Kasta

Russian rap group from Rostov-on-Don, formed on November 20, 1999, based on the collective "Psycholyric," which included Vlady (Vladislav Leshkevich), Shym (Mikhail Epifanov), and Hamil (Andrey Pachesny). In 2006, Zmey (Anton Mishenin) joined the group. The band became known for its unique style, combining elements of hip-hop, hardcore rap, and political hip-hop. In 2002, they released their debut album "Louder Than Water, Higher Than Grass," which received critical acclaim and sold over 500,000 copies. Subsequent albums included "Truth to the Eyes" (2008), "Four-Headed Roars" (2017), "Understandable About the Flaw" (2019), "Octopus Ink" (2020), "Albumba" (2021), and "New Foreign Rap Releases" (2024). Group members also pursued solo projects: Vlady released albums "What Should We Do in Greece" (2002), "Clear!" (2012), "Unbelievable" (2015), "Another Word" (2019), and "February Lasts" (2022); Hamil released "Phoenix" (2004); Hamil and Zmey jointly released "HZ" (2010). The group received numerous awards, including the Grand Prix "Rap Music 99," MTV Russian Music Awards 2004 for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Project, Muz-TV Awards 2006, and others. In 2022, the group members publicly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, after which they emigrated from Russia. Their concerts in the country were canceled, and Vlady was included in the list of "foreign agents." Despite this, the group continues to actively perform abroad, participating in anti-war events and releasing new music that reflects their civic stance and protest against the war.