-
After the execution of a Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia, and the burning of the Saudi embassy in Iran, the Saudis have cut diplomatic ties with Iran. -
Iran to Ban Rap Music?
A few months ago, we reported that India was finally coming around to hip-hop. While the gigantic country does not host many rappers compared to the United States, it was a place for free expression and growth in the genre. Now, the somewhat-established Iran rap scene is in the news for a completely opposite reason: The country is trying to shut it down. "The Jerusalem Post" reports that the Iranian government sees hip-hop as a threat to traditional music and a "problem." From the story: "For now and in the foreseen future, there is no real possibility that the Islamic regime will permit rap music concerts, in spite of a big underground music scene which includes this genre. In recent years, the Iranian regime arrested many Iranian rap band members and denied permission for concerts." All public concerts must be approved by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, while any requests must go through a bureaucratic process that "can take a few months." "This music encourages wild behavior that could have a detrimental effect on society," a spokesman said. "We don't want to have it and we will prevent any unwanted incidents normally associated with such concerts and other events." -
Iranians Who Danced To Pharrell's 'Happy' in YouTube Video Sentenced To Prison, Lashings
The six Iranians who were arrested in May for dancing to Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy" in a YouTube video were sentenced to prison time and lashings recently.
View More
Festivals
Popular Now
-
Jessica Simpson Issues Britney Spears a Stern Warning on Overspending Amid Alleged Road to Bankruptcy
-
Can You Guess What's Been Named the Best Film of All Time? Here's the Soundtrack
-
The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne Carried a Knife at Coachella 2004 for Bubble Debut: 'If You Run Out of Air, You Can Cut Your Way Out of It'
-
Britney Spears Inching Towards Bankruptcy As She Refuses to Pick Up Music Career, Acts 'More Dysfunctional' —Report
-
Jon Bon Jovi Confesses He Cheated on Wife, Had '100 Girls' as Part of Rock Star Lifestyle