scratch

A buddy of mine put me on this DVD called "Scratch". This is a definitive documentary on the hiphop DJ. Loved the interviews with old school legends Afrika Bambaataa and Grand Wizard Theodore. Their stories take you back to the raw essence, expressing that their motivation lied within their love of the art form and a sense of ownership of their creations. Their innovations controlled the party and the music. Things changed when rap moved from its origins in the Bronx and its downtown evolution to the record company. This pushed the emcee to the forefront. While some DJs maintained their relevance during the mainstreaming of rap, others sought to create their lane, evolving into battle DJs and turntablists. As the DJ became phased out of commercial rap, dj competitions, battle tournaments and mixtapes became the driving force behind the artform. It was interesting that many of the DJs cited Herbie Hancock's Rockit (with DXT on the turntables) as their introduction to turntablism. Its a truly compelling history which also examines their techniques and vinyl cratedigging. Its a shame that many DJs today rely on their laptops. The last hiphop concert that I attended had a DJ as an opening act. He spent the majority of the time peering into his laptop and half-heartedly scratching along to a premixed track. Pretty lame and not entertaining at all.










Filipinos were well represented as the film explored the Bay area and Daly City. Great interviews with Babu of Dilated Peoples and the legendary DJ Q-bert. At one point, Babu talks about how Filipino Americans didn't have too many role models. No athletes or actors. Just our parents and Q-bert.