Gertjan Mulder, professionally known as Brainpower, is a bi-lingual rapper, who writes, records and performs in both the English as well as the Dutch language. The Dutch audience mainly knows him as a Dutch language

Dutch language

Dutch is a West Germanic language and the native language of the majority of the population of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, the three member states of the Dutch Language Union. Most speakers live in the European Union, where it is a first language for about 23 million and a second...

 rapper. He was born in Belgium

Belgium

Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...

 and grew up in the Netherlands

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...

. He started making music in the eighties, and spent his time making a name for himself in the 90s. Since 2001, he released five solo studio albums, one Live album CD/DVD set, a book/DVD set, a Greatest Hits Box Set, and a few other successful side projects.

Early life

Gertjan Mulder was born in Antwerp, Belgium

Belgium

Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...

 as son of a progressive Reverend. He was raised in Alphen aan den Rijn

Alphen aan den Rijn

Alphen aan den Rijn is a town and municipality in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland, between Leiden and Utrecht. The town is situated on the banks of the river Oude Rijn , where the river Gouwe branches off. The municipality had a population of 72,674 in 2010, and covers an...

 in the Netherlands

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...

, where he became a fan of hip hop

Hip hop music

Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...

 and rap

Rapping

Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...

. He starts rapping in the mid eighties, imitating heroes like Run DMC, and Eric B & Rakim. He writes his first rap song in 1988. He moves back to the place where his mother was born, Amsterdam, in the early 90s.

Early career

He started practicing his freestyle skills in the summer of 1990 and honed his skills as a furious battle MC from that moment 'til the late 90's and basically until way after he signed a record deal and produced major hit records. In the eighties stage shows were mostly 'talent shows' and school performances. He starts to gradually perform more after a first 'real' show at 'Locomotion' in Zoetermeer in 1990. Throughout the 90s he builds a rep and basically shows up at every open mic session in the Benelux. (Today, he's still known as one of the most prolific lyricists the country of Holland has ever seen.) Several producers and parties offer contracts. Not feeling the way these offers are set up, Brainpower is determined to start out on his own.

1998-2000

In 1998, he entered the Grote Prijs van Nederland—a national talent show in music—in the categories R&B and hip hop

Hip hop music

Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...

, winning in FOUR out of FIVE categories, including both the grand jury prize and the public's appreciation prize. He also snatches up Best Rapper Award and his DJ TLM, the award for Best DJ. Brai power appears on many underground projects, including 12-inches, mixtapes and Albums. In 1999, he had his first Top-40 hit together with several other Dutch-language rap artists, all featuring on the Extince

Extince

Extince is one of the first Dutch language rappers to appear in the Dutch music charts.Extince was born as Peter Kops in Oosterhout, Netherlands...

 track Zoete Inval ("Sweet Incursion"). In 2000, Brainpower was both seen and heard in the video clip of the song Als niet Als ("If not If"), by the renowned pop /reggae musicians of classic Dutch supergroup Doe Maar

Doe Maar

Doe Maar was a Dutch ska band with punk and reggae influences. Their career ran from 1978 to 1984 and they were one of the most successful pop bands in Dutch history. Doe Maar translates as Go Ahead or Just do it, a phrase mostly used in a deprecatory, sulky manner.-Early years:Doe Maar was formed...

. In that same year, he had his first solo hit-song and video, Door Merg en Brain ("Through Marrow and Brain").

2001

February 2001, Brainpower released his first album, named after the hit single Door Merg en Brain. It contains a number of songs. some basic boombap Hip Hop, and some with an emotional touch, like the critically acclaimed and now famous Je Moest Waarschijnlijk Gaan ("You Probably had to Go"), referring to the suicide killing of one his best friends.Ten years later the track is considered iconic and is known to comfort many people in times of mourning. four singles and videos are taken from the album and Brainpower tours the whole year 'round.

2002

In 2002, Brainpower released his second album 'Verschil Moet Er Zijn' . 'Dansplaat' ("Dance Track")was the first single to be released, and it swiftly topped the charts in both the Netherlands

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...

 and Belgium

Belgium

Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...

. The single broke ALL records, debuting at #1 on many charts. In the same year, Brainpower won two Dutch Awards (TMF Awards for Best NL Hip Hop Act & Silver Harp for most promising Artist) and also an MTV Award for best Dutch act. He is the only solo MC out of the Benelux ever to win such accolades. Brainpower continues to push the envelope for Dutch and Belgian Hip Hop and has even collaborated with Hip Hop Legend Nas.

2003

In 2003, Brainpower won a second TMF Award as well as an Edison award (Dutch Grammy's) for Best National Hip Hop act. Brainpower also released a two-disc DVD/CD containing live
versions of many of the songs of his first two albums performed LIVE for the Box PURE Sessions. The rapper performed with a 7 piece band and a string section of 5, plus had guest appearances by (long time Prince sax player) Candy Dulfer and Berget Lewis. The second album sparked an 18 month tour including shows in 7 countries. This stands as the longest Tour in Dutch Hip Hop History to coincide with one album.

2004

In 2002 he started a new project called ADHD, altering the acronym's meaning to Aanbevolen Dagelijkse Hoeveelheid Dopeness ("Daily Recommended Dosage of Dopeness"). The group recorded their album in 2002-2003 and released it in 2004 and was the first ever Rap Group out of Holland to have their own sneaker. The kick sold out in no-time. Brainpower also wins his third consecutive TMF Award for Best NL Hip Hop Act and, remarkably, his first MOBO Award in LOndon, UK, (for Best Urban TV Show) for his Hip Hop TV show MTV Raw, which he hosts with Too Tall & DJ TLM. Brainpower was asked to remix the Beastie Boys song 'Triple Trouble' and his remix ends up as a B-side for the Belgian CD-Single Release on EMI.

2005

In 2005, Brainpower returned with the hit-single Even Stil ("Moment of Silence"), als the title of the new album. He plays 20 big festivals throughout the Benelux and wins his second MOBO Award. This time he wins in the category Best Live Act. He is also part of a huge production for a single to raise money to help the victims of the 2004 Tsunami. The song is a #1 hit and all profits go to charity.

2006

In 2006 the rapper released a book/DVD 'Tekst & Uitleg' about his songs and specifically about his serious yet witty and often intensely emotional lyricism. He then was approached by Coca Cola to record an album with young upcoming talent and A&R these artists. This project made him appear on over 12 million Coke cans bottles. the only Dutch rapper to ever have his own coke can. He also performed nine times at Ahoy, making him the first Dutch rapper to have performed at the legendary Rotterdam venue for 30 times. Furthermore he plays a small role (as himself) in the Platinum movie 'Afblijven'. He also features on the soundtrack. When the DVD drops, it goes double platinum.

2007

In 2007 he creates the hit record 'Non Stop' with popular DJ duo The Partysquad. The track reaches the #1 spot in many Urban charts and Top 10 of the Top 40, it now has over 4 million views online and was an instant classic.

2008

Never one to sit back and take time off, Brainpower returns in 2008 with a double album project of two albums released on the same day: April 19 sees the birth of 'Hart' & 'Hard'. Both records end up as (his fourth & fifth) Top 20 hit albums. Ten years after his first Theatre Tour in 1998 with Made In Da Shade, he returns to theatres to embark on a successful 22-date tour throughout Holland.

At the end of 2008 Brainpower is awarded with the State Lifetime Achievement Award for his ongoing impact on the Dutch Music scene and especially his tireless efforts to help Hip Hop be considered for the wonderful mature and serious genre it is, in a small country culturally rooted in rock music. His album finally reaches Gold Status after 6 years. It is one of three Dutch Rap Albums to ever go gold.

2009

In 2009 he releases his Greatest Hits Box Set, consisting of 2 CD's and 1 DVD with all 30 videos he has released over the years. The set is titled 'Mijn Manier' ('My Way') and September 19 sees the first gig of an intense 36-date Tour throughout the Benelux. Animation studio LEMONADE and Advertisement Agency DSRPT develop a limited edition Brainpower Vinyl Art Figure esepcially for the cover of this Greatest hits Box Set. He receives two platinum awards: A triple Platinum Award for being the best selling Dutch language solo MC of all time. Another one for Platinum sales in Belgium and his 2002 Hit Single also reaches gold status in Belgium. Another very rare feat in small countries like these.

The press calls Brainpower '...the only Dutch mainstream Rap Artist, who grew up when Hip Hop was evolving in the 80s and throughout the 90s'. Fans agree the lyricist is a rarity: a true MC who came from the bowels of the underground rap circuit and through hard work, maddening determination and an almost flawless skill, slowly but surely became a household name in the Benelux Music Biz'.

2010

In 2010 Brainpower performs with reggae/dancehall legend King Yellowman in Jamaica, and plays selected festivals throughout Holland & Belgium He drops 'Dub & Dwars' a record containing re-recorded reggae versions of his biggest tunes. With superb riddims, partially recorded in Jamaica, produced by the Fire House Crew and Dutch producer Asher E. as well as Brainpower himself, the album hits the #1 spot in both the Reggae charts for iTunes as well as BOL.

In November he drops a track and a video with Jean Grae. December 2010 marks the rappers first Cali performance when he plays at The Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard in LA (US).

2011

Feb 28th the track 'Bleedin' Organz' ft. Shabazz The Disciple (underground rap legend from New York) is released (on iTunes and Amazon)

March 6 Brainpower performed at the Heineken Regatta on St. Maarten with TLM, ex-Fugees Superstar Wyclef Jean and Orange Grove. The show in front of a 10.000+ people crowd was greatly received and increased his fan base abroad.

April 16th he released the song and video for 'Mic Bizniz' featuring Jamaican Music Legend Yellowman, often referred to as The King of Dancehall. There is also a mini documentary Called Amsterdam To Kingston featuring exclusive footage of Brainpower performing with Yellowman and an interview with Reggae Legend John Holt amongst others. The single was not only a digital release, but also came out as a 7-inch on Yellow colored vinyl for Record Store Day.

In August he put out a new song and video called 'Light It Up' which was picked up for use in 'Body Language', a movie in which Brainpower also plays a small role as a cab-driver. The movie hit #1 in Holland and BP's role got great reactions. He also delivered 6 tracks for the score/soundtrack of the movie, 2 of which ended up on the Soundtrack Album released late October.

September 30th saw the release of a new song 'People', the 1st single of the upcoming album, for which the accompanying video was shot in New York. On the heels of this release he performs in The Viper Room in LA again on October 30th.

He is currently working on finishing up his international english speaking debut album.

Meanwhile he dedicates his time to being a songwriter, voice actor (Cars 2/Dragon Hunters/My Dad The Rock Star seasons 1 & 2) and an actor

Albums

• Door Merg & Brain ("Through Marrow & Brain", 2001)
• Verschil Moet Er Zijn ("There Has to be Distinction", 2002)
• Even Stil ("Moment of Silence", 2005)
• Hart ("Heart", 2008)
• Hard ("Hard", 2008)
• Mijn manier: 1999 - 2009 ("My way: 1999 - 2009", 2009) greatest hits album
• "Dub & Dwars" (Re-recorded reggae versions of the biggest Brainpower tunes, 2010)

Singles

• "Lyricist" (1999)
• Als niet Als ("If not If", 8-4-2000, with Doe Maar
  Doe Maar
  Doe Maar was a Dutch ska band with punk and reggae influences. Their career ran from 1978 to 1984 and they were one of the most successful pop bands in Dutch history. Doe Maar translates as Go Ahead or Just do it, a phrase mostly used in a deprecatory, sulky manner.-Early years:Doe Maar was formed...
  
   and Def P.)
• Door Merg en Brain ("Through Marrow and Brain", 2-9-2000)
• "MC Vol Overgave" (12-inch)
• De Vierde Kaart ("The Fourth Card", 10-2-2001)
• Wat een Jinx is ("What a Jinx Is", 23-6-2001)
• Je Moest Waarschijnlijk Gaan ("You Probably had to Leave", 17-11-2001)
• Dansplaat (2002)
• Voel de Vibe ("Feel the Vibe", 24-8-2002)
• One Mic (remix) / Made You Look (with Nas, 14-12-2002)
• Schreeuwetuit! ("Cryitoutloud", 26-4-2003)
• "Beng Je Hoofd" (ADHD, 2004)
• "Shouf Shouf Habibi" (ADHD, 2004)
• "Pro" (12-inch, 2005)
• Alles ("Everything", 2-5-2005)
• Even Stil ("Moment of Silence", 2005)
• "Terug" ("Video Exclusive")
• Vlinders ("Butterflies", 2006)
• Non Stop ("Non Stop", 2007)
• Eigen Werk ("Own Work", 2008)
• Boks Ouwe ("Box Man", 2008)
• "Wees Niet Bang" (2009)
• "Mijn Manier" (2009)
• "Vierde Kaart Dub" (2010)
• "Mind Ur Bizniz" ft. Jean Grae (2010)
• "Bleedin' Organz" ft. Shabazz The Disciple (2011)
• "Mic Bizniz" ft. Yellowman (2011)
• "Light It Up" (2011)
• "People" (2011)

External links

• Brainpower (official website)