Mohammad Reza Naseri Azad[2] (Persian: محمد رضا ناصری آزاد; Born February 5, 1988) who is known by the Stage nameReza Pishro, is an Iranian rapper, singer, songwriter, composer, and music producer in Persian rap.[3] He started his career in 2001 with the Nickname "Reza 3pac".[4] Pishro has played a significant role in establishing several underground music groups, such as Samet. In 2017, following his arrest and conviction for unauthorized artistic activities, he left Iran. He continued his music career in Istanbul for a period before relocating to Dubai.[5]
Early life
Reza Pishro's early life was marked by significant hardships, including the imprisonment and death of his father and the subsequent separation of his parents. At seven, he was introduced to hip-hop and rap music after receiving a cassette player and several tapes as gifts from his father. These tapes featured legendary artists such as Rakim and Tupac Shakur, sparking his interest in the genre. Inspired by these influences, Pishro began writing rap lyrics from a young age. His first song, never released, was a diss track aimed at his father. His younger brothers, Ali Owj and Omid Ghadar, are also involved in the hip-hop music scene.[3]
Career
Reza Pishro began his informal music career in 1998 and has since released several albums. His work is known for its critical themes addressing social and political issues in Iran, which has garnered significant attention from rap music audiences.[6]
Pishro and his program director, Hamid Nouri, were arrested on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. This arrest was part of a broader crackdown on underground and unauthorized artistic activities in Iran, ultimately leading to Pishro's decision to leave the country.[6][7]
Musical Style and Influence
Reza Pishro was heavily influenced by Tupac Shakur and even adopted the nickname "Threepac" early in his career before eventually changing it. Pishro's career and personal life have been marked by numerous ups and downs, including struggles with drug addiction and the need to leave Iran due to his involvement in underground music activities. Despite these challenges, he has continued his career with a distinctive, aggressive style that sets him apart from other rappers in the Iranian music scene. His style and behavior in his tracks have become his signature, making him a unique figure in Persian rap.[8]
