Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the government to “take charge” of rap music after a number of concerts were cancelled across the country.
Efforts to ban rap were “impossible” and so the state should play a greater role in controlling it, he said.
The Ministry of Culture would find the best way to “navigate” youth concerts, he added.
His comments come after Russian rapper Husky was arrested after several of his concerts were cancelled.
In December, authorities in the southern city of Krasnodar called off his planned performance for “extremism”.
The musician – real name Dmitry Kuznetsov – was then jailed for 12 days after performing for fans on the roof of a car.
Speaking at a meeting of the presidential Council for Culture and Art in St Petersburg, President Putin said the problem should be approached “with great caution”.
“However, what I really agree with is that if it is impossible to stop it, it should be taken over and navigated in a particular way,” he said.
The president expressed particular concern about drug abuse among young people.
“Rap and other modern [forms of art] are rested upon three pillars – sex, drugs and protest,” he said. “I am most worried about drugs. This is the way towards the degradation of a nation.”
