Russia's Putin says rap music should be controlled, not shut down
- 5 years ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he wants to control the surging popularity of rap music in his country.
But he noted that he doesn't want an outright ban, which he said was impossible as well as counterproductive.
His comments came after local authorities canceled several rap concerts in Russia and briefly arrested a popular rapper known as Husky, whose songs have been critical of the government.
The crackdown has been compared to Soviet-era censorship of the arts.
Putin expressed concerns that rap music could encourage young people to do drugs and lead to what he called the decay of the nation.
But he noted that he doesn't want an outright ban, which he said was impossible as well as counterproductive.
His comments came after local authorities canceled several rap concerts in Russia and briefly arrested a popular rapper known as Husky, whose songs have been critical of the government.
The crackdown has been compared to Soviet-era censorship of the arts.
Putin expressed concerns that rap music could encourage young people to do drugs and lead to what he called the decay of the nation.