Education as a repertoire in Rio de Janeiro's rap scene

Abstract

In this text, it is argued that the concept of “education” is a key element in the repertoire of action of rap music/hip-hop culture collectives in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. The observation of rhyme circles and participation in events organized by Movimento Enraizados and Batalha do Conhecimento pointed to the centrality of this concept, which is at times associated with the idea of adequate school education, especially in the case of RapLab, a project developed in partnership with schools. It is argued that the concept of education is mobilized not only as a mechanism of cultural formation considered necessary for those who adhere to the style, but also as a repertoire, according to the definition proposed by sociologist Charles Tilly. As a repertoire, the concept of education signals its relevance within the social contexts in which these collectives are embedded. At the same time, the concept endows the cultural practices developed by them with a political tone due to the semantic weight it carries in society, historically associated with struggles for rights and citizenship in recent Brazilian history.