Generations of Russian rappers have been challenging the popular music scene for over the past couple of decades. During this time, artists experimented with sounds and genres to form Russian hip-hop culture and put it on top of the game, locally and internationally. Here are five Russian rappers/hip-hop artists that you should check out and definitely keep your eye on.
5 Russian Rappers You Should Know
MORGENSHTERN
Perhaps the most scandalous rapper on the Russian rap scene, MORGENSHTERN can’t stop making headlines. The first man to win a Russian Glamour “Woman of the Year” award, he is considered the most listened to and discussed artist in the country. Some perceive him as a joke, some as a genius. While others argue, he makes money. Boldly questioning socially accepted values, norms of morality, and culture in his music and visuals, MORGENSHTERN’s music style can be defined as musical nihilism. The lyrics do not come into deep meaning. However, when accompanied by trap beats in an aggressive flow, perhaps, there is no need for the lyrics to play a primary role.
His TikTok viral song “ICE” inspired the most influential creators to generate content utilizing his track. Additionally, last year he collaborated with Lil Pump to release “WATAFUK?!.” In 2021, he linked with Fetty Wap and Imanbek for their summer single “LECK.” The highlight of his career, however, was his single “Cadillac,” produced in collaboration with Allj.
Oxxxymiron
An Oxford graduate in English Literature, Oxxxymiron is known for intellectual and complex lyrics that convey authenticity. Influenced by the UK rap scene, Oxxxymiron was one of the first rappers in the nation to introduce the style of grime to Russia. Considered the country’s best freestyler and rap battler, in 2017, Oxxxymiron participated in a rap battle with Dizaster, the US veteran battler. Hosted by KOTD, the confrontation broke US rap battle views on YouTube in 24 hours. Astonishingly, Oxxxymiron beat a native English speaker in a verse battle, though English is only his third language.
Scriptonite
This Russian-speaking Kazakh rapper is one of the most popular artists on iTunes. In fact, nine tracks from one of his recent albums hit the Top 10 of Apple Music’s “Top 100 Russia Songs” chart during the week of its release. Scriptonite’s trap rap, filled to the brim with gloomily, mumbled down-to-earth lyrics, reflects the true mood of today’s youth in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Although he raps in Russian, the artist positions his work as “Kazakh rap” and does not approve of those who call him a “Russian rapper” or his work “Russian rap.” However, he does not limit himself to the Russian-language scene. In 2017, he collaborated with Major Lazer to release a single, “Where Is Your Love,” which topped the music charts. While working on the project, Scritonite admitted in one of the interviews: “My style is like an octopus: Although I like different types of music, I prefer darker tones. However, I also have many “light” tracks.”
Allj
Allj aka Eldzhey aka Sayonara Boy’s career took off like a rocket in 2017 when he and his “no-longer-homie” Feduk released a single “Rozovoe Vino,” meaning “Rosé wine” in Russian. Since then, he has been releasing two to three albums a year. The new wave of Russian hip-hop, Allj is known for mixing hip-hop, pop, and electronic music styles. So, paying tribute to the last two, in 2019, he collaborated with European artists Don Diablo on “UFO” and Era Istrefi on “Sayonara Detka.” Although mainly creating groovy house-style music, lately, he dug into bass boosted hardcore rap, thanks to the influence of MORGENSHTERN during their work on “Cadillac.” As a result, Allj collaborated with MORGEN’s sound producer, Slava Marlow, on his latest single “Wunder King.”
Timati
Timati was one of the first Russian artists to promote his musical style as rap. The old-schooler of the Russian rap scene, Timati, has done an excellent job keeping it afloat, thanks mainly to the magic of collaboration. The artist has collaborated with multiple legends including Snoop Dogg, P. Diddy, Flo Rida, and more. His project “Welcome to St. Tropez” with DJ Antoine went viral in Europe in the early 2010s. Then, he jumped into the nation’s top rapper and producer routine by filling the largest venues and producing for emerging artists.
Timati flexibly navigates among music styles and is open to working with artists of different genres. Check out Timati’s recent collaboration with Gen Z top rapper MORGENSHTERN on a joint project entitled “El Problema.”
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