Azerbaijani pop singer and songwriter Emin Agalarov (better known simply as Emin) occupies an unusual place in the cultural lexicon of his home country. An international hit-maker who was born into a fortune and became an accomplished businessman on his own, to call him a Renaissance Man would sell him short. There is, of course, also the minor detail of his marriage to the daughter of the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

"It does complicate things in the sense that I'm doing an interview right now, and there are things that might not go in line with the presidential family being a presidential family," he admits. "Having in their family someone who sings is a bit strange right?"

To say the least! Asked if his father-in-law disapproves of Emin's career choices, he said, "No, nobody disapproves, but it's strange. Think about if President Obama's daughter married an equivalent of me in America, who would that be? Jay-Z or someone. Would that be weird? Approve or disapprove wouldn't be a question, that would be weird!"

You would think no expense would be spared on security for Emin's presidential connections, but he tells it differently.

"I'm alone. In Moscow I have security, not because I'm married to the daughter of a president, but for other reasons. In Baku [capital city of Azerbaijan] I'm actually alone; I don't have any security. It's a safe place."

To read our full interview with Emin, including details of his friendship with Donald Trump, performing at the Sochi Olympics, his musical upbringing, first public performance and identity as an artist, pick up the latest issue of Hot Press on newsstands now!

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