Educational Media Reviews Online

As indicated by the reference to vinyl records in the title, this film focuses on the art of turntablism as practiced by hip-hop DJs in São Paulo, Brazil. The movie does not delve into other forms of hip-hop culture, such as break dancing and rapping, and makes only passing mention of seminal São Paulo artists like Os Racionais MCs or Sabotage. As such, this film serves much more as a paean to the culture of the DJ in general, rather than an exploration of hip-hop culture in Brazil. In eliding the idiosyncratic features of Brazil’s cultural landscape, the movie may disappoint viewers interested in the study of hip-hop as a global phenomenon.

The film uses an annual turntablism championship as a backdrop for interviews with DJs from all parts of the city. Interestingly, the film does not follow the usual structure of competition films in which the suspense comes from the build-up to the event and its exciting conclusion. This narrative decision turns out to be apropos, as several of the interviewees discuss the importance of community and peer support in their lives—even going so far as sharing records and equipment with their rivals. The earnest way in which the DJs discuss their shared dreams and their long hours of practice help combat the stereotypical notion of what constitutes a DJ battle. Unfortunately, though, this nontraditional narrative grows confusing towards the end when the competition’s runner-up seemingly goes to the world championship in London.

As a fan of Brazilian hip-hop, I found this movie quite enjoyable, but, all the same, the narrow focus on turntablism would probably limit its course use—even in classes on world music or youth cultures. Collections with strong emphases on hip-hop, popular culture, ethnomusicology, or Brazil should consider purchasing this title. Other libraries would likely find it a niche item of only marginal interest.

Awards

• Audience Award, In-Edit Brazil Music Documentary Festival