True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 17KB
#152
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
God Is Love
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 34.3KB
#153
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
The HipHop Declaration of Peace
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 63.6KB
#154
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
God Is Love
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 25KB
#155
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
Go down with ya mind in ya heart...and ..feel Love..God and Art... live in Tha Cypha
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 25KB
#156
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
God Is Love IC XC
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 7KB
#157
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
word up ya it's important what do ya feel in ya heart..what do ya have in ya heart...not what u do..or how many times ya mistaked...or bein' sorrounded by weekness u know what i'm sayin....cause God looks in ya HEART go down in ya heart with ya mind and live in Tha Cypha...Feel God Love ArtKulture(Hiphop).... much love..God Bless..God Is Love
we Bboys gonna be like Shaolin Kung Fu MONK"S.....
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 34.8KB
#158
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
real Art yo
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 17.7KB
#159
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
real Graffiti Art...in memory of all those who passed away....
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 43.7KB
#160
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
real Graffiti Art...in memory of all those who passed away.... death is another part of LIFE...Tha Cypha...we are livin to learn ...what LOVE is.. IC XC
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 33.9KB
#161
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
Go down in ya heart with ya mind and Feel God Love Art Kulture Science THA CYPHA
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 25.4KB
#162
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
VPC brings you a new HipHop material on DVD ...Tha Sacred Art Of Bboyin HipHop kulture...includin real footage about tha art of Bboyin.... peace and much love
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 57.8KB
#163
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
The Mighty 4 is honored to present you with an exclusive interview with the living legend himself, KEN SWIFT.
Peace Ken drop a lil info for the cats at home..
Name: Ken Rok,aka,Kid Zoom,aka, MadMugs,aka, Ken Ski,aka,Prince Ken Swift,aka, Kid Extra Nasty,aka,Ken Swift Age: 35 Location: Money Island, NYC, Upper West Side Manhattan RSC, NYC, BreakLife NY
Tell us about the first time you ever seen B.boying and what made you get into it?
The first time I saw bboyin was 1978, ..at first I was shown a shuffle by a friend, and then soon after that I saw it a jam in a party thrown at a church hall and at a jam around my block. I think Ron Daris was the first rawbboy I saw, and Im using the term bboy in its true context. We were into anything and everything around the way.We were wild and were into playin in the pump, playin ringaleevio, kick the can, hot piece a butter, tag no touch,bike stunts, playin in abandoned buildings and having rock fights, ...so,...when I saw the rockin and how different ,radical and high energy it was, it fit right into to the type of stuff we was doin. I was already writin graffitti in the streets and motion taggin so, through that scene I was introduced to breaking.
Who are your influences/inspirations?
Past, ..Greggo,(originality, speed, flexibility) Ron Daris, (flips) The Light Brothers, (flips)Kid Sorceror, Deno Rock (RIP), Kid Terrific, Markie Dee (RIP), The #1 Sure Shot Boys, DominicanFreddy, Shakie, Magnetic (power, spins), Kid Galaxy,(power, spins) Buck 4 (RIP), Spy, Trac, Ice Ice, Pierre, Lil Lep, Pex, DST, Mr. Freeze, Frosty Freeze,(character) Crazy Legs, Kid Spy & Migo (for the UpRock), Lenny Len,(footwork).........................Presently,........too many to mention.
What were the golden years of B-boyin in NY to you in your opinion?
The Golden years had to have been before I came in the mix, ....those where the raw years of early development, my golden years were 80 to 83, I was in my raw no thinking stages, no fear, thirsty to battle, off the dome, up & coming mode. A lot of the people I was around were better than me so I was Lucky.
When you first began dancing, did you ever dream that it (bboyin) would get to where its at today?
No, i didnt look ahead at all..no dreams of fame stardom etc, ....we were just doin what was happenin, ..to me, thats like sayin, "did you ever dream that ridin a bike would get to where its at today".
What is your definition of foundation?
I believe that foundation consists of the essential mentality combined with moves from the first years of development, ............foundation to me was that person reacting and dancing to a song with no shame/that person with the flava gears, that when you looked at them you knew they was ready/the attitude that you was the one who would out dance the others at the jam/the one that did something incredible that you never saw before....the mentality stands out to me, ..because when you apply those characteristics to moves, those are what make the moves personal and dope. I mean, if I show you an old "foundation move" and you dont flip it with your adobo on it, its gonna look wack. The kids back then just had that flava thats kind of unexplainable, thats why you loved to see them rock, I dont think they applied too much thought to it, they just went out and went bananas when the music came on, ..thats the foundation! Lettin the music rock you, ..letting go.
Alot of the best bboys were stick up kids and ill street dudes who could care less about fame........Now, there are "foundation moves", but being that I started a lil later on, my opinion on it can be debated, .....I see it being, ...circular ftwk patterns, shuffles, chairs, babies, swipes, sweeps, spins- (head, knee, butt, back, etc.) back rock, single tracs, bridges, cork screws.
Rockin' has been around before B.boyin', when did you first get to see cats Rock (Brooklyn rock etc.) and how do you feel about the artform of Rockin'?
To me, when you say "rockin has been around before B.Boying" to me its a lil funny cause when I think of rocking, I think of breaking, ...........I really didnt call it bboying that much when I first started, ...,even though when I first heard about breaking, my friend told me, "check out this bboy shit".................so I guess you mean uprocking, my older brother Speedy used to run with a crew called The #1 Sure Shot Boys, they were from Amsterdam Houses on 61st. St. in Manhattan, ..he was 4 years older than me, ...I saw them rock a lil bit, but they broke mostly at the parties, ...I was younger so I was looked at like the lil shorty goin for his on the breakin tip, they were one of my biggest inspirations, ...other crews were The Four Aces, The Midnight Rockers, The Da Boys, and some members from Rockwell Association. They hung out around 83rd st. & Amsterdam, I lived on 97th & Amsterdam. I saw more Up Rock when I went to USA Skating Rink in Queens, the cats there were crazy dope, ..but I saw so little of it, that when we went back to my block, we had to try to remember it which was hard because we didnt have someone to show us, ..but then again we wouldnt have asked someone to show us anyway, ......so, ..we kind of developed a different type of style and delivery, we were primarily into the breakin but we did our lil Up Rock here and there. Thats the reason why we called it Brooklyn Rock, I was told that it started in Brooklyn so, ...nuff said, ...heads came up in the nineties and tried to diss me saying I was doing it wrong , but, ..with all due respect (cause I have the utmost respect), the dudes that popped the shit didnt step to me, I stepped to them. The first time I felt like one dude edged me, ..but after that I learned alot from that battle and when we went at it again I felt like I shook shit apart, .....regardless of that, ...in my heart I know they can Rock better than me. Ive been blessed to be able to get lost in music with that dance, and some of the music is so incredible that it gives you no choice but to Rock, ...I wish I wouldve came up with those dudes cause I know I wouldve been tight with that style. I still havent figured that dance out, when I watch the older legends rock, to me, I feel like a rookie, I have the ultimate respect. In my opinion, only the people that came up with that dance in NY in the early seventies, can flip that dance correctly, once again, over time people have seen moves and steps and have done them, but, there so much more to that dance, ..the songs structured alot of what was done, you had to be there in those ancient parties and jams to learn that. My favorites, Eddie from 93rd. & Columbus Ave., he was partners with Kid Galaxy's younger brother, they battled together with us against Dynamic Rockers at Liincoln Center, they were called Migo & Amigo, ... even though he was from Manhattan, he hung out in Brooklyn and he was outta control nasty in that dance, he's in the Planet Rock video battling on the checkered floor, .....then theres Eddie Ed aka, Kid Spy ...he was my bboy partner at one point, ....his Uprock was ill, ..he was also in the Planet Rock video, ..he's rockin next to a tv on the floor, he does this jerk forward then drops back into a split, and shoots himself in the head, check the video when you can, its sick. The other favorite is Spice One from Flatbush, Ive had the opportunity to meet him through Burn 1, to me he was tight beause he knew most of the styles from the different neighborhoods in BKlyn. Ive seen him rock and he definetly opened me up, ...also Sammy from Incredible Breakers, we practiced together a few times and I gained tremendously from that. Also, Chino & Brian, Incredible Breakers/Rockers Revenge,....these dudes are straight offiical hardcore brothas, ...Chino is a mad man with that dance, he's ill, those kids is Bronx Official 4realz.
What generation of B-boys are we in today?
I dont know!!?? maybe 5th generation .....72 -75 beginning,, 75 -84 most influential, overall structure point, 84-89 world continuance, 89-96 home & abroad B.Boy comeback, 96-01 event expansion/video era & retro commercial exploitation/positive rapid dance advancement ......................my opinion of course.
What was your most memorable battle?
A lot of good ones,...........but it has to be ..Rock Steady vs. Floormasters at Negril in NYC I think that was 82. Also RSC VII Gems vs a club full of BBoys in Tokyo 1997.
Who were some B-boys from NY that didnt get much limelight but definitely deserved thier rightful dues? (I hear about cats like German, Float, Incredible Breakers etc.)
You gotta understand how big breaking was in NY at that time, and how big the five boroughs are, ..you had BX, Manhattan, Bklyn, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island, ...were talking massive numbers of mad hyped up kids, ...to think about it if you are mentioning the names above, that means that they were noticed, ..but think about it like this, ..every neighborhhod had an incredible bboy in it , ....were talkin about 20 block radiuses, ...theres dudes that we'll never hear of that were amazing. Float for sure is one of a kind, ...you need an interview with him on this site,....his dancing and top style is top of the line, ..he had he ability to make everything he did look effortless, you rarely saw him struggle with his moves, ..a true innovator of power moves,...plus, he had dope footwork, ...if he was inthe mix I think he would be a definite contender even now. There were alot of dope crews, ....peace to ScramblinFeet also.
When did you first come to the Westcoast and get a glance of B-boys out west?
Its funny because I was born in Brooklyn but moved when I was almost two years old to California, ..my father was in the Army, so I lived in Saramento, Eureka, Palmdale, Arbuckle, and San Francisco until I was six years old,..then I moved back to NYC. The first time I went to Cali. to break was 84, and by that time people had been exposed to breaking already. We, RSC, judged A Big BreakDance Contest. I remember seeing the most incredible Popping/Boogaloo etc crews, they did like 6 minute choreographed shows. We saw like 50 groups. I was completely blown away and never saw it like that before. We also performed at Magic Mountain, were we ran into OZ, who had left NY and came to LA, and was real popular with the breakers. The breakers were doing incredible spins, side moving ufo's, inverted elbow spins, blazing backhand 90's some ill original stuff. I met Tech, ..from Tech & Sway, ...he was with The San Francisco Ballet Breakers, .......the scene was definetly open, ....but most of the dancers were into power moves and spins.
Do you feel the European scene played a major role in keeping B-boying alive?
Without a doubt. ...Id rather say they played a role in keeping "Hip Hop" alive overall .......Europe held it down with all the elements, ..much respect, ......I think Europe and other countries played a major role in keeping it alive......but I have to say, back then, alot of people didnt know what real B.Boying was, and even though there were a few that were official, the majority of people were just into spins,....from the movies, most people drew to the spins and air stuff when they got into breaking, ...there were'nt that many people doing footwork & dancing to the beat. Idont say that as a disrespect in any way, but thats the way I saw it,...Europe has a great history of its own, ..Im sure there were a few people breaking out there in the early eighties,....we went to Paris and the U.K. in 82 and when we went back after Beat Street, it was outta control, ....we toured Germany in 84 for six weeks and people went coconuts. Australia also has to get its props too, ...even Japan has a thorough history.....put it like this whatever country that got a hold of Beat Street and Wild Style got their dose of Hip Hop. Props to Actuel Force, Gabon, (France), Maurizio, (italy.) Swift & Storm, (Germany) Evo, (UK) Nico, (Sweden) King Bee, (UK) Emilio & Marcella (Italy), Crazy(Switzerland), Wildcat,(Denmark) Crazy A,(Japan), Machine (Japan), Hiro (Japan), Renegade, (Sweden) Tech & Karma,(Norway) Swerve, (New Zealand) Rooney (Brazil) there are so many more but,...peace to all many world pioneers and legends old and new.
In the early 90's what pushed you to get back down and serious to B-boy again?
I went through alot of stuff that most of you dont know about, ....I got into alot of trouble in the streets.....we're talking like 84 to 87.........but through all the madness I always reacted to music and broke when I wanted to, I didn't practice everyday and all but , ..I never felt like breaking was dead or anything like that cause if i felt it, I did it,......people have said between this year and that year this one or that one stopped breaking......................when you have something in your heart & soul, no society or situation or rumour or propaganda can stop you from feelin it, ....see, ...when media and the masses started exploiting the dance and sayin breaking was played out, ...alot of people said,,....OK, ...and stopped ........I wasnt part of the time when TV made people start, I came into it in its underground state. So it has stayed in me always regardless of what TV, Magazines or people in the street said. After Buck 4 and Kuriaki's deaths, The Rhythm Technicians were doin shows and stuff, and then we, RSC, collaborated with them on the play "So What Happens Now? In 1990, I guess what pushed me was the fact that I knew deep inside I could rock, I wasnt makin much progress but I didnt give up. I was about 160 pounds, .(my breaking weight is 135) I was tryin to get down with the updated power and air stuff, my hip was destroyed from the early eighties, and I couldnt find a swerve with my dancing. I was frustrated because I didnt feel good about my stock (moves)....., after I lost the pounds I needed to, .....around 1993 while practicin I decided to take my old moves and put attatchments on to them, while focusing more on freezes... ...after that the flood gates opened up and I was makin up a different move or combo everytime I practiced, .. I wrote down all of the moves by name and number, in 97 I recorded 94 moves, four pages of combinations and moves in different catagories, I would go to practice and run down the list and do each move twice for execution and memory, when I got to the last move I would start over again, those who used to train with me have seen me with my papers laid out on the floor in the practice. Around 1998 I stopped keeping track of my moves by writing them down cause I toured like 8 months of that year, but since then Ive made up at least 40 more combos & moves.When I started lacin kids real easy, it was scary beause I still felt like I could get better.
What year did you get down with Rock Steady?
I believe it was 1981 .
Are you currently still affiliated with Rock Steady?
Ask anyone from around my way that question and they'll laugh at you and think youre stupid. ....but the again....... In 2001 Rock Steady Crew belongs to one person, RSC is a business, ..to me "the crew" ended in the eighties. Go figure, from friends on the block just havin fun dancin to, one guy threatening the other that if he uses the name he will call his lawyers. Cmon bee, I laid the bricks son, from the get. My history is etched in stone. I rep RSC whenever and wherever I choose, I dont have to wear a shirt with letters, if you know the legacy, then that question is ludicrous. I got one thing to say to sum it up ..."Behold A Pale Horse".
Being an O.G. in the game and still gettin busy in the trenches, how do you feel about the scene today and where its heading?
Alot of the top BBoys who have influence right now, need to educate themselves on the history of this dance so they can understand and respect its journey,.. breaking is not a fad, it is a legitimate dance that has been and continues to be exploited and looked down on. In my opinion breaking is the "Original" dance of Hip Hop Culture. The younger generations need to know this. Unless there continues to be an educational effort in teaching the history of this dance, it will get wacker and wacker, and then it will be lost in sport and entertainment. This dance is for the communities of young people throughout the world to enjoy and also prosper from, but unless we understand what its been through, we wont know where its going. I like the dancing more than anything right now, ...its dope, and the competition level is tight, and theres so many dope and different styles flowin, mad super heroes and even a few complete B.Boys ...........................but, ..... The gossip is wack, the jealous haters are wack, the ones that lie about their history are wack, some events thrown by non bboys are wack, the NY pioneers that compromised their principles for money are wack, and the biters are wack.
What's your training schedule like?
My schedule depends on the time I have left over after my responsibilities with my kids are taken care of. If Im lucky If get Like 6 hours a week thats like two hours on three seperate days.
When your not into your daily routines, what do you do in your free time?
Believe it or not I get more free time when Im travelling than while Imin NYC. Im with my kids a lot when Im not in the mix. I like to work out with the weights every now and then, ...right now Im studying Investments, Money Management and Financial Planning. On tour I like to chill with the local people and soak up their culture & traditions.
What's your all time favorite jam to bust to?
Every song has a different effect on me, I think I have about ten alltime favorites, but I would have to say, it might be Apache.
If you could see two crews or two particular B-boys battle it out, who would they be and why?
I havent seen who's out there lately but maybe, .. Moy /Lil Rock vs Iron Monkey/Ruin , Crumbs/Reveal vs Kmel/Remind ....why, I dont know, ..I just made it up, ...thats a hard question, why you tryin ta strain my brain?
How do you feel about B-boyin and how its getting more play in the commercial industry?
B.Boying isnt getting play in the commercial industry, ..breakdancing is. I think its corny when people dress up in tiger suits with booties on their feet and break in front of jungle back drops, or do incredible tricks to a song that doesnt have a break, ...why cant they ever show it the way it is, and why cant they ever show someone dancing on top to the beat without spinning or doing a trick. ....what can I say, I think breakers are being pimped and so many people want to be seen in a video, that they do whatever is asked, I just cant do it because I came up differently, ..I have principles and Ive seen how that hurts the dance, .I believe in creative control...........people that see breaking in vids only see one or two seconds worth, ...and they'll never get a glimpse of our dance because they never show someone dancing, ..they only show a visually incredible move, ...this is why some people say " breakdancers don't dance they just throw their bodies around acrobatically." But also, I dont blame the young cats for doin it and I aint hatin them, ...I just laugh when I see pioneers play themselves for that dollar, ..these are the same dudes that I sat next to on panels that used to bark about how people shouldnt play themselves in that way.
When judging battles, what is your criteria?
Whetever is brought to the table between two people or two crews,....choose who executes the best, and does what they had to do to win.
Who are some crews that's out today that you are diggin right about now?
BreakLife World Reps, Strategic Air Command, Zoom Platoon. ........jusplayin, ..... .....wow, ...too many to post, and so many I havent seen.........Peace to 7 Gems, .......the original Seven Grandmasters ..................Dude, ..you know I can go down the list for every state. Im diggin the crews that are versatile, the ones that have a person for every style that gets presented, ...the complete crews. And Im diggin the crews that regardless of how good they are, ..you can chill with, and not have to worry about the BS, respectable people who have open minds to dance, and dont diss original style. Peace to all my BreakLife jiggas out there, yall know the tempo.
What are your thoughts on the tragedy of the recent terrorist attacks?
Its a changing world, ..you have to have faith and live each day to the fullest, ..theres no telling what the future holds. Its a tuff situation, but I have faith in God and understand that good will always overcome evil. Im just into trying to do whats right while Im here, I've been blessed and I dont take that for granted. Enjoy life people, tomorrow is not guarenteed.
What advice would you give to up and coming B-boys and girls?
Respect your mind and body, enjoy breaking for what its truly worth, remember this is a dance, ..in business, protect yourself, see the world if you can, challenge yourself first, your main battle in life may be with yourself. Ask questions, Always respond quick when you get hit by a dope move, control your anger, let your dance do the talking, try to master all styles, learn the history, set goals, train hard, know your priorities and be responsible for your own actions.
What projects are you currently in the works with?
My final vid, "ill Padrino"
What is your biggest pet peeve about the scene today?
Jiggas get ten dope moves and think they the shhh.
Is there any possibities you would ever do a book or something of that nature where you would tell your lifestory as a bboy, myself and im sure thousands of others would definitely pick that up.
If you know somebody who knows the procedure to do a book, ..let me know,..Ive thought about it.
Any last comments for the people at home?
Thank you to all the people who have approached me and givin me respect,....I never take for granted the compliments that people give me, and personally those compliments are the true jewels that I value so much in my life at this point. People have made me feel like I made a difference in their life and that makes me feel like it was all so worth it. Stay real with yourself and be cool. one million. Ken Swift Corleone.
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 27.1KB
#164
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
THA CYPHA-Meditation- baved in love Go Down with ya Mind in ya Heart and Feel and undastand God Love Art and Souls
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 12.8KB
#165
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
Read, undastand,FEEL and Apply the Real Knowledge the real Kulture u know what i'm sayin'
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 38.3KB
#166
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
La steaua La steaua care a rãsãrit E-o cale atît de lungã, Cã mii de ani i-au trebuit Luminii sã ne-ajungã.
Poate de mult s-a stins în drum în depãrtãri albastre, Iar raza ei abia acum Luci vederii noastre.
Icoana stelei ce-a murit încet pe cer se suie; Era pe cînd nu s-a zãrit, Azi o vedem, si nu e.
Tot astfel cînd al nostru dor Pieri în noapte-adîncã, Lumina stinsului amor Ne urmãreste încã.
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 24.4KB
#167
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
It began from humble beginnings. Cindy Campbell decided to throw a back to school party in the small Rec Room at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx on August 11, 1973. Her big brother, DJ Kool Herc, extended the break beats and mesmerized the jam packed crowd. That first Hip Hop house party would change the world forever.
DJ Kool Herc could not contain the party inside for long. He decided to move the party to the Sedgwick Avenue Rec Area outside. This would be the first Hip Hop Block Party. Hundreds came and the traffic shut down Sedgwick Avenue.
Finally, DJ Kool Herc moved the party down the street to Cedar Park. Thousands came in droves in the darkness of night to see the first Hip Hop Park Jam. Kool Herc hot wired a light pole for juice to power up his legendary Herculord speakers and rocked the borough.
It all began in the Sedgwick Avenue & Cedar Park section of the Bronx. This thing called Hip Hop.
DJ Kool Herc began extending the break beats and mesmerized the crowd in the small rec room of his tenement building at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. That summer night in 1973 would change the world forever. His legend began that night, but the impact of DJ Kool Herc, The Father of hip-hop culture would be endless.
DJ Kool Herc laid the foundation of Hip Hop music by extending the break beats back to back. His sound system, the Herculords, was the loudest, his music selection was fearless.
Herc also laid the foundation of the MC by toasting the crowd with party-shouts. He was part of the early Graf movement and was respected for his Grafitti. DJ Kool Kerc organized the first dance crew and coined the term b-boys.
The Father of Hip Hop Culture was born in West Kingston Jamaica and emigrated to the Bronx in 1967 at 12 years old.
On August 11, 1973 he deejayed a back to school party for his sister Cindy in the community Rec room at the 1520 SEDGWICK AVENUE housing complex. This humble event would put the term Boogie Down in the Bronx and change the world forever.
DJ Kool Herc performed the ground breaking art form of the Merry-Go-Round using 2 Turntables at one time. Herc extended the funky break beats by isolating and repeating them over an over on the Original 1’s and 2’s of Hip Hop.
He tapped his Jamaican roots where Island Djs at yard party’s would toast individuals…Herc used the Mic to move the original house party with shout-outs over the records, which began the element of Emceeing.
His parties featured a new style of dance where people would up-rock or hit the ground to go off. Herc named these young cats “b-boys”.
Herc’s massive sound system, named the “Herculords” were legendary- against which other DJs could not compete. His music could be heard from blocks away and was capable of making people’s bodies literally feel da beat .
Kool Herc would drive the Herculords around the Boogie Down in his convertible moving hip hop one street, one hood and one borough at a time.
Soon Kool Herc had to move the party outside from 1520 Sedgwick Ave. to CEDAR PARK. He hot wired a street lamp to juice up his Herculord speakers. Three thousand people showed up in complete darkness that summer night. Hip Hop would never be contained in-side again.
DJ Kool Herc is the Original King of the Hip Hop Kingdom that has spread to every corner of the world. All hip hop royalty comes from his lineage.
Respect The Father
Afrika Bambaataa survived the ruthless streets of the South Bronx in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He lived in the legendary Bronx River Projects and rose to divisional gang leader of the Black Spades.
After a life changing visit to Mother-Africa, he decided to use his street leadership to turn those involved in gang life into something positive through Hip Hop. This began the development by him of the Universal Zulu Nation, a group of racially and politically aware people involved in hip hop culture. He would go on to become one of the most important and beloved international leaders of the late 20 th century through the UZN movement which combined Hip Hop Culture, Peace, Justice and Knowledge.
His name Bambaataa which translates to “affectionate leader” was influenced by the bravery of the Zulu warriors which resisted the oppressive British troops.
By 1977, Bambaataa had begun organizing block parties all around the South Bronx. He became known as “Master of Records” where his collection was more than 20,000 records strong.
He put the Funk in Hip Hop. In 1982, he released the groundbreaking hit Planet Rock. The song melded never heard before electronic hip hop beats with Kraftwerk’s Trans-Europe Express creating a new style of music altogether, called electro-funk.
Afrika Bambaataa organized the very first international hip hop tour. He literally carried Hip Hop on his shoulders from his South Bronx hood to countries and kingdoms around the world.
Grandmaster Caz - Live Rhyme Master
Grandmaster Caz was born & bred in the Boogie Down Bronx.
Originally known as Casanova Fly, he worked the ones & two’s before honing his Legendary MC skillz becoming the first simultaneous DJ and MC in hip-hop history.
A lyrical genius with the ability to spit killa rhymes on the fly, he became forever known as “The Live Rhyme Master”.
Battle tested, he was one of the streets favorite MC’s. Unfortunately the game did not show luv in return…as the greatest economic injustice in Hip Hop history was committed to GMC “Casanova Fly” by Sugar Hill Records when his rhymes used by Big Bank Hank in Sugar Hill Gang’s Rapper’s Delight, hip hop’s first super hit, were used with out credit nor payment. Even his name was pilfered…“Check it out…I’m the C-A-S and the N-OV-A and the rest is F-L-Y.........
This injustice could not & would not hold the man down as his legend only grew more in the streets & parks of the Boogie Down where he was elevated to the title of “Grand Master”.
Grandmaster Caz joined the Legendary Cold Crush Brothers circa 1978. They were a super group that kicked thematic routines featuring 3 MC’s rhyming simultaneously while not 1 but 2 DJ’s spun da vinyl.
Cold Crush inspired the likes of Run DMC, Kool Moe Dee, Biz Markie, Doug E. Fresh, LL Cool J, KRS-1, Chuck D, Will Smith, Fat Joe, Jay-z and countless MC’s that bless us still today.
Sha-Rock - Can't Be Topped - Mother of the Mic
In 1977 at only 16, Sha-Rock did the unthinkable…grabbed the mic and became the first female MC when she joined (all male) The Funky Four. This was inconceivable at the time.
Not only would she MC but she would battle, head to head and toe to toe with Melle Mel and the Furious Five. Melle Mel would rip it up with his powerful voice while Sha-rock would kill it with her smooth style, flawless delivery and fly rhymes. Although she battled the G.O.A.T. no one intimated the Mother. NO ONE!
She earned the respect as one of the best male or females to ever touch the mic. PERIOD!
Sha-rock and The Funky Four Plus 1 released “Rapping and Rocking The House” the longest Hip Hop record ever (15 minutes).
Another historic contribution made by Sha-rock to Hip Hop culture was the night The Funky Four Plus 1 introduced hip hop for the first time on National TV when she performed “That’s The Joint” on Saturday Night Live, February 14 th, 1981 with BLONDIE. Melle Mel - The Godfather of Rhyme
Melle Mel, the original G.O.A.T. is recognized by those that know as one of the finest lyricists hip-hop has ever seen. PERIOD!
Melle Mel joined Keith Cowboy Wiggins, his brother Kidd Creole and eventually Rahiem and Scorpio to construct the Furious Five. They would become the first hip hop super group with an immeasurable impact when they recorded, "The Message," in 1982.
The Message changed the face of rap forever. While the masses had grown accustomed to pop rhymes like “throw ya hands in the air”…Melle Mel went off about the harsh realities of ghetto life …Don’t Push Me Cause…I’m Close to the Edge…I’m Tryin’ Not To Lose My Head. It’s like a jungle out there…it makes me wonder how I keep from goin’ under”
Between 1979 to 1984, Melle Mel was untouchable with hits on the streets. Although it was under the banner Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five, it was well known that Melle Mel was the principle writer behind the hits, Super Rappin, Freedom, White Lines and The Message.
Melle Mel, is recognized as The God-father of Rhyme. He was the first MC to explode in a new rhyme cadence which remains the foundation of rhyming to this very day. The first to use the mic to deliver a deep message through powerful lyrics that painted a picture about urban plight. He was admired for his mighty voice and feared for his ability to chew through MC's.
Grand Wizzard Theodore
As a young prodigy on the turntable, in the likes of Mozart to the piano, Grand Wizzard Theodore invented 2 of the most dominant DJ techniques in history…The Needle Drop & The Scratch.
Other DJ’s would use their head set to find the funky break beat on the vinyl and than cut over from one record to another. This would take time. Theodore was such a master of the grooves in the vinyl with incredible timing and sight that he would literally drop the needle flawlessly by hand on the break beat while the album was still spinning.
In 1975, while still known as little Teddy, he created The Scratch at only13 years old. After school, while in his room, Theodore was practicing on the tables when his mom’s came home. The music was so loud that when she yelled to turn it down he could not hear her. He was immersed in the beat of the song Bongo Rock. She came storming into his room yelling to turn that music down. This time he heard her but he did not want to lose the beat. So while mom’s kept screaming he coolly slid the record back & forth to keep the beat. In his ear phones he heard the first sounds of scratching. Although raw, he immediately new he had something.
He spent hours, days & weeks perfecting The Scratch in his room. When he was finally ready to unveil this technique he did so at a Bronx house party in 1975. He blew peoples minds when they first heard The Scratch. He literally made the turn table an instrument unique to hip hop.
Theodore was so incredible on the tables that he became forever known as Grand Wizzard Theodore
Busy Bee - The Original Chief Rocker
Busy Bee was so fly that he changed the game forever when he became Hip Hop’s first solo MC!
Busy Bee earned his legendary reputation as The Original Chief Rocker with his ability to get the party started and keep the people rockin with his legendary shout-outs.
Busy Bee rocked the early block parties and park jams of the South Bronx with Cool DJ AJ, who later worked the wheels of steel for Kurtis Blow…AAA-JJJJ!
MC Busy Bee and Cool DJ AJ were a powerful 1 to 2 punch that could knock you out without warning. Soon Busy Bee was a heavy weight MC knocking out all comers on his own. He was a pioneer of early emcee battles around New York that drew huge crowds. He won the MC World Supremacy Battle Belt.
Busy Bee was involved in one of the most infamous battles in hip hop history against the legendary Kool Moe Dee. Thousands of copies of this battle continue to be circulated on the streets more than twenty years later.
The DJ was the original royalty of Hip Hop. The MC was only his side-man…his $20 a night help.
This was not happening for long with Busy Bee. The Original Chief Rocker took the Mic from behind the tables and brought it to the crowd. Because of Busy Bee, the Mic has NEVER-EVER gone back.
The 5 Elements unique to Hip Hop were the pillars to the culture’s foundation. We honor the elements of Hip Hop; DJ, B-Boy, MC, Grafitti and Style.
The DJ was Spinning the Breaks while the B-Boys dominated the floor. The MC’s rocked the crowd with fly rhymes and the graffiti artists were the messengers.
These original crews of Hip Hop created their own style to set themselves apart.
The style, the music and the message was like none ever seen or heard before. It would go on to conquer the world.
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 12.7KB
#168
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
Saint Silouan on Love
The soul cannot know peace unless she prays for her enemies. The soul that has learned of God's grace to pray, feels love and compassion for every created thing, and in particular for mankind, for whom the Lord suffered on the Cross, and His soul was heavy for every one of us.
The Lord taught me to love my enemies. Without the grace of God we cannot love our enemies. Only the Holy Spirit teaches love, and then even devils arouse our pity because they have fallen from good, and lost humility in God.
I beseech you, put this to the test. When a man affronts you or brings dishonor on your head, or takes what is yours, or persecutes the Church, pray to the Lord, saying: "O Lord, we are all Thy creatures. Have pity on Thy servants and turn their hearts to repentance," and you will be aware of grace in your soul. To begin with, constrain your heart to love enemies, and the Lord, seeing your good will, will help you in all things, and experience itself will shoe you the way. But the man who thinks with malice of his enemies has not God's love within him, and does not know God.
If you will pray for your enemies, peace will come to you; but when you can love your enemies - know that a great measure of the grace of God dwells in you, though I do not say perfect grace as yet, but sufficient for salvation. Whereas if you revile your enemies, it means there is an evil spirit living in you and bringing evil thoughts into your heart, for, in the words of the Lord, out of the heart proceed evil thoughts - or good thoughts.
The good man thinks to himself in this wise: Every one who has strayed from the truth brings destruction on himself and is therefore to be pitied. But of course the man who has not learned the love of the Holy Spirit will not pray for his enemies. The man who has learned love from the Holy Spirit sorrows all his life over those who are not saved, and sheds abundant tears for the people, and the grace of God gives him strength to love his enemies.
Understand me. It is so simple. People who do not know God, or who go against Him, are to be pitied; the heart sorrows for them and the eye weeps. Both paradise and torment are clearly visible to us: We know this through the Holy Spirit. And did not the Lord Himself say, "The kingdom of God is within you"? Thus eternal life has its beginning here in this life; and it is here that we sow the seeds of eternal torment. Where there is pride there cannot be grace, and if we lose grace we also lose both love of God and assurance in prayer. The soul is then tormented by evil thoughts and does not understand that she must humble herself and love her enemies, for there is no other way to please God.
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#169
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
"God loves Hiphop, cause he created Hiphop"
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 48.6KB
#170
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
"Hiphop is you and me man" KRS ONE Tha Teacha....contemplate about this niggaz u know...Much Love.. Hiphop...Knowledge Wisdom Undastandin' Peace Unity LOVE safetly havin' fun.....u know what i'm sayin..
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 16.7KB
#171
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
KOOL HERC The Father of Hip Hop
Kool Herc emigrated to the Bronx in 1967 when he was 12 years old. While attending Alfred E. Smith High School he spent a lot of time in the weight room. That fact coupled with his height spurned the other kids to call him Hercules.
His first deejay gig was as his sister's birthday party. It was the start of an industry.
1520 Sedgwick Avenue. The address of Herc's family and the location of the recreation room where he would throw many of his first parties as the DJ.
Herc became aware that although he new which records would keep the crowd moving, he was more interested in the break section of the song. At this point in a song, the vocals would stop and the beat would just ride for short period. His desire to capture this moment for a longer period of time would be a very important one for hip hop.
Herc would purchase two copies of the same record and play them on separate turntables next to each other. He would play the break beat on one record then throw it over to the other turntable and play the same part. Doing this over and over, he could rock any house in NY. (Not to mention it being an early form of looping that would be made easier through electronic sampling.)
He would dig in crates and look everywhere to find the perfect break beat for his parties. He didn't care what type of music, because he only needed a small section of a song for his purposes.
His first professional DJ job was at the Twilight Zone in 1973. He wanted to get into another place called the Hevalo, but wasn't allowed...yet.
His fame grew. In addition to his break beats, Herc also became known as the man with the loudest system around. When he decided to hold a party in one of the parks, it was a crazy event. And a loud one. At this time Afrika Bambaataa and other competing DJ's began trying to take Herc's crown. Jazzy Jay of the Zulu Nation recalls one momentous meeting between Herc and Bam.
Herc was late setting up and Bam continued to play longer than he should have. Once Herc was set up he got on the microphone and said "Bambaataa, could you please turn your system down?" Bam's crew was pumped and told Bam not to do it. So Herc said louder, "Yo, Bambaataa, turn your system down-down-down." Bam's crew started cursing Herc until Herc put the full weight of his system up and said, "Bambaataa-baataa -baataa, TURN YOUR SYSTEM DOWN!" And you couldn't even hear Bam's set at all. The Zulu crew tried to turn up the juice but it was no use. Everybody just looked at them like, "You should've listened to Kool Herc."
Finally his fame peaked and at last, in 1975, he began working at the Hevalo in the Bronx. He had his crew with him called the Herculoids. He helped coin the phrase b-boy (break boy) and was recently quoted as saying he was "the oldest living b-boy."
As competing DJ's looked to cut in on the action, Herc would soak the labels off his records so no one could steal his beats.
Grandmaster Flash had another story about Herc in his heyday
Flash would go into the Hevalo to check out Herc, but Herc would always embarrass him. He would call Flash out on the mike and then cut out all the highs and lows on the system and just play the midrange. Herc would say, "Flash in order to be a qualified disc jockey...you must have highs." Then he would crank up the highs and they would sizzle through the crowd. Then he would say, "And most of all, Flash, you must have...bass." And when Herc's bass came in the whole place would be shaking. Flash would get so embarrassed he would leave.
After a while spinning the records got to be an all intensive thing and Herc wouldn't have as much time to talk to the crowd and get them going. He needed someone else to help out and act as the Master of Ceremonies for him. And thus, for all practical purposes, Coke La Rock became the first hip hop MC ever.
Another club that Herc rocked was the Sparkle located at 174th and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. This was the spot that came before the Hilltop, 371 (DJ Hollywood's spot) and Disco Fever.
In 1977, Herc's career began to fall. The rise of Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five, and Bambaataa's various crews with their polished emcee styles put Herc at a disadvantage. One night he was stabbed three times at his own party and his career never fully recovered.
He appeared as himself in the film Beat Street.
Kool Herc played his last Old School party in 1984.
Most recently he has appeared on Terminator X's release "The Godfathers of Threat" and with the Chemical Brothers on their album "Dig Your Own Hole."
Similar to Bambaataa he does appear in Europe and New York from time to time.
Although he is not part of the hip hop vocabulary of most of those who listen to it these days (unfortunately), Kool Herc is the father of this underground sound from New York that found its way to becoming a worldwide phenomenon.....
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#172
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
What is B-boyin? Bboyin is one of the four main elements of Hip Hop culture. The media has labeled it "breakdancing", but this term is not correct. The proper terminology is Break Boy, Beat Boy, or Boogie Boy. The word B-boy is used loosely, but a B-boy is not just a hip hop fan, they are dancers.
When did it originate? It originated as a danceform in the early 1970's.
Where did it originate? It originated in the South Bronx area of New York City. B-boyin was done at parties and outdoor jams. Some say it's early roots came from other dance forms in Harlem & Brooklyn.
How did it evolve? In the early 1970's, it was focused mainly on uprock styles and finesse. There was very little footwork involved. After this period, it phased out. In the late 70's early 80's it was revived by the new generation. The dance became more spectacular with the introduction of power moves combined with floor rocking.
What are power moves? Power moves are spins and combination moves that are more acrobatic and involve a great deal of strength.
Are they important? To an extent, but the real core of breakin is in flavor and the artistic characteristics of dance. The new generations of B-Boys must remember that the true essence lies in style, art, and character rather than acrobatics.
What are some of the dance styles that make up B-boyin today? * Top Rocking (introduction) * Footwork (patterns done with leg manuevers) * Freezes (sudden stops and finishing of moves) * Power moves (spins & acrobatics) * Brooklyn Uprocking & Burning (taunting warlike dance made at an opponent) * Locking (Funk dance created by Don Cambell) * Popping (robotic, mime type of dance) * Other styles of Boogaloo
Does Breakin involve physical training? Yes, as in many other dance forms, it does require physical training. Breakin is a strenuous artform, that requires the body to defy gravity and perform feats of incredilble flexibility and endurance.
Who were some of the first B-boy & Rockin crews? Just to name a few; RockSteady, RockWell Assoc., Floor Masters, New York City Breakers, Dynamic Rockers, Scramblin Feet, Magnificent Force, Incredible Breakers, Dynasty Rockers, Dynamic spinners, SalSol, etc...
Did Breakin evolve from gangs? Usually those who did dirt stuck to dirt. Those who wanted some form of positive and recreational activity got involved with the dance. Some gang members became dancers and set trends for all of hip hop.
Is it a cultural dance? Yes it is, but unfortunately many people do not know or understand the roots, heritage, triumphs, fallbacks, and the upliftment of the dance.
How does breakin mix with boogieing & locking? Breakin is the acrobatical component of B-boyin. Poppin, boogie, and locking are miming, robotic, freestyle dancforms. These dances are were developed before the era of breakin. Disco and funk are the main types of music these dances are performed to. People often confuse them, but they are distincly different danceforms.
What music is danced to? Breakbeats, which are segments of a record that highlight the drummer. The art of lengthening breakbeats into one steady track was created by early Dj's.
Who gave the dance the name B-boyin? DJ Kool Herc from the Herculoids. He was one of the early Dj's in the Bronx.
Were there other Dj's? Yes, of the most popular in those days were: Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Hollywood, and Grand Master Flash. There were many others, but that is a whole other element.
Why was the dance considered a fad or wrong to do? Because of the ignorance and exploitation. Many people even within the Hip Hop community, considered B-boyin a passing thing. In the 1980's the media hyped up the acrobatics of the dance, exploited it, and then played it out. As a result many people gave it up. Others just quit because they could not keep up with the complexity of the moves or style.
Nonetheless, breakin is a deep form of expression. And like all other artforms, will continue to evolve and thrive. Despite criticism, many true original masters continue to push for the recognition of the dance and pass it on to the youth as a positive form of discipline.
This is just a brief summary on the art, history, and mechanics of B-boyin. Future lessons will go into greater detail on this art that stretches so far from east to west and around the world.
Deepest respects to those who paved the way for the evolution of our artform. Your will work will always be recognized.
The art of B-boyin is in Effect!!! Peace....
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 25.4KB
#173
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
Tha Cypha..where there is no more pain weakness hate only Divine Love and Art...One Soul One Heart...and Everythin is One ..ONE GOD... Meditate and Feel ..Go down with ya mind in ya heart and FEEL Love....THA CYPHA.... One Love
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 35KB
#174
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
Tha Cypha..where there is no more pain weakness hate only Divine Love and Art...One Soul One Heart...and Everythin is One ..ONE GOD... Meditate and Feel ..Go down with ya mind in ya heart and FEEL Love....THA CYPHA.... One Love
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 10.2KB
#175
Lil'Vietnam
Vizitator
Infinity Lessons
What is the Zulu-Nation? The Zulunation, is a great african clan that becomes kingdom under the command of Shakazulu.
What is the Universal Zulu Nation? The Universal Zulu Nation is a great combination of individuals. It has lots of chapters around the world: for example in USA, Canada, Brasil, Japan, Southafrica, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy in Swiss.
When and where were the UZN founded? The UZN has been founded 1973 from a pupil of the Adlai E. Stevenson High School - named Afrika Bambaataa. The Headquarter of the UZN was in the South Bronx (in the Bronx River Houses).
Today the headquarter of the UZN is still there? No, but it is in New York and is connected to all the chapters worldwide.
Which names lead to the name of the "UZN"? The Organization The Zulu Nation The Almighty Zulu Nation The Universal Zulu Nation
What is the meaning of the word "Zulu"? Zulu means "the heavens".
What is the meaning of the word "Zulu" reference to the UZN? It means "the heavens" oder "strong in figures".
What is the meaning of the word "Amazulu" for the UZN? Amazulu means "Humans of the heaven".
Where does Bambaataa got the idea to found the UZN? He got the idea in the sixties watching the movie "Zulu" from Michael Caine.
Who helps to build the UZN?
Amad Henderson Shaka Reed Zambu Lanier Kusa Stokes Aziz Jackson
Which groups lies within the UZN? Zulu Kings / Queens and the Shaka Zulus.
More questions about the UZN.
What are the fundamentals of the UZN? The fundamental is truth (knowledge, wisdom and comprehension). We as the zulu will aprove all that exist in the universe if it is true proved with facts.
Which basic principle has the UZN? Truth, but in all things is thruth and untruth. Nothing is totally white just as well as is nothing totally black. If somebody can prove his attitude which proves the truth, the UZN will except his attitude.
Which responsibilities has the UZN? To survive and avoid with all situations "open minded". To bring other near to truth (knowledge, wisdom and comprehension). To respect other people whom respekt thereselfs and never be the agressor. To live with other in harmony and peace.
What are the UZN Infinity Lessons? They attend many Themes which conciliate knowledge, wisdom and comprehension. The Authors comes from different nations and races but all they conciliate truth.
Which nationalities belongs to the UZN? In the beginning most people were africans or Hispanos, today the UZN is representing by a lot of nations worldwide.
Why does people from other nations accedes the UZN? The idea of Africa Bambaataa was, to publish the message of the UZN worldwide through the music. When the HipHop culture was born, Africa Bambaataa travels to europe and the rest of the world to publish his message.
Why does the most people think Africa Bambaataa is the leader of the UZN? People know that he has founded the UZN but when it grows he has founded the Zulu Council which authorised and famoust member he is.
What is the meaning of a leader of the UZN? The leader are people with a great experience and a high knowledge. They teach other who doesn´t know a lot to live within the UZN princibles, doesn´t matter which country or race they belong to.
True Hiphop..tha essence of Hiphop – poza de Lil'Vietnam, in BBOY'ing · 17KB
