June 10, 2025

Sanctions after the Bra Storm?


Sanctions after the Bra Storm?
American rapper Tyga performing. Frank Schwichtenberg, Wikimedia Commons.

Russia's arenas have been devoid of American and Western artists since the country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched in 2022. Despite sanctions and boycotts, U.S. rapper Tyga returned to a Moscow stage as "bras were flying in the air."

In February 2022, after the Kremlin began its assault on Kiev, touring giants such as Live Nation pulled out of Russia, and concerts were cancelled. Russians have travelled abroad to see Western artists' concerts. But this time, they got a taste of American music at home.

On May 31, Tyga, whose legal name is Michael Ray Nguyen-Stevenson, and who is Kylie Jenner's ex-boyfriend, performed at the Russian capital's CSKA Arena. The Bashkir band AY YOLA and rappers Jakone and Macan opened for the California artist. Tyga failed to fill the venue's capacity of 14,000. 

Tyga sung his old hits and newer songs. The publication Lenta said concert attendees spanned "from youth to those who already have grandchildren." Bras flew towards the performer and he "happily twirled [them as] trophies" from the 360 degree stage. Tyga said, "I appreciate Russia, everyone has shown me a lot of love here."

After his private jet landed in Vnukovo Airport, the rapper refused to talk to reporters, claiming he did not have enough strength. However, insiders told the press that Tyga immediately had dinner at the upscale Radisson Hotel. Soon after, he headed to the strip club Secret Room on Rochdelskaya Street. Other club patrons were forbidden from recording the rapper during his visit.

Tyga said he is not afraid of U.S. sanctions after his visit to Russia. The US government has so far not commented on the rapper's visit to Moscow.

You Might Also Like

Artists in Custody
  • March 25, 2025

Artists in Custody

Russia currently has 42 "cultural" figures who are political prisoners and another 176 on their way to becoming the same.
The Music of War
  • October 30, 2024

The Music of War

Russian military ensembles glorify war and profit from it.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955