Azerbaijan is a former Soviet Republic in Western Asia, bordering Armenia, Georgia, Russia, the Caspian Sea, and Iran. The Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, separated from the rest of Azerbaijan, also borders Iran. Hip Hop has a strong foundation in Azerbaijani culture. Meykhana is an ancient form of Azeri free-style rap, where one person recites 4 or 5 stanzas and then another person picks it up, keeping the beat. It can sometimes last for hours. Here's an article explaining further: Meykhana: Azerbaijan's Own Ancient Version of Rap Reappears. Emcees rap in Azerbaijani.

Dayirman (Myspace page), "The Mill" in English, were the first to popularize modern Azeri Rap. Here are a couple of articles about the group: Dayirman - Rap Music For A New Generation and Dayirman: Combining Rap, Tradition, and Frustration in Azerbaijan. Dayirman's lyrics focus on patriotism and describing the realities of life in Azerbaijan.

Elshad Hose (or Elshad Xose) is another emcee. Anar Nagilbaz is another. The Caspian Crew are also Hip Hop artists from Azerbaijan.

other sites:

Wikipedia's site on Azerbaijani Hip Hop (here) has a list of artists.

AZBBOYS - Azeri Hip Hop Resource

Dayirman: A Tribute

videos:

Dayirman - Narko, 25%, Cibde Varsa Pul with Elnare.

Elshad Xose - Ordan Burdan, Cunki Gencsen with Elnare, Uzaqlara with Elnare, Aglaya Aglaya.

Caspian Clan - Cherep - Qardaslar