Matrang — the stage name of Russian musician, singer, and rapper Alan Arkadievich Khadzaragov (born April 20, 1995, Vladikavkaz). He is known for his unique style that blends pop, rap, hip-house, and atmospheric melodies. His track “Meduza” earned him widespread recognition across the Russian-speaking music scene.
Origin and Early Life
Alan Khadzaragov was born and raised in Vladikavkaz in a family where his mother was a teacher and his father a doctor (who had played in a rock band in his youth). From childhood, he showed interest in music, singing, theater, and art. At the age of seven, he became a soloist in the choir “Arion”, performing at competitions and touring with the group.
During his school years, Alan was fond of literature, poetry, and drawing, experimenting with his vocal style. He later enrolled in a design program but soon left to fully devote himself to music, moving to Moscow where he began performing under the pseudonym Matrang (which reportedly means “moon” in Vietnamese).
Musical Breakthrough and Career
Before adopting the name Matrang, he released music under the alias Don ShaL. His major breakthrough came in 2017–2018 with the release of the song “Meduza”, which became a viral hit among young audiences and propelled him into national fame. The track led to a contract with the Gazgolder label and established him among the country’s prominent artists.
Following “Meduza,” Matrang released several other tracks including “Voda,” “Privet,” “Ot luny do Marsa,” and “Neprosto byt soboy.” Over time, he experimented with different genres, merging hip-hop, pop, and hip-house, creating a signature sound often described as “melancholic pop-rap.”
Style and Musical Features
Matrang’s music places melody and atmosphere at its core. His style is characterized by:
- Emotional, minimalist melodies;
- A fusion of hip-hop, rap, pop vocals, and electronic textures;
- Lyrics exploring solitude, self-reflection, and emotional struggle;
- Frequent lunar and cosmic symbolism, which has become his artistic signature.
On stage, Matrang typically maintains a calm, introspective demeanor, preferring to let his music speak for itself.
Discography and Key Releases
Albums:
- Planeta Luna (2015)
- Krasnaya Luna (2017)
- EYA (2018)
- DA (2019)
- TRI (2020)
Notable Tracks and Singles:
- Meduza — the breakout hit that brought him nationwide fame
- Voda
- Privet
- Ot luny do Marsa
- So mnoy, Krug, Neprosto byt soboy
- Ruki na ruke
- Legato and other recent works
Challenges, Statements, and Personal Life
In January 2024, Matrang publicly stated that he had been attacked and threatened in North Ossetia. According to his account, he was taken into the woods, beaten, and intimidated. He later revealed that he was abroad and planned to step away from public life temporarily. In February 2024, he returned to Russia and entered a rehabilitation center, as confirmed by close associates.
These events added a dramatic dimension to his image — an artist struggling not only with inner turmoil but also external conflict.
Significance and Legacy
Matrang is among the few Russian artists who built a distinctive musical identity based on sincerity and emotion rather than commercial formulas.
He inspired a new wave of young performers, proving that it’s possible to be “off-format” and still achieve recognition. His hit “Meduza” remains the defining anthem of his career, and his name continues to represent a key figure in the evolution of modern Russian pop-rap and melodic music.
