B-Boy Summit

Building from the ground up

Written by Avani-Kiran Sharma from Rap Pages Magazine.

February 23 (Friday) and February 24 (Saturday) were the historical and memorable dates for this last year's B-Boy Summit in San Diego, California. the diligent work of the event's coordinators-Asia One, Easy Ric and J-Love (East Coast Coordinator) of Eternal Two Creations and the Rock Steady Crew- produced a captivating and unforgettable Summit that left everybody in attendance (over 2,000 of them!) feeling indescribably proud of their Hip- Hop culture. Asia explains, "What seprates the B-Boy Summit form other conventions is that it encompasses all the talents of Hip-Hop, while paying attention to the culture, attending to its and addressing the positives and negatives that exist within it."

Easy roc adds, "the most important aspect of the Summit is to educate and entertain in a safe, non-threatening environment, not motivated by economic gain, because we are a nonprofit orgainztion and we are giving back to the community as well as our culture".

the two-day event also brought forth notable panel discussions enlightening those who were present, expecially the youth. friday consisted of the Graffiti Expo, with actual demonstrations, exhibits, merchandise and donated relics. That evening witnessed the "Graffiti Worldwide" panel, with topics ranging from messages in the art, exploitation, writers' responsibilities, consciousness and levels of awareness, societal and community views of the Graf phenomenon, and an uplifting report on the current stat of street art.

Saturday's first panel,, entitled "B-Boy'n Worldwide" featured guest speakers Mr. Wiggles, Crazy Legs, Easy Roc, Ken Swift, Mr. Freeze, Jens, Asia and Suga-Pop. Topics introduced were true Hip-Hop dancing, misuse of the terms B-Boy/Girl by artists and journalists, the terminology of dance moves, com munication between dancers, dynamics of battling, mentoring youth and respect in the circle. Immiediately following the B-Boy/Girl panel, menbers of the second panel, "Hip-Hop Pioneers and Progressors," took their seats, including Mr. Wiggles, Mode 2, Mr. Freeze, Q-Bert, Charlies Chase, DJ Yuaka, Dream Nefra, Prince Whipper Whip, Crazy Legs and Kutfather. Topics included the foundation, roots and culture of Hip-Hop, regaining control of our culture, responsible journalism, attutudes and actions of responsibility, what it takes to be a part of the culture, industry exploitation of the culture, giving back, and repecting all elements as true art forms. Other community spokespersons who joined in the dialogue were Adisa Banjoko, Alex Aquino, Hector Calderon (El Puente), J-Love and Tonea. the discussion turned to the state of the community (economics, politics, social makeup), educational systems, resources, Hip-Hop advocates and organizations, advancement through Hip-Hop, working to redefine what Hip-Hop is (media, industry and society), and bridging the culture to create a tighter network. The informative panels were most insightful and educational-never in the history of panel discussions (e.g., New Music Seminar, How Can I Be Down, Gavin) has there been so much sincere and genuine paticipation from those who, both domestically and internationally, represent the true aspect of Hip-Hop culture. to top the meeting off, all B-Boys and B-Girls took it to the linoleum and defied gravity in an unrelenting cipher that ran throughout the day.

presently the B-Boy Summit is two years old. This year's convocation is being work on, and the turnout is expected to grow at an inconceivable rate. for specific inquiries regarding historical footage of panels and B-Boying in general, contact Eternal Two Creations at (619) 418-1448.