PORT publishes a book on rap music and hip hop culture to support Ipoh’s UNESCO City of Music status and Perak’s creative economy goals.
IPOH: The People Of Remarkable Talents (PORT) initiative continues to strengthen the state’s creative industry with the publication of the book Ritma Atas Puisi: Muzik Rap dan Budaya Hip Hop (Rhythm Upon Poetry: Rap Music and Hip Hop Culture).
The volume compiles research findings and academic discourse on the development of music and hip hop culture in Malaysia.
PORT board member Mohamad Hamidi Baharuddin said the publication is a key resource for educators, students, policymakers, and practitioners, aimed at expanding local arts documentation.
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He said the book compiles papers from last year’s Ipoh Music Symposium, showcasing PORT’s ongoing work in music research, documentation, and publishing.
“This initiative aligns with the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030, which emphasises human development, creative economy and the sustainable strengthening of the state’s cultural identity.
“The hip hop culture discussed in this book is an artistic phenomenon that transcends disciplines, encompassing music, dance, visual arts, film and fashion, which reflect the dynamic creativity of the younger generation,” he said during the book launch here today.
Mohamad Hamidi pointed out that the book also contributes to maintaining Ipoh’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Music, which requires sustained support in terms of documentation, data and research.
“PORT is driving key state initiatives, such as the Perak Creative Fund, Perak Music Archive, Ipoh Music Symposium, and Portcast, to build a more structured and competitive arts ecosystem.
“PORT is also developing the Perak Creative Arts Database System to compile information on creative practitioners across various disciplines. It is expected to be launched by the Perak Menteri Besar in the near future,” he said.
He said the database will be crucial for planning policy, allocating support and mapping the creative industry’s potential, all essential to making Perak a viable local and international creative hub. – Bernama
