Grand Wizzard Theodore
Grand Wizzard Theodore is a name that stands tall in the hip-hop world. His contributions to the genre are manifold, but he is perhaps best known as the inventor of the scratching technique, a revolutionary innovation that has since become a staple of the genre. His mastery of needle drops and other techniques, many of which he either invented or perfected, have further cemented his place in the pantheon of hip-hop greats.
A serendipitous moment in 1975 led to the birth of the scratching technique. While playing records in his bedroom, Theodore paused the record to listen to his mother, inadvertently creating the distinctive sound that would become his signature.
In the early 1980s, Theodore was part of the group Grandwizard Theodore & the Fantastic Five, releasing “Can I Get a Soul Clap” in 1982. He also contributed to the soundtrack of the 1983 film Wild Style and was featured in the film itself. His explanation of the origin of the scratch in the documentary, Scratch, provides a fascinating insight into his creative process.
