Literatura e rap na/da prisão

Abstract

Among the books of literary content about prision released in Brazil in the last decade, there are some that relate to rap music. In these narratives, such as Diário de um detento (2001), by Jocenir, and Sobrevivente André du Rap (2002), by André du Rap, rap appears as an element of identification with the reader. On the other hand, rap groups like Comunidade Carcerária, 509-E and Detentos do Rap have written songs about the experience of detention. Racionais MCs, one of the best Brazilian rap groups, although its members have never been arrested, have important songs on the subject, like “Diário de um detento” (1997), a narrative about the terrible historic event known as “Massacre do Carandiru” (1992). This article analyses literary texts and rap songs where jail, crime and rap music itself are elements of formal construction and literary strategy of attracting cultivated readers and a more general public that is intended to be achieved.