BBC: Iranian Police Closing Rap Studios, Calling Out Rappers

The Iranian government has launched an official campaign to stamp out "obscene" rap music in recording studios and live venues, and a similar crackdown on online access to rap music could be in the cards. The campaign one-ups Tipper Gore's efforts by a long shot. Police will shut down rap studios and confront rappers, and anyone wanting to record an album or play a show needs to get it approved beforehand by officials, according to the BBC.

A cultural conduit between LA's Iranian community and Iran has apparently seen young Iranianians "trying to replicate the accents and subject material used by many US artists" while rapping in Farsi, which doesn't fly with the authorities. An official at Iran's Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry said,

"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 categorized as illegal."

What about the internet? They're working on it. The BBC reports that the official wasquoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency as saying he "wanted to 'find asolution' to internet distribution of the music."

(via cmj; image from life in 2d)