ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests how ongoing developments in turntablism may in fact alter future gender dynamics among DJs. It examines common North American attitudes about masculinity, femininity, competition, and technology as they bear on the DJ battle. The chapter describes the DJ battle as a "safe space" that allows young men to explore and develop a sense of masculine identity. Yet when compared to DJing, the representation of women among the ranks of laborers and coal miners is positively robust. In any case, the tokenism that women DJs may experience could well have the effect of discouraging their full participation in the battle scene. Hip-hop's sometimes virulent misogyny has been cited as explanation for the near absence of women battlers. Rap lyrics and videos with degrading references and images are plentiful, and may have the effect of tainting the battle scene for some women.
