Have you ever heard these 8 b-boys? (Part 1)

Welcome to “Have you ever heard these 8 b-boys? (Part 1).” Join us on a journey through the world of breakdancing as we introduce you to eight remarkable b-boys whose talent and creativity have left a lasting impression on the hip-hop dance scene. Get ready to be inspired by their electrifying moves and learn about the unique styles and contributions of each of these extraordinary dancers. Whether you’re a seasoned breakdancer or a newcomer to the dance floor, there’s something for everyone in this exploration of b-boy culture.

What are b-boys? B-boys, short for “break-boys,” are dancers who specialize in the art of breakdancing, also known as breaking. Breaking originated in the Bronx borough of New York City in the 1970s and quickly became a prominent element of hip-hop culture. B-boys engage in dynamic and acrobatic movements, including spins, freezes, footwork, and power moves, often performed to the rhythm of hip-hop music or beats created by DJs.

Lil Zoo

Hailing from Casablanca, Morocco, B-Boy Lil Zoo has left an indelible mark on the global breaking scene. Starting his journey at the age of 14 under the guidance of B-Boy Yoriyas from the Lhiba Kingzoo crew, Lil Zoo quickly gained recognition for his energetic and dynamic style. Known for his lightning-fast moves and daring acrobatics, he soared to victory in major competitions early in his career, including the 2012 Red Bull BC One Middle East Africa Cypher.

In 2008, Lil Zoo made the pivotal decision to move to Austria, expanding his horizons and opening doors to new opportunities. This strategic relocation proved fruitful as he secured wins at prestigious events like the 2018 Battle In Taoyuan in Taiwan, the World Breaking Classic in the Netherlands, and the illustrious Red Bull BC One World Final in Switzerland. His success not only brought acclaim to himself but also shone a spotlight on the burgeoning breaking scene in Morocco, a fact that fills him with pride.

Despite his numerous achievements, Lil Zoo remains a humble student of the craft, constantly pushing himself to evolve and refine his skills. He finds joy in the ever-changing landscape of breaking, relishing the chance to learn and grow with each performance.

Menno

Menno van Gorp, also known simply as Menno, stands tall as one of the most celebrated and competitive b-boys in the global breaking scene. Hailing from Tilburg, Netherlands, Menno’s journey into breaking began around 2001, sparked by the vibrant presence of the dance form among his peers and the influence of his older cousins. From those early beginnings at the age of 12, Menno’s dedication to breaking has propelled him to heights he never imagined possible.

Inspired by iconic figures in the breaking world such as Lego, Maurizio, Swift Rock, and Karim Barouche, as well as legendary crews like Skill Methodz and Havikoro, Menno found his own voice within the art form. As a member of the Hustle Kidz crew, Def Dogz, and later joining the prestigious Red Bull BC One All Stars, Menno honed his skills and crafted a distinctive style characterized by fluid transitions and innovative moves, often incorporating back rocks into his routines.

Throughout his illustrious career, Menno has amassed an impressive collection of solo championship titles. From winning the UK B-Boy Championships in 2007 and 2013 to triumphing at prestigious events like Battle of the Year and Unbreakable Championships in 2013, as well as claiming the R16 solo championship in 2015 and the WDSF World Breaking Championship in 2019, Menno’s list of accolades speaks volumes about his talent and dedication.

However, it is perhaps his three-time reign as the Red Bull BC One World Finals champion that stands as the pinnacle of his achievements. With victories in Paris, Amsterdam, and Mumbai, Menno has etched his name in breaking history, solidifying his status as one of the greatest to ever grace the dance floor.

As Menno reflects on his remarkable journey, he now turns his attention to giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his career. With a deep sense of gratitude for the transformative power of breaking and hip-hop in his life, Menno is committed to introducing the international world of breaking to his city and nurturing the growth of the dance community he holds dear. Through his passion, talent, and unwavering dedication, Menno continues to inspire and elevate the art of breaking to new heights.

Shigekix

Hailing from Osaka, Japan, B-Boy Shigekix stands as a shining star in the international breaking scene. Introduced to the art of breaking at the tender age of seven by his older sister, B-Girl Ayane, Shigekix swiftly transitioned from freestyle dancing to become a globally recognized b-boy. Renowned for his lightning-fast, precisely controlled power moves and rock-solid freezes, Shigekix’s dance style is a harmonious fusion of musicality, intricate patterns, and explosive athleticism.

Shigekix’s journey in breaking has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with triumphs and historic moments. A significant milestone in his career came in 2014 when he emerged victorious at the under-12 Baby Battle during the prestigious Chelles Battle Pro in France, defeating his idol, American B-Boy Lil Demon, whom he had previously lost to in 2012. This win fueled his determination and served as a catalyst for future successes.

Subsequent victories followed, including triumphs at the 2016 1on1 Nothing2Looz World Final Kids battle, the 2016 Hustle and Freeze solo battle, and the 2016 Marseille Battle Pro 1on1 Kids battle. Notably, at the age of 15, Shigekix made history by becoming the youngest breaker ever invited to compete in the Red Bull BC One World Final in Amsterdam. His remarkable journey continued as he clinched a bronze medal at the first-ever breaking competition at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

As a proud member of the esteemed Red Bull BC One All Stars, Shigekix has garnered acclaim and accolades on a global scale. However, his crowning achievement came in 2020 when he emerged victorious at the prestigious Red Bull BC One World Final. Beyond his prowess on the dance floor, Shigekix channels his boundless creativity into various artistic pursuits, including drawing, 3D art, and photography.

Guided by the unwavering support and inspiration of his sister Ayane, Shigekix sets his sights on even grander goals, including the possibility of competing in the Games in 2024 and continuing to make his mark on the global stage of breaking competitions. With his talent, dedication, and passion for the art form, Shigekix undoubtedly stands poised to leave an indelible legacy in the world of breaking.

Amir

Amir, hailing from Kazakhstan, emerged as a breakout star in the world of breaking in 2021. His monumental victory at the Red Bull BC One World Final in Gdansk marked a historic moment, making him the first Kazakhstani breaker to seize a Red Bull BC One title. Notably, he achieved this feat as the inaugural Cypher champion to progress from the Last Chance Cypher to the ultimate triumph in the World Final.

Raised in Kazakhstan before relocating to Russia at the age of 16, Amir embarked on his breaking journey in 2009. Associated with the Predatorz and PDVL crew, his path has been paved with challenges, from the scarcity of breaking classes in his hometown to making sacrifices, including skipping meals, to fund his passion for breaking.

Amir’s breakthrough came to fruition in 2020 when he emerged victorious in the solo battle at Legits Blast in Prague. Building on this success, he continued his winning streak in 2021 by clinching the Unbreakable championship and securing the 2021 Red Bull BC One Cypher Kazakhstan title, surpassing the achievements of the previous multi-time Kazakhstan Cypher champion, Killa Kolya.

Despite facing humble beginnings and financial hurdles, Amir’s unwavering determination and exceptional talent propelled him to the pinnacle of the breaking world. His experiences, particularly the competitive breaking environment in Russia and his triumphant performance at Legits Blast in Prague, instilled in him a newfound confidence and an insatiable drive for success.

By the time he entered the Red Bull BC One World Final in Gdansk, Poland, Amir was singularly focused on one goal: victory. His relentless pursuit paid off as he emerged triumphant, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the international breaking scene. Amir’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.

Summary

“Have you ever heard these 8 b-boys? (Part 1)” takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of breakdancing, introducing eight exceptional b-boys whose skills and innovation have made waves in the hip-hop dance community. From electrifying performances to unique styles, each b-boy showcased in this series brings something special to the dance floor. Whether you’re a seasoned breakdancer or simply curious about the culture, this exploration offers insights into the diverse talent and creativity within the b-boy scene.