Hip hop culture: Batalha dos Bombeiros – among claims and rhymes

Abstract

This paper describes the results obtained through an ethnographic research experience entitled “Batalha dos Bombeiros: hip hop cultural elements as a sociopolitical resistance tool”. The Batalha dos Bombeiros was analyzed in this investigation, a hip hop culture event in Santa Maria/RS, it is considered a sociopolitical claim and representation space. The goal was understanding how and which practices assist in character construction of a sociopolitical resistance in hip hop culture in the Batalha dos Bombeiros. Ethnography was used as methodology and individual interview in depth was the methodological procedure utilized. The observation data used dates from the year of 2014 in five consecutive months. Seven Young adults were interviewed, among them were Batalha dos Bombeiros organizers, hip hop culture members and event spectators. The investigation reveals Batalha dos Bombeiros as a multiple meaning scenario, in other words, the square were cultural practices are developed is constituted as a symbol of the resistance were young adults from the suburbs use cultural expression and public space appropriation, manifesting social struggles and claim better living conditions. Therefore, the Batalha dos Bombeiros is a political and experiences articulation space, a legitimate sociopolitical resistance space.

Keywords: Culture. Hip Hop. Periphery. Resistance. Space