International Spotlight: Timati

In the United States, there are many genres that cross overseas and influence the way people of different nations listen to music. If there is one genre that still tends to fascinate in a global fashion, it would indeed be Hip Hop & Rap. Having arisen in the late 1970’s & early 80s in the streets of New York, Old School rap would have a profound effect globally for many decades to come.

This effect would carry over to nations that would feel the same way as the rappers of the United States. They would identify with the street culture that was being reflected within their own communities. They would see in the music, similarities in their own lives such as, street violence, poverty, and other social dilemmas occurring. They would also feel attached to the feel of the music, with its smooth beats and flow that would also attract a large base not only here, but all over. One area in the world that seems to identify almost exactly to these issues within rap is that of Eastern Europe.

With the fall of the Soviet Empire in the late 80s/early 90s, this allowed former Eastern Bloc countries and the Russian Federation to hear music that was once scarce. It was also at a time when the United States happened to see a rise in the popularity of Gangster Rap. Gangster Rap was something that easily coincided with the lives of inner-city Americans as well as those in war torn countries. Both had witnessed violence within the streets, clashes with police, illegal dealings, as well as death. It was no wonder that the Eastern Bloc would embrace this genre, and make it a part of their own culture as well.One such artist that embraced this hip hop culture/genre was that of Russian national, Timur Ildarovich Yunusov.

Born August 15th, 1983, in Moscow, Soviet Union, Yunusov was born to not a typical Russian family. As a child he acquired the nickname, Timati, which would eventually stick. His father was ethnically Turkish, or Tartar, and his mother was of Jewish descent. Being of ethnic descent, one could not help but think that he had the upbringing similar to those who are ethnic within the United States, despite being from a wealthy family. In pre & post-Soviet Russia, it was also imaginable the ‘street’ mentality influences that may have arose as well. The fall of the Soviet Union would impact all under its control, therefore with the introduction to more mainstream global music, of course Hip Hop & Rap would start to take center stage here.

However, Timati would not live completely in Russia. He would later move to the Los Angeles area for a period of five years. It was more than likely here, he would have the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the genre of Hip Hop & Rap. After all, the west coast was home to some of the most talented groups and artists such as N.W.A., home of Death Row Records, Tupac Shakur, & Snoop Dogg (who he would later work with).

When it was time for Timati to make his own music he did by creating songs with the rap group Banda (Meaning Gang In English). They would release many songs and eventually become successful, bringing Timati’s name critical acclaim:


However, Music would not only be Timati’s passion. He would eventually be featured in the Russian film, ‘Heat’, in 2006. The film would become a hit in the dollars & cents portion, however it would lack critical acclaim and go on so far t be called one of the worst films to be made in 2006. It was once again time for Timati to make music.


That same year, he would release the album ‘Black Star’. Created under his own label with the same name, the album would prove ultimately popular in and outside of Russia. One song from the album, ‘My Way’, as well as others would gather the attention of other rappers around the world as well:


From this, Timati’s influence around the globe would reach far. In the United Kingdom, he would begin to work with producer, Michael David. This would allow him to collaborate with american artists such as Fat Joe, Mario Winans and the legendary Snoop Dogg. In 2009, his upcoming album ‘The Boss’ will be released, featuring such tracks that have already generated much buzz, globally.

Be on the lookout for a crossover, this artist has what it takes to make it on this side of the globe.