Putin cracks down on hip-hop in Russia: It's all about 'sex, drugs & protest'

Over the past several months, dozens of rap shows have been canceled by authorities, and russian president Vladimir Putin, who has been known to breakdance, hosted a roundtable on the discussion where he recognized the power of the genre. "If it is impossible to stop, then we must lead it and direct it," Putin reportedly said during a parliamentary cabinet meeting in St. Petersburg to strategize around the issue. According to Putin, "rap is based on three pillars: sex, drugs and protest" but he issued a stern warning against drug-themed rap, which could lead to the "degradation of the nation." So Russia is reportedly offering grants to rappers to "help" them promote their careers. All Hip Hop...