RAP and Identity: portraits of a plural or excluding Portugal?

Abstract

This article analyzes rap music as a form of cultural expression that represents daily life and portraits of
a plural Portuguese society. It briefly addresses the emergence of hip hop in Portugal, the context and
the reasons that gave rise to it and justifies its practice nowadays. It seeks to identify cultural traits and
identity references that distinguish and characterize Portuguese rap, searching for evidences that contradicts and problematizes notions that foster the belief in a homogeneous, concerted and static
Portuguese national culture and identity. To this end, reference is made to the bibliography that addresses these subjects, presenting, as well, analysis of excerpts of song lyrics (content) and of the imagery used in some video clips, relating them to the current context and the everyday life experienced by minorities and “racialized” groups of people in Portugal.