Rapland

Rapland is a documentary musical about rap music and hip hop culture in North Finland and Sápmi. The story of the genre’s evolution from the early 90s to the present day is told through the impact rap music has had on individuals and experiences of identity in the North. In the film, we follow four northern rappers – Hannibal, Lapin Akka, Yungmiqu, and Talonpoika Lalli – who share their stories and music with us. Their voices reveal different perspectives on hip hop culture in the northernmost parts of Europe.

Hip hop, born out of US urban street culture, was adapted into the unexpected setting of solemn northern villages. The contrast is compelling: In the North, a rapper’s “hood” can cover a surprisingly large area with very few people living in it. Yet the soul mate was found across the ocean. Why did a culture that originated in African American neighborhoods resonate so strongly in the North? 

The film offers global audiences a window into marginalized cultures that thrive in the periphery of North Finland and Sápmi. It reveals not only the empowering, unapologetic attitude of the genre but also gives insight into what the northern version of hip hop bling-bling is all about.