The depictions and roles of women in hip-hop debate has raged on and off for several years now with varying degrees of depth. Most of the arguments posit that the relationship between women and hip-hop isn’t positive by using lyrical content and music videos by male artists as exhibits A and B. After the requisite freedom of speech assertions made during the rebuttal, the talk dies down again and the status quo remains. Often lacking in the discussion is any mention of female artists, their art, or their opinions. Starting today and going through Sunday, the 3rd annual Can A Sista Rock A Mic? Music Festival will serve as a platform for some of the most talented female rappers, singers, DJs, and thinkers from D.C. and beyond to remind everyone they shouldn’t be overlooked. Keep reading for our picks of the festival's best offerings.

TODAY:
“Beauty and the Beat”
Billed as the first battle of female beatmakers in D.C., producers Ms. Trisbeats, Diverse, Trakslaya, and Pri the Honeydark will compete with assistance from D.C.-based emcees EmoniFela, Emperess, Lioness, and Her Rhawness as well as New York’s Nemiss.
If that wasn’t enough, the show will also feature rap veteran Bahamadia along with Stones Throw Records’ Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley Perkins. The Polyrhythm Addicts’ Tiye Phoenix will be hosting.

Rock & Roll Hotel
1353 H Street NE
Doors at 7 p.m.
$12

THURSDAY:
“The Remedy Lounge”
DJs Earth1ne and Fusion are on the 1s and 2s for this relaxed gathering.

Cue Bar
1115 U Street NW
Doors at 7 p.m.
Donations accepted

FRIDAY:
“Blend”
D.C.’s Alison Carney and Yahzarah/Purple St. James as well as Carol Riddick (Philly) and Sy Smith (L.A.), showcase their vocal talents, of which they have plenty. Yahzarah came onto the scene as a background singer for Erykah Badu and eventually recorded two solo albums. She began working with Little Brother while attending North Carolina Central University which led her to be featured prominently on The Foreign Exchange's track "Sincere". While Smith has realeased two albums, Psykosoul and Syberspace Social, they've mainly been available as imports from Japan. American audiences might recognize her as a back-up singer from the most recent season of "American Idol". Regardless, more people should take notice because all four help upgrade vocal side of hip-hop.

Republic Gardens
1355 U Street NW
Doors at 7 p.m.
$12/$15

SATURDAY:
“Where My Girls At?: Women’s Voices In Hip-Hop Panel Discussion”
The panel will explore issues confronting women in hip-hop today, most notably commercialism. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Maya Rockeymoore and feature Sofia Quintero, Yvonne Bynoe, Bassey Ikpi, and EmoniFela Wilkins.

Public Access Corporation of DC (DCTV)
Studio A
901 Newton Street NE
12 p.m.-2 p.m.
Limited seating. RSVP to shyree@bgirlmanifesto.com

“Women Speak!: Making a Difference and Counteracting the Dominant Representations in the Entertainment Industry”
The panel will discuss how women in the entertainment industry can work to improve mass media. The moderator will be Shani Jamila of 89.3 WPFW. Panel members will include Syieda Penn, DJ Soyo, Yahzarah/Purple St. James, Tracy Press, Ritza Yana, Risikat Okedeyi, Mia Ferguson, and Rachel Newman.

Public Access Corporation of DC (DCTV)
Brooks Room
901 Newton Street NE
12 p.m.-2 p.m.
Limited seating. RSVP to shyree@bgirlmanifesto.com

“Summer LoveFest”
An afternoon and evening of arts featuring DJs Frances Jaye and Earth1ne in addition to L'Renee, Stephanie McKay, Green Tea, and Salakida.

McKay caught the attention of folks with the DJ Spinna produced remix to "Tell It Like It Is". On a song that could've just been a rant on social ills, she was able to detail her frustrations in a story form that helped listeners see things through her eyes with the hopes we'll all work to right the wrongs. Like many of the festival's singers, McKay is someone that the masses haven't heard from yet but that doesn't mean she's less worthy of appreciation than bigger name artists.

Arts Alley
8030 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring
4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Donations Accepted

SUNDAY:
“The Grand Finale”
The close-out event is also an album release party for D.C. soul singer AFI [ah-FEE]. Additionally, Seattle’s Choklate will perform. Last but not least, MC Lyte will close out the festival with a show backed by a DJ and a band.

MC Lyte really doesn't need any introduction. As one of the first female MCs to really be taken seriously by males in the business, she's been putting in work for 20 years and has expanded into acting. Songs like "Paper Thin" and "10% Dis" are must-haves for hip-hop heads. If anyone is the personification of what this festival is all about, MC Lyte would be that woman.

Zanzibar on the Waterfront
700 Water Street SW
Doors at 6 p.m.
$25/$30

Photo taken from "Can A Sista Rock A Mic?" Myspace site.