World renowned Anthony Bourdain’s popular show Parts Unknown will cover Armenia in this Sunday’s episode on CNN and reached out to Nazo Bravo for the accompanying music article. Here’s a snippet:

Los Angeles–based rapper Nazo Bravo, whose parents were born in Armenia, traveled to his parents’ homeland in 2014 to collaborate with the biggest name in Armenia’s hip-hop scene: Narek Mets Hayk (given name: Narek Petrosyan.) Though they rap in different languages, they ask a similar question: What is happening to Armenia?

The song “No Lie” is a commentary on the decay of a once respectful and orderly society. It brings the taboo issues of prostitution, mafia, and the political system to light.

 

[Nazo Bravo]

Flew 7,000 miles to watch my people’s pain and struggles with my own eyes

It’s Third World—that hooker used to be a pure girl

Making money then you get attacked, mafia style

If you don’t pay up, pick your spot in the ground

Fake leaders say a prayer but in disguise for the devil

 

[Narek Mets Hayq]

Open your eyes, I’ve been speaking of these problems for years

There’s no respect, there’s no work

People are wandering trying to find their luck in the streets

How can this be the face of a nation?

 

Social progress is “the essence of my music,” says Bravo, also an actor. “Rap is a language of pain, and true hip-hop doesn’t shy away from controversial topics.”

Read the full article here – https://explorepartsunknown.com/armenia/armenian-music-armenian-pride/.