The politics behind the sound: an analysis of rap music as a political narrative of the black resistance movement

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This article aims to understand a part of the hip hop culture and movement that was once marginalized and stigmatized, thus bringing a special look to young peripheral blacks and the possibility of emanating their voices and recognition. The main objective of the study is to understand rap as a political narrative that strengthens the black resistance movement; this narrative occurs as a political-social challenge. It   strengthens the identity of the black descendant and serves as an expression of the black resistance movement. For this understanding, it was necessary to understand the figure of the narrator, as Walter Benjamin does in The Storyteller (1985), and bibliographic research, in addition to the presentation of some rap songs and poetry for the desired understanding, through a brief analysis of these. Besides, we sought to highlight theoretical perspectives that emphasize Brazilian society and the position of blacks within it. Thus, it was possible to understand the Movement as a new and daring political subject in the everyday public sphere of the periphery; and, rappers (MCs) as urban narrators, whose lyrics demonstrate their experiences in public-political life, daily life, and other forms of manifestation, incentives, and demands. The Movement's art gives young people their valuations and their periphery while carrying information and knowledge in the substitution of physical violence for the power of words and ideas.