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In 1978 Status a.k.a. Derrick Helberg, started his interest for the Hip Hop culture. His first encounter with rap music was with the song Rappers Delight by The Sugar Hill Gang.

When the break dance hype struck The Netherlands, Status could not resist it. Unfortunately he broke his thumb during practicing “the frog”. This was the last time Stat bussed a break dance move. As more rap songs hit The Netherlands, Status started to concentrate on writing lyrics. At the age of twelve he performed with his first crew, Testin’. After two years the contact between the crewmembers deteriorated.

A three-year period followed before Status restarted. It was DJ Osley, turntabelist and producer, who persuaded Stat to pick up the mic again. They recorded several songs at his home studio. In this phase Stat developed into a solid rapper. Stat also worked on songs with Liberty, rapper, during this period.

Another part of Stat’s life was graffiti. Status was not what you would call a second Michael Angelo. An overload of self-criticism made him decide to stop his career as a mural artist.

In 1993 the group Pact 25 was brought to life. This crew contained the following members:

DJ Osley – turntabelist, producer

DJ Creamo – turntabelist, producer

DJ Fanatic _ entertaining DJ

Nigga Mike – show host, crowd mover

Mr. Rob – graphics

Status – song writer, performing artist

Pact 25 organized the Party Groove parties with artists like E-Life, Mistery (Postmen), Shy Rock (Postmen), Sugacane, Cold 45, Skate the Great, Kay L. Plus they were the first to launch mix-tapes New York style. These tapes did not only have the hottest tracks; they also had freestyles by i.e. Kay L.

From 1995 and on the group slowly started to fall apart. Status joined forces with Arvai, producer. After they had made a few station calls (featuring Brainstorm and Complex of the 7th Foul Nation and Mr. Rob) for Villa 65 (a Dutch Hip Hop radio show on national radio) and live performances on small stages, Stat was ready for the studio.

The first studio experience was with singer Tarib (backing for i.e. Gordon) at the Bolland and Bolland studios. One year later Stat recorded his first solo studio track; World o’ Big Shots. This song lead to a record deal with Dureco and a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Stat dedicated all his time to recording an album. As guest appearances he featured Clippes, E-Life, Corey, Brainstorm, Mr.Rob and Curtis. Fabian Lenssen mixed the album which was entirely recorded at the Tune Town studio.

In 1997 the first and also last single was released, Audible La. Due to this release Status did some performances at several TV shows; Now TV, Veronica Live, TMF the Pitch. Also on the radio Status could be heard on local- and national stations. Another song, Seven Suns, could be heard on a Dutch artist compilation album This Is What You Want. Further more Stat featured on an R&B track by Steelo, Do Me Like That. Due to an argument between Stat and Dureco, Status decided to end the contract on July 7 1997.

Stage performances:

Paradiso, Amsterdam

Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam

Night town, Rotterdam

Paard, The Hague

Eland, Delft

Free Record Shop / Katana Tour with Nasty, Steelo and Romeo

In 1999 Status collaborated with Ill Hack, producer. Stat went back to basics. The beats were pre-produced by Ill Hack and edited and arranged by Status. The vocals were recorded at Syd Riko’s home studio Fresh Floor.

After a three year hiatus Stat returned as a producer. His sound stands out because of its warm feeling. He has been working on various projects ever since, from dance, to multimedia, to kids tv to R&B.

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