Their experience in Hip Hop

an analysis of communication and resistance in the Santa Bárbara’s Sound Battle

Abstract

Considering that Hip Hop culture serves as a tool for communication and resistance against various social oppressions, this study aims to identify the presence and participation of women in the Santa Bárbara Sound Battle—a rap battle located in Sorocaba, SP—and to analyze the discourses that articulate women's experiences within the movement. To this end, it employs the theory of Folkommunication to understand urban popular culture as a communication mechanism and utilizes ethnography of the city as a methodology for the collection and interpretation of data gathered through field research. The findings indicate that women's participation in the Sound Battle remains limited. Although it is presented as a respectful event regarding women's involvement, the data demonstrate that, in general, the format of the battles inhibits female participation, as they are, by nature, hostile environments. Furthermore, the collected information reveals minimal male engagement when the topics pertain to deeper issues, particularly in relation to women's experiences in society. Conversely, albeit limited, female participation strengthens the inclusion of other women who also recognize themselves as subjects of resistance.