| Erfan (عِرفان) | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Erfan Hajrasuliha |
| Born | August 3, 1983 Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran |
| Origin | Isfahan, Tehran, Irvine |
| Genres | Hip hop, Iranian hip hop |
| Occupations | Rapper, songwriter, singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | M4/Avang Music, Paydar |
| Website | poeterfan.com |
Erfan Hajrasuliha, better known as Erfan (عِرفان), is an Iranian rapper and producer.[1] His views are a result of his personal experiences and that is reflected in his poems.[2] His songs provide a mixture of commentary on daily life as well politics, poetry and social issues.[3][4]
Contents |
Erfan was born in Isfahan, Iran, on August 3, 1983,[5] where he lived with his parents. He moved to Irvine, California when he was 16 years old. He explains in his interview with Iranian TV that he has moved back and forth between Iran and the United states a few times.
Erfan took poetry and writing as a hobby at a young age. While attending school, he started working with local artists. He later gained fame by producing a single called "Shosteshoo" ( to wash or cleanse) which added a poetic touch to the up and coming Iranian hip-hop scene followed by the song called "Sad Ghasam" (100 Oaths).
He released his debut album Az Khaneh ta Goor (From the Cradle to the Grave) in 2007.[6] Erfan’s focus on his first album was to introduce Iranian Hiphop to a wider audience and detail some of his frustrations with Iranian music. The album was named after a poem by Molaana Rumi about death. The album encompasses some of his thoughts as a travelling immigrant from his home country Iran.[7] On September 1st, 2011 Erfan released the single, 'Donya Male Maast" Featuring Sami Beigi. The single was written by Erfan and produced by Tag Team Music. Music video was directed by Ali Zamani and Babak Vousoughi. [8]
On July 24, 2007, Erfan released his first album. Earlier events had provided inspiration for Erfan's first Album.[9] Erfan was briefly arrested and jailed in 2002.[10] by American authorities after the September 11, 2001 attacks and on issues related to immigration registration of Iranians[11] Erfan's struggles and faith is apparent in many of his songs, such as "Sad Ghasam," which became a popular song early on. The song was featured on Erfan's debut album, Az Khaneh Ta Goor (From the Cradle to the Grave), which was released on M4/Avang Music and went on to get good reviews.[12]
On September 16, 2010 Erfan released "Hamishegi" and this album is for sale now.
Erfan has said that "many old school/new school musicians and many old school/new school Iranian poets " have influenced him in his style,.[13] In his interview with Radio Javan he names some of his influences as traditional Iranian poets such as Omar Khayyam, Hafez and Saddi Shirazi and more recent Iranian poets such as Sohrab Sepehri and Parvin E'tesami. He also mentions traditional Iranian music and names popular Iranian singers Dariush and Googoosh as well as American rappers Tupac Shakur, Nas and Mos Def.[14]
Erfan frequently writes and records on social issues. In 2007, he collaborated on a PSA (Public Service Announcement) for PACI (Persian American Cancer Institute).[15] In July 2009, following the Post 2009 election events in Iran,he released a song called Tasmim (Decision) about the events of the election in which he expressed sorrow, frustration, and a request for the movement to continue.[16] He continued supporting the Green Movement of Iran on his facebook page.[17] He also gave out songs like "In Khak" for the movement. [18] In 2008, Erfan was featured on the IRIB documentary "Shock".