Dutch touch
Dutch Touch is a fast-paced musical documentary about the Dutch hip-hop culture, seen through the eyes of the commercially successful rappers Brainpower, the (by choice) underground operating rapper Duvel and the rising star Jay Collin. Through the streets of Southeast Amsterdam, past Rotterdam’s river the Maas to the Hip Hop cradle in New York filmmaker Ulrike Helmer follows a number of MC’s and their crews at different points in their career during a year. A must see for Rap fans.
Social Interest
DUTCH TOUCH concentrates on contemporary Dutch society and the struggle for rappers to conquer a place within it. Director Ulrike Helmer approaches the Hip Hop scene as an anthropologist would, with an open eye and an open mind, trying to understand and explain from the inside out. The Rappers are seen trying to contribute to society through their music and lifstyle. Helmer tells their story in a raw and impressionistic way, rather than in the traditionally journalistic and verbal way. Music, image and colour are her essential ingredients.
Cultural Interest
The film is about passionate musicians who – despite having been ostracized and despite the whims of fashion – have remained faithful to their music. It is about hip hop as a way of life and about spirited rappers who, coming from different backgrounds, have shaped their life and identity in their own way. In colour as well as in black-and-white, the camera observes the various characters up close, following them in their footsteps.
Historic Interest
In the early 1970s, there was a backlash against disco by many in the African-American community. Hip hop arose during the 1970s, from block parties in New York City. These popular parties were usually accompanied by music, especially funk, disco and soul. The early DJs at the parties began isolating the percussion breaks to hit songs realizing that these were the most danceable and entertaining parts ? and extending them, using an audio mixer and two records. At the time, this technique was common in Jamaica, and was known as dub music. It spread via the substantial Jamaican immigrant community in New York City.
Political Interest
Various politicians, journalists, and religious leaders, have accused rappers of fostering a culture of violence and hedonism among hip hop listeners through their lyrics. Many rappers use urban culture as the backdrop for their raps, focusing on the hardships of inner-city life. One element that has always existed in rapped rhymes, dating back to hip hop’s inception, is “the struggle”. This struggle was originally financial or personal in nature; getting a girlfriend, or paying the rent. Later, the idea of “the struggle” was put in another context: the shared hardships and violence of the ghetto.
Scenes
Performance Duvel 1999
Rapper Duvel’s performance and his view on hiphop.
Inspiration
Duvel tells where his inspiration comes from.
Brainpower
Dutch rapper Brainpower talks about the magic in the hiphop Music
Jay Colin
Jay Colin tries to teach kids the art of rap.
Lowlands Festival
DuvelDuvels performance on Lowlands festival
George McCrae
Working with the famous George McGrae.
New York
In 2004, Brainpower meets DJ Jaycee in NYC.
