Rock Steady Crew Announces 31st Anniversary

As Hip Hop continues to thrive and influence today's mainstream pop culture after three decades of growth, the world-famous Rock Steady Crew is on the verge of their 31st Anniversary. The historic four-day celebration kicks off in New York City beginning Thursday, July 24 with the legendary Celebrity Benefit Basketball Challenge, and will wrap on Sunday, July 27 with the Outdoor Concert in Newark, New Jersey as an official event at the Third Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival.

Since its inception in 1977, The Rock Steady Crew has upheld the vision of great B-boys and B-girls who have redefined modern day dance and Hip Hop art. Each year, RSC President Crazy Legs coordinates the anniversary in conjunction with the Backspin Productions team to produce the best events possible for the enjoyment of everyone who attends.

"Our goal is to always provide the global community with a nice balance of Hip Hop that caters to people who support all elements of our culture," explains Crazy Legs. "This year we will be honoring the legacy of Wayne 'Frosty Freeze' Frost, who recently passed away on April 3, 2008. Frosty Freeze was one of the last B-boys who embodied the very DNA of the original style, character and moves that existed when this dance began in the early '70s."

In the unsettling social climate of our world today, the Rock Steady Crew bonds as a multi-cultural international family. The anniversary is anticipated each year by thousands of people, many of whom plan their travel for months in advance to attend.

"For some reason, Hip Hop has that natural ability to bring people together and bridge the gaps that divide us, because of our common interest," says Crazy Legs. "When people come to the RSC anniversary, it becomes more than the anniversary. It’s a pilgrimage to the Mecca of Hip Hop. It’s a way to get in touch with why they got in to Hip Hop, and to meet some of the people that help to pioneer this culture. And what better time and place to do it than NYC in the summer time?"

The Rock Steady Crew 31st Anniversary events begin the morning of Thursday, July 24, 2008 with the Celebrity Benefit Basketball Challenge and the Against The Grain Concrete B-Boy/B-Girl Battle at NYC's infamous bball battleground, The Cage on West 4th Street. As the afternoon progresses, some popping/locking and B-boy dance workshops will be presented by RSC's Mr. Wiggles, Fabel, Suga Pop, Crazy Legs, Servin' Ervin, Bonita and Ynot at the Red Bull building. The night will round out with the "For The Funk Of It" Funkstyles Party, featuring a special live performance from Hip Hop pioneer Kurtis Blow.

On Friday, July 25, Frienemies will meet and represent the B-boy/B-girl ciphers at 101 River View at Grand Hall on Sixth Avenue in NYC. This will also be the UK B-boy Championships US Qualifier, deciding who will go on to represent the nation in the ultimate international B-boy challenge. The iconic DJ Red Alert will spin breakbeats at the event in honor of his "25 Years on Radio Anniversary."

Everyone will reconvene at the Grand Hall on Saturday, July 26 for a full day of intense 5-on-5 Crew Battles and the Spy Awards. B-boys and B-girls from around the world will represent to win the grand prize, as round-by-round eliminations ultimately decide the winning crew. July 26 is also proudly the Official Rock Steady Crew Day in New York City, as proclaimed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

For the anniversary's grand finale, Rock Steady is joining with Newark, New Jersey's Third Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival on Sunday July 27 to present the Free Outdoor Concert and Food Drive in honor of Frosty Freeze.

This acclaimed all-day concert is open to the public, and will feature performances from several amazing artists, including The Beatnuts, Buckshot, Craig G & Marley Marl, Sadat X, Soul Sonic Force, Positive K, Grand Master Caz, DJ Premier featuring NYG’z & Blaq Poet, Termanology & DJ Statik Selektah, A-OK, Akrobatik, Skyzoo, Double Barrel and a Female Cipher - Lyric a.k.a. Sara Kana, Mala Reignz & Patty Dukes. An official after party with DJ Evil Dee at the helm will take place at the Red Bull building in NYC after the outdoor concert.

With each anniversary comes new opportunities to reach the masses, and The Rock Steady Crew embraces the ability to use their collective energy for the greater good. "With out making it our agenda, we carry ourselves in a manner that is respectful to all cultural backgrounds and genders," Crazy Legs says. "Our goal as Rock Steady Crew is to help promote Hip Hop in the best way that we can. Hip Hop is a natural aphrodisiac for social bonding. We all should all see it for what it is, and embrace all the positive elements that it brings to us and spread that Hip Hop love."

SOURCE

YORAPS.COM