One of the group’s trademarks was the experimentation with Dutch lyrics, which resulted the (back then) four piece in being the first ever crew in The Netherlands to release a complete demo in their native language. This turned out to be the start of a new genre they still call ‘Nederhop’ to this day, a term consisting of the words “Nederlandse” (Dutch) and “Hip-Hop”.
The start of Osdorp Posse can be tracked back as far as 1986, when Def P (real name Pascal Griffioen) made his debut on the Dutch hip-hop scene with the group Funky Fresh Force, consisting of him and DJ Dov, who would later become a famous House DJ under the pseudonym DJ The Prophet.
In 1988 Griffioen started experimenting with Dutch lyrics as a joke (translating American rap lyrics from groups such as N.W.A.), and a creative exercise (writing a couple of ‘real’ songs). His nephew Marco (later on taking on the nickname IJsblock – a literal translation of N.W.A.’s infamous Ice Cube) joined in the musical tomfoolery, as they recorded raps on instrumental tracks from their record collection, using nothing but a tape deck and a microphone.
It wasn’t until Marco and Pascal met Robin (now known as Seda) and Arthur (King) that they got down to writing real material that they found suitable for recording. Even though their musical playground that they had by then labelled Osdorp Posse (named after the Amsterdam neighbourhood Osdorp, where they all lived) consisted of a large group of friends with a continuously changing line-up, the core of the Posse was the four guys, and would remain so until twelve years later. With a lot of the co-rappers leaving the group with no interest in taking Osdorp Posse to a next level, the group recorded an infamous demo as a fourpiece. The nameless cassette – which quickly became known as ‘De Rode Demo’ (The Red Demo) – was handed out to friends, and travelled the country, taking the underground alternative music scene by storm through the tape trading circuit.
One of the many people who got hands on De Rode Demo was Saskia Sleger, the owner of the underground dancelabel DJAX. Recognizing the originality as well as the obvious talent, Sleger decided to contact the group and offer them a contract. Hardly believing what just happened to them, the young rappers immediately signed with DJAX, without reading the fine print. Def P later described this move in the band’s biography ‘Tien Jaar OP’ as impulsive and a bit naïve, but it turned out to be a good thing: the start of legendary career.
Now having to actually release cds instead of fooling around with a tapedeck, Pascal, Marco, Robin and Arthur franticly started writing out the material that they had come with before heading to a local studio in 1992, recording the first ever ‘Nederhop’ cd: the poorly produced yet explosive, hardcore and edgy twenty three song classic ‘Osdorp Stijl’ (Osdorp Style).
With an official release in stores, the group started on a journey that moved their live-shows away from the squat- and fret houses, onto the ‘ real’ alternative music scene. The album was an instant underground classic, which not only spawned an entire generation of Dutch Hip-hop acts at the time, but also quickly finding a following within a diverse group of alternative music fans such as punkers, metalheads, rockers and many alike.
The following two releases were plagued by the same production problems as their infamous debut, but through their sheer determination, explosive live shows and hardcore, relentless lyrical attitude became underground hits nevertheless. It wasn’t until they were asked to play the warm-up show at the biggest festival in the Netherlands, Pinkpop, that they got recognition from a larger audience. Their fourth cd entitled ‘Afslag Osdorp’ (Osdorp Exit), was released soon after the legendary festival appearance, and was the groups largest commercial success to that date. Riding the wave of word-to-mouth advertising following Pinkpop and their years on end of touring and self promoting (being ignored by mainstream media and critics), Afslag Osdorp sold thousands of copies; an achievement that was until then unthinkable for a Dutch rap act.
Later that year, with their popularity growing to a new height, Osdorp Posse played one of the most legendary and afterwards most talked about performances on the Dutch alternative music scene at the Lowlands Festival. Something that was euphemistically called a programming mistake, the group was set to play the smallest tent (Charlie) in the afternoon. Even though the Amsterdam crew warned the festival organisation about the possible consequences, the foursome’s advice to move their show to a bigger tent fell was ignored, resulting in half the festival attendees trying to fit in the small, claustrophobic space in anticipation of what was then one of the biggest things in Dutch music: Osdorp Posse. After the first couple of notes were played, the frantic crowd started to mosh, pogo and crowdsurf with such an enthusiasm that they nearly destroyed the entire tent. Def P later explained he had no idea how dangerous the situation was, that eventually led to an early ending of the gig when the crowd rushed to the stage, crushing the structure. No one got seriously hurt, yet everyone had witnessed and taken part in a legendary festival moment, talked about to this day.
In 1996 the group received the prestigious ‘ Pop Prijs’ (Pop Prize), as a recognition of their pioneering role in the Dutch hip-hop scene. That year also marked another legendary festival performance; the Dynamo Open Air festival – at that time the most important Heavy Metal event in the world – playing as the first and only hip-hop crew ever in front of more then a 100.000 longhaired metalheads, a large portion of whom were stoned Germans (enjoying the music all the same). The following year, ‘ Osdorp’ returned to Pinkpop, this time playing not once but twice: first on the small stage, returning on the final day at the main stage in front of 60.000 people.
After the commercial and artistic successes of albums such as ‘Briljant, Hard en Geslepen’ (Brilliant, Hard and Polished) – recorded with death metal band Nembrionic, and the chart success ‘Geendagsvlieg’ (literally: No day fly, as a play on words to the term ‘one day fly’, emphasizing their timelessness) the Posse left their long time label Djax to start up their own label called RAMP Records (consisting of the first letters in their names: Robin, Arthur, Marco, Pascal). In 2000, the group’s first release on their own turf called ‘ Kernramp’ (Nuclear Disaster) became their biggest commercial success, and remains so to this day. For the first time in their 12 year long career, Osdorp Posse even landed on the Dutch TOP 40 charts with their single ‘ Origineel Amsterdams’, which eventually ploughed into the top 10.
The release of their eighth album also marked the first change in line-up the group had seen since the early demo days: DJ ‘Deegmeester’ Daan – who already joined the band on stage for quite a while – became the fifth member of Osdorp Posse. That year they returned to Lowlands Festival as a five-piece, this time on a bigger stage. Once again controversy was part of the group’s performance, with Def P openly protesting against the nationwide crowd surf ban (as a result to the Roskilde tragedy earlier that year).
Around that time the music industry started crashing down. With programmes such as Napster and Kazaa providing fans with free – yet illegal – music, Osdorp Posse’s new label had a hard time lifting off. Every release after ‘ Kernramp’, such as ‘ Tegenstrijd” (meaning both Counter Battle, and Contradiction in Dutch) and Hollandse Hardcore Hip-Hop Helden all saw decreasing sales figures. At the same time, the genre the group created – Nederhop – had become a mainstream phenomena with acts such as Extince, Def Rhymz, and new school artists and groups like Raymster and Opgezwolle taking over the Dutch hiphop scene. Osdorp Posse, never being a favourite of the mainstream media – could only witness their own decline.
Around 2004, the group had plummeted back into the underground scene, once again playing the smaller venues. The groups hardcore following had eye for their later releases with bands such as Laberinto and Blind Justice, but stayed true to their heroes all the same.
Near the end of 2008, the group has announced to call it quits. After a release party of their final effort entitled ‘2 Decennia’ (Two Decades), Osdorp Posse embarked on a farewell tour, taking them to all the places they played, rocked the mike at, and witnessed their fanatic following go crazy to their hardcore style of performing.
The group’s swansong took place on their own turf, in the Amsterdam club De Melkweg in September of 2009, leaving a legacy that can not be ignored or forgotten: the invention and perfection of Nederhop.
Hard met m'n hart
Osdorp Posse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
...popmuziek is verboden...
...popmuziek is verboden...
...de strijd tegen deze muziek wordt niet alleen door
een klein clubje religieuze fanaten gevoerd...
...een groep verontruste ouders...
...popmuziek is verboden...
...een groep verontruste ouders...
...wat beweegt een groep om zulke teksten te schrijven?...
Altijd wordt me weer dezelfde vraag gesteld,
waarom rap je toch zo hard, en met zoveel geweld?
Is het alleen om te shockeren of zit er nog wat achter,
waarom doe je je voor als moordenaar of verkrachter?
Zijn het frustraties of vind je het stoer,
meen je dat nou echt of is het geouwehoer?
Komt het misschien door een jeugd die niet deugd?
Ik zeg je een ding, het was niet veel vreugd.
Maar het gaat je niets aan, wat ik vroeger heb gedaan
en m'n teksten die bestaan voor hetgeen waarvoor ze staan.
Zie je niet hoe laat het is? Doe je ogen open
in plaats van carnaval te vieren en polonaise te lopen.
Of dansen in een discotheek, ..... (houseplaten)
ik heb jouw soort mensen nooit over wat zinnigs horen praten.
En dan ga jij mij nog vragen: "Waarom zo hard?"
Sukkel! Je begrijpt niet dat ik rap met m'n hart.
Ik schrijf de teksten hard met m'n hart,
dat is hoe ik doorga en zo ben ik ook gestart.
Seda maakt de beats hard met z'n hart,
pure Nederlandse hardcore voor blank en zwart.
Soms heb je van die dagen, dat je niets kan verdragen,
en lastige dingen al je aandacht opvragen.
De een krijgt stress, de ander grijpt naar de fles,
maar ik grijp naar m'n pen en dan lees jij mij nog de les?
Ik zie geweld en haat op tv en op straat,
in de pers en op de radio, dus lik m'n naad.
Heb je nou nog niet geleerd? Deze wereld is verkeerd,
alle rassen worden door elkaar gediscrimineerd.
Ik kan niet vrolijk doen, zonder reden of wil,
ik ben niet kil maar alleen stil als ik chil.
Sukkels die ruzie zoeken kijk ik strak aan,
ik haat moederneukers die uitgaan om te slaan.
Want als toch iemand mij slaat dan is het laat,
dan verbrijzel ik z'n hoofd op de tegels van de straat.
En dan ga jij mij nog vragen waarom altijd zo hard?
Ik ben een rapper en dat doe ik met m'n hart.
Ik schrijf de teksten hard met m'n hart,
dat is hoe ik doorga en zo ben ik ook gestart.
Seda maakt de beats hard met z'n hart,
pure Nederlandse hardcore voor blank en zwart.
Mijn teksten, je houdt er van, of je haat het,
dus als je niet luisteren wil, goed laat het.
Ik schrijf niet voor Engelse of Amerikaanse,
maar voor Nederlandse en Surinaamse
hardcore hiphop rapfanaten,
die hun eigen slang praten
van de Amsterdamse straten.
Je vindt het harde taal maar voor ons is het normaal,
want voor mij is verwarring scheppen geen schandaal.
De realiteit is wat m'n teksten reflecteren
als je dat niet hebben kan, krijg de kolere.
Jullie leven in je eigen wereld, in je mooie villa,
maar kijk eens in de straat waar de rovers en debielen,
de junkies en de dealers en de zwervers rondhangen
en luister dan nog eens na zo'n blije popzanger.
Daar kan ik nou niet tegen, misschien ben ik wel verward,
maar ik blijf hard met m'n hart met m'n hart.
Ik schrijf de teksten hard met m'n hart,
dat is hoe ik doorga en zo ben ik ook gestart.
Seda maakt de beats hard met z'n hart,
pure Nederlandse hardcore voor blank en zwart.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The lyrics of the song "Hard met m'n hart" by Osdorp Posse focus on the theme of standing up for oneself and not letting external forces dictate one's passion and drive. The song explores the criticism rap music often faces for its gritty and violent nature, and counters the question of why artists like the Osdorp Posse choose to write such lyrics. The song challenges the societal expectations and norms that demand conformity and celebration of superficial pleasures while ignoring the harsh realities of the less privileged sections of society.
The lyrics also delve into the personal struggles and frustrations of the artists and how they channel those emotions to create music that reflects their experiences and opinions. They assert the need to express oneself honestly and assertively and that violence and conflict are ever-present in society, which is reflected in their lyrics.
In general, the song speaks of the undercurrents of the Dutch society that are often overlooked by the privileged few and the need to acknowledge and address them. The lyrics are poignant and offer an unflinching look into the reality of the streets and the emotions that the artists face, connecting them with the listeners who have shared similar experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
wat beweegt een groep om zulke teksten te schrijven?...
Questioning the motivation behind writing such lyrics
popmuziek is verboden...
Suggesting the banning of pop music
popmuziek is verboden...
Reiterating the idea of the prohibition of pop music
de strijd tegen deze muziek wordt niet alleen door
een klein clubje religieuze fanaten gevoerd...
Pointing out that the opposition against pop music is not just from a small group of religious extremists
een groep verontruste ouders...
Referring to a group of concerned parents
popmuziek is verboden...
Continuing to suggest the ban of pop music
een groep verontruste ouders...
Repeating the reference to concerned parents
wat beweegt een groep om zulke teksten te schrijven?...
Reiterating the question about the motivation behind writing such lyrics
wat beweegt een groep om zulke teksten te schrijven?...
Asking once more about what drives a group to write such lyrics
Altijd wordt me weer dezelfde vraag gesteld,
Stating a continuous experience of being asked the same question
waarom rap je toch zo hard, en met zoveel geweld?
Asking why the rapper uses such aggressive and loud rap style
Is het alleen om te shockeren of zit er nog wat achter,
Asking whether the intention is solely to shock the audience or if there is more to it
waarom doe je je voor als moordenaar of verkrachter?
Questioning the performer's use of violent and criminal personas in their lyrics
Zijn het frustraties of vind je het stoer,
Asking whether the use of violent personas comes from personal frustrations or the desire to appear cool
meen je dat nou echt of is het geouwehoer?
Asking whether the lyrics are genuine or just talk
Komt het misschien door een jeugd die niet deugd?
Speculating whether the motivation comes from a troubled childhood
Ik zeg je een ding, het was niet veel vreugd.
Acknowledging that the childhood was not very joyful
Maar het gaat je niets aan, wat ik vroeger heb gedaan
Making it clear that the audience has no business in the artist's past
en m'n teksten die bestaan voor hetgeen waarvoor ze staan.
Stating that the lyrics serve a specific purpose
Zie je niet hoe laat het is? Doe je ogen open
Urging the audience to become aware of the present time and reality
in plaats van carnaval te vieren en polonaise te lopen.
Encouraging the audience to be more serious and thoughtful instead of engaging in celebration and dancing
Of dansen in een discotheek, ..... (houseplaten)
Referencing the popular dance music genre of house music in discotheques
ik heb jouw soort mensen nooit over wat zinnigs horen praten.
Asserting that this kind of audience has never had a meaningful conversation
En dan ga jij mij nog vragen: "Waarom zo hard?"
Expressing frustration at being asked why the music is so aggressive
Sukkel! Je begrijpt niet dat ik rap met m'n hart.
Insulting the person who asked the question and claiming that the music comes from the artist's heart
Ik schrijf de teksten hard met m'n hart,
Repeating the idea that the artist writes with a lot of passion and emotion
dat is hoe ik doorga en zo ben ik ook gestart.
Stating that this is the artist's style and how they began
Seda maakt de beats hard met z'n hart,
Acknowledging the producer who also puts a lot of emotion into their work
pure Nederlandse hardcore voor blank en zwart.
Describing the music produced as authentic Dutch hardcore music for people of different ethnicities
Soms heb je van die dagen, dat je niets kan verdragen,
Speaking about the experience of having difficult days where everything seems unbearable
en lastige dingen al je aandacht opvragen.
Explaining that challenging situations demand all of one's attention
De een krijgt stress, de ander grijpt naar de fles,
Describing different coping mechanisms for stress
maar ik grijp naar m'n pen en dan lees jij mij nog de les?
Asking whether the audience has the right to judge the artist's coping mechanisms
Ik zie geweld en haat op tv en op straat,
Noticing the prevalence of violence and hatred in society
in de pers en op de radio, dus lik m'n naad.
Expressing disgust at the media's portrayal of violence and hatred
Heb je nou nog niet geleerd? Deze wereld is verkeerd,
Asserting that the world is inherently flawed
alle rassen worden door elkaar gediscrimineerd.
Pointing out the problem of discrimination against different races
Ik kan niet vrolijk doen, zonder reden of wil,
Explaining that the artist cannot be happy without a clear reason or motivation
ik ben niet kil maar alleen stil als ik chil.
Clarifying that the artist is not cold-hearted, but rather quiet when relaxing
Sukkels die ruzie zoeken kijk ik strak aan,
Describing the artist's response to people who pick fights
ik haat moederneukers die uitgaan om te slaan.
Expressing disgust at people who go out with the intention of starting fights
Want als toch iemand mij slaat dan is het laat,
Warning that if someone tries to physically harm the artist, they will retaliate strongly
dan verbrijzel ik z'n hoofd op de tegels van de straat.
Describing the extent to which the artist will stand up for themselves
En dan ga jij mij nog vragen waarom altijd zo hard?
Returning to the original question about the use of aggressive music
Ik ben een rapper en dat doe ik met m'n hart.
Reiterating that the music comes from the artist's heart
Ik schrijf de teksten hard met m'n hart,
Stating once again that the artist writes with passion and emotion
dat is hoe ik doorga en zo ben ik ook gestart.
Repeating that this style is how the artist began and continues
Seda maakt de beats hard met z'n hart,
Acknowledging the producer's contribution to the aggressive sound of the music
pure Nederlandse hardcore voor blank en zwart.
Describing the music as authentic Dutch hardcore for people of different ethnicities
Contributed by Elijah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.