Those political shifts have affected rap’s evolution as well. In 2009, rap got Putin’s official stamp of approval following his appearance on the “Battle for Respect” TV show. After two ...

On December 11, cancellations of rap concerts were discussed at Putin’s meeting with members of the Council for Civil Society and Human Rights. As the Russian human rights ombudswoman ...

media outlets have pointed out that he may be inspired by a real figure close to Putin — Vladislav Surkov, who was known as a rap enthusiast, former theater director, writer, PR chief for a ...