Scratch (2001 film)

Scratch
Promotional movie poster
Directed by	Doug Pray
Produced by	Brad Blondheim, Ernest Meza
Starring	Z-Trip DJ Shadow Grand Wizard Theodore Mix Master Mike
Cinematography	Robert Bennett
Edited by	Doug Pray
Distributed by	Palm Pictures
Release date	2001
Running time	92 min.
Country	United States
Language	English

Scratch is a 2001 documentary film, directed and edited by Doug Pray. The film explores the world of the hip-hop DJ from the birth of hip-hop when pioneering DJs began extending breaks on records, to the invention of scratching and beat juggling, to the more recent explosion of turntablism. Throughout the documentary, many artists explain how they were introduced to hip-hop while providing stories of their personal experiences.

In the first chapter, Grand Wizard Theodore explains the differences between rap and hip-hop, which are often confused. He explains that graffiti, breakdancing, DJing, MCing, and the way you talk and dress are all elements of hip-hop.

Afrika Bambaataa presents a neighborhood in the Bronx which used to be called "the house of hip-hop" where violence and gangs were common. After a trip to Africa, he created what is known as the Universal Zulu Nation, a group of socially and politically aware rappers, B-boys, graffiti artists and other people involved in hip-hop culture.

The importance of the DJ is shown by how he or she selects and controls the music in respect to the audience's needs. The relation and differences between DJs and MCs are explained, going through their roles in the music industry.

Artists such as DJ Jazzy Jay, Grand Mixer DXT, Almighty K.G., Kevie Kev, Dot A Rock, and Steinski explain the beginning of hip-hop and its evolution since the 1970s. Concerts of breakdance and DJ performances are shown such as The Herculords, Electronic Boogaloos, Original Graffiti Rock, "Wild Style" 1982 with Busy Bee & Grand Wizard Theodore and Grand Master Flash.