Maceió hip-hop scene networks: youth, city and affections on the move

Abstract

The article seeks to present a socio-anthropological reflection on the emergence of hip-hop in the capital of Alagoas, perceiving this phenomenon as one of the first artistic manifestations led by young black people, residents of the outskirts in the city of Maceió. More than an artistic production, hip-hop has been consolidating itself as a privileged communication channel for young people to give visibility to their agendas and demands, especially those linked to racial discrimination and the various needs that residents from the outskirts are subject. We start from the hypothesis that the emergence of this youth culture is linked to a set of economic, political, technological and urban transformations that took place in the country’s various capitals, significantly impacting the way these individuals related to their peers. We think about the groups involved in the Maceió hip-hop scene from the perspective of networks, in order to understand how they mobilize their contacts, partnerships and resources to continue the proposed activities. To do this, we look for traces and clues of the efforts made by participants to maintain their connections with people and objects, as well as in on-site observations of the activities carried out by the agents. In addition, we seek to understand the dispositions that engage these young people in the scene from the perspective of affections.