We'll be introducing a variety of past and more recent documentaries about DJ culture. This time we're taking a look into one of the best movies on the origins of DJ techniques and hip-hop DJ culture in general - SCRATCH.
The movie was released back in 2001, directed by Doug Pray, an American documentary film director, cinematographer, and editor who mostly explores unique subcultures in his films. As the name implies, the focus is on turntablism. But the 90-minute doco takes you from 1970s South Bronx to modern San Fransisco, through the evolution of hip-hop elaborating thereby how the hip-hop DJ came into being. When the early DJs began messing around with the turntables, a whole new world began to emerge. The DJs have been all important in how we hear, play and create music. They’ve not only invented scratching and beat-juggling vinyl, but also inspired break dancing and rap. Starting with Grand Wizard Theodore explaining how he came to scratching in the first place, theres several DJs and artists explaining their connection and personal anecdotes throughout the film.
Watch the full-length documentary right here!