The Hip-Hop world unites against Iran

In response to the news that Iran has made rap illegal, Koch Records founder Michael Koch has announced that a benefit single will be recorded featuring the Koch stable of stars.

The track, entitled “Iran (So Far Away),” will feature a sample of the Flock of Seagulls classic “I Ran (So Far Away),” and was produced by The GZA and Wyclef Jean. Said to be appearing on the single are Wyclef, Sean Kingston, KRS-One, Talib Kweli, Scarface, Slim Thug, Cam’ron, Xzibit, and Jim Jones. The song will also feature a previously unreleased verse by 2Pac.

All proceeds from the sale of the single will go towards releasing and promoting Iranian rap albums stateside, in hopes that the popularity of albums by such acts as Feroo, Deev, and Hich Kas will force Iran to rethink its stance on hip-hop.

Said Koch Records founder Michael Koch :

“Iranian hip-hop artists are creating some of the most forward-thinking and politically charged music in the world right now, and Iran has overstepped its bounds in silencing these voices.”

When reached for comment, Iranian rapper Hich Kas said he was “flattered” and “just wanted to be heard.”

The single will be available at iTunes on December 20th, in concurrence with Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Festival of Sacrifice.

More as this develops… [ms]