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

Filed Under: alisoncarney, art, can a sista rock a mic, DJs, freedom of speech, h street, h street NE, hip-hop, Jacarl Melton, music, Music Festival, music videos, new york, phoenix, rock, Roll Hotel, Stones Throw, Stones Throw Records, Street NE, sysmith, W Jacarl Melton, wjacarlmelton,