Batalha do Mercado: Improvised Conflicts in a Rhyme Battle

Abstract

This article presents theoretical analyses about the main features of “Batalha do Mercado”, a rhyme battle led by MC’s in Porto Alegre (RS), southern Brazil. Created in 2012, the competition is a gathering of singers and fans of freestyle rap. Based on ethnographic experience, the text describes the sequence of events that happen in one of the battle editions, trying to think about concepts that immerge during these competitions. One of the perspectives led us to understand the opposition between improvisation and copy, central categories of this music genre. We also intend to highlight the performative quality of these songs, which are essential for the production of conflicts and social hierarchies in Porto Alegre rap.