# Meykhana — Genre 🇦🇿

> Azerbaijani improvised poetic battle / freestyle. Pre-rap tradition. Spoken word over rhythm.

## Defining elements

- Improvised poetic verses
- Comedic + social commentary
- Battle format (multiple performers competing)
- Rhythmic spoken delivery (proto-rap)
- Often unaccompanied or simple percussion
- Quick wit + clever wordplay

## What makes it unique

Meykhana is essentially Azerbaijani **freestyle rap before rap was invented**. Performers improvise verses on the spot, often in competition. Direct ancestor of modern Azerbaijani hip-hop.

## Performance format

### Solo meykhana
- One performer
- Improvised verses on chosen topic
- Audience reactions

### Battle meykhana
- 2-4 performers
- Trade verses
- Topic chosen
- Audience judges

## Typical accompaniment

- A cappella (most traditional)
- Daf or simple percussion
- Sometimes folk instruments
- Modern: drum machine fusion possible

## Vocal / delivery style

- Rapid-fire delivery
- Strong rhythm
- Rhyme-heavy
- Comedic timing
- Direct audience engagement
- Shouted / proclaimed

## Lyrics direction

- Social commentary
- Comedy / satire
- Personal stories
- Topical issues
- Specific local references
- Insults (battle context)
- Political (within limits)

## Famous meykhana performers

- **Vüqar Biləcərili** — modern meykhana master
- **Reşad Dağlı** — modern
- **Mənzərə (group)** — contemporary
- Various traditional masters

## For Suno

```
[Style: traditional meykhana, 130 BPM (rhythmic spoken), free key (rhythm-
focused not melodic), daf percussion + occasional folk instruments, male 
vocals in rapid Azerbaijani spoken style with strong rhythm and rhyme, 
comedic and improvisational feel]
```

For modern fusion:
```
[Style: meykhana-rap fusion, 90 BPM, A minor, drum machine + 808 bass + 
daf percussion + male rapid Azerbaijani spoken vocals in meykhana style 
with hip-hop production, modern interpretation of traditional form]
```

## Connection to modern Azerbaijani hip-hop

Modern Azerbaijani rappers (HOST group, Miri Yusif) draw from meykhana tradition:
- Rapid delivery
- Wordplay focus
- Social commentary
- Comedy + serious mix
- Cultural specificity

## Avoid

- Singing (meykhana is spoken)
- Slow tempo
- Western chord progressions
- Generic rap (must have meykhana feel)
- Polished production (raw is better)
