Spontaneous and almost instantly cut off a lot of money, show business in Russia since the beginning of the 90s has been under the very strict control of criminal structures. Rumor has it that organized crime often didn’t even give national stars a choice. They were simply told who and how many needed to be “detached”. And those who disagreed, at best, could be kicked out of show business. The others had to adapt to “slave” working conditions.
But even in these troubled times, some artists not only managed to make a place for themselves under the sun, but were almost their own.
Michael Krug
The legendary songwriter performed not only songs of “thieves”, but, as they say, he personally knew many “respectable” people from the world of crime. There were even rumors that he was one of them. His work was appreciated and was close to the participants of criminal structures.
Photo: 360tv.ru
Joseph Kobzon
But even the Americans considered the famous Joseph Kobzon a member of the “Russian mafia”, during the singer’s lifetime he was even forbidden to enter the United States.
Many media wrote about Kobzon’s close ties to crime, about the personal acquaintances of Soviet and Russian pop stars with such famous robbers as Vyacheslav Ivankov and Yaponchik. The singer himself denied all these accusations of participation in mafia structures. He did not hide the fact that he communicated with “Jap” – but only on personal matters, and not on shady business plans.
Photo: press service of Grigory Leps
Grigori Leps
The fact that a famous artist took his first steps to fame, performing in Sochi restaurants will not surprise anyone. Many current show business stars started small. However, later the media heavily walked on the person of Leps, firmly linking his name with the world of crime. Apparently, in the dashing 90s, he gave secret concerts for the criminal authorities and, in general, was closely associated with a number of well-known personalities in a narrow circle.
Of course, these publications can hardly be called evidence. Also, crime in the 90s in show business dominated the ball. And if you are invited to sing in front of serious guys, it is an offer that it was dangerous to refuse.
Photo: Instagram *(belongs to an organization recognized as extremist in the Russian Federation since March 21, 2022 and banned in the territory of the Russian Federation)
Bogdan Titomir
Well-known in the same dashing 90s, Russian singer and father of domestic rap Bogdan Titomir arrived in due time to conquer Moscow. He lived in the Orekhovo district, where one of the most notorious Russian organized crime groups, Orekhovskiye, originated.
Much has been written and said about Titomir’s ties to crime. And the same thing seems unproven. But here is a curious moment: once expensive musical equipment was stolen from a rapper, and, as they say, it was Orekhovsky’s guys who helped him find it and return it.
Merited artist of the RSFSR Alla Borisovna Pugacheva performing a new song on the set of the New Year’s TV show Blue Light.
Photo source: Sozinov Vitaly/TASS
Alla Pugacheva
There are even fewer facts about the Prima Donna’s ties to the Russian mafia. However, rumors about it have always revolved around his name. And they were built primarily on the fact that in the dashing 90s many artists lived quite badly. And Pugacheva was not only at the height of glory, but also earned a lot of money. And, allegedly, without a serious “roof” to do this, it was unrealistic. At least at this time.
However, for obvious reasons, no “authoritative” name was called. Yourself, as they say, is more expensive. As for the Primadonna herself, no phrase came from her lips that she knew someone from the world of great crime. And according to millions of his fans, the mafia had nothing to do with it. All the strength of the singer lies in her undeniable talent.
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