framework of urban folk music genre in relation to popular music

Bibliographic Data

ID2967378
AuthorsHamed Asadi (0000-0003-0435-5733, Tehran University of Art, corresponding author), Sepehr Seraji (University of Tehran)
Year2025
Volume31
Issue3
Pages317-340
Publication date2025-05-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Identities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1350-4630 • E-ISSN: 1363-0296
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13504630.2025.2453159
OpenAlexW4406594507
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited12

This research delves into the study of a musical trend known as Persian rap. The possibility of the emergence of rap as an urban folk genre and its alignment with the popular genre was investigated. The similarities and differences between them were discussed. Rap glocalization and its process in these genres were explained. We employed library research and a semi-structured interview method with rappers and their audiences to gather field information. Using the grounded theory method, we concluded that Persian rap had a glocalization process in Iran since the early 2000s. Glocalizing aligns with global youth culture. Following glocalization, Persian rap has gradually transformed into an urban folk tradition. Two categories of Persian rap are Street Rap and Mainstream Rap. Street Rap, sustained by the youth’s interest in their independent urban lifestyle apart from the Mainstream, continues its existence without financial income. The capital formed from the relationships among youth in the streets has created a subculture that strives to differentiate its identity from other members of society. This capital has led to the creation of a folk rap genre, the differences and commonalities of which with the Mainstream are discussed in the research. Rap as urban folk music has similarities with Zarbi and Bahr-e Tavil genres in the urban folk music of Iran. The emergence of rap in Iran is the re-creation of past musical forms to restart their function in expressing the emotions, protest and entertainment of the youth

Aesthetics · Art · Epistemology · Folk music · Linguistics · Literature · Musical · Persian · Phenomenon · Popular music · Sociology · Caribbean history, culture, and politics · Computer Science · History · Music History and Culture · Philippine History and Culture · Philosophy

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