Rock Steady Crew

Rock Steady Crew is an American group of breaking and hiphop that emerged in 1977. The group was founded by B-Boy Jimmy D and B-Boy Jojo.

Rock Steady Crew Profile

Rock Steady Crew Facts:

The Rock Steady Crew was established in 1977 in the Bronx, New York, with its original founders being B-Boy Jo Jo and B-Boy Jimmy D. This period was significant for the dance movement, as disco was negatively impacting the art form, causing many b-boys to abandon it. Jo Jo, a former hustler, discovered his fame could grow through dancing, and he is often credited with inventing the backspin.

In 1979, Jimmy D recognized the need for fresh talent and introduced B-Boy Crazy Legs, who later became a spokesperson for the group. Another addition was B-Boy Lenny Len, as they expanded their presence to Manhattan. They utilized dance battles as a way to recruit new members.

Mr. Freeze was among the early white b-boys, while B-Boy Frosty Freeze, an elder b-boy from the Rock City Crew, offered his support to the younger RSC members in battles. The crew’s breakthrough came in 1981 when they performed at the Lincoln Center Outdoors Program, engaging in a battle with the Dynamic Rockers. Media coverage, including National Geographic, brought worldwide attention to the b-boy movement.

Shortly after, B-Boy Crazy Legs became the President of the Rock Steady Crew, with B-Boy Frosty Freeze and B-Boy Ken Swift as Co-Vice Presidents. The crew’s appearance in the movie “Flashdance” brought nationwide interest in “breakdancing” and contributed to the West Coast b-boy scene’s growth.

In 1982, the Rock Steady Crew joined Afrika Bambaataa’s Zulu Nation. They established Rock Steady Park at 98th and Amsterdam in New York, serving as a meeting place for RSC members. With their rising success, Kool Lady Blue became their manager. They embarked on a European tour with Afrika Bambaataa, Fab 5 Freddy, and graffiti artists. Members even appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman. They released the record “Hey You Rock Steady Crew,” which topped the British charts, and a single called “Uprock,” both from their album “Ready For Battle.”

However, contractual issues prevented them from performing live, impacting their popularity. Mr. Wiggles and Fable conceived the hip-hop musical “So, What Happens Now,” receiving praise in the New York Times and The Village Voice. A resurgence occurred with their performance at the 1991 Source Awards and their inaugural Rock Steady Anniversary Celebration. They also appeared in multiple music videos over the last 3-4 years.

WEBSITE
Website: rocksteadycrew.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: rocksteadycrew1977
Twitter: TheRealRSC1977
Facebook: rocksteadycrewbx

Rock Steady Crew Members Profile

1. Bboy Crazy Legs

Bboy Crazy Legs Facts:

Bboy Crazy Legs was born in The Bronx but raised in Manhattan, New York, USA. His journey into dancing began in 1977 when his cousin introduced him to a jam on Katonah Avenue. He assumed the role of the president of Rock Steady Crew in 1983. The moniker ‘Crazy Legs’ was bestowed upon him by a school cheerleader captain named “Arlene Rosario” after she observed him practicing in the auditorium. Additionally, he inadvertently developed the backspin move, now known as the windmill move, in 1990. Read more about Bboy Crazy Legs

WEBSITE
Website: rocksteadycrew.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: crazylegsbx
Twitter: CrazyLegsBX
Facebook: crazylegsbx

2. DJ Cucumber Slice

DJ Cucumber Slice Facts:

DJ Cucumber Slice is a DJ, streetball player, author, and a member of Rock Steady Crew. DJ Cucumber Slice initially began his journey as an intern at Def Jam. He gained recognition as a former co-host of the hip-hop radio program The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, which he shared with Adrian “Stretch Armstrong” Bartos, running from 1990 to 1999. Subsequently, he relocated to Washington, D.C., where he presently hosts a podcast named What’s Good? on NPR, alongside Bartos.

WEBSITE
Website: koolboblove.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: koolboblove

3. DJ Qbert

DJ Qbert Facts:

DJ Qbert was raised by Filipino immigrant parents from Bacolod, Negros Occidental, and Ilocos Sur. He grew up in San Francisco’s Excelsior District on Moscow Street. Qbert’s engagement with records commenced at the age of 15, he drew inspiration from the street performers and graffiti artists within the local hip-hop community during the mid-1980s. It was at Balboa’s school cafeteria that he encountered Mix Master Mike in a DJ battle, forging a lasting friendship between the two. While performing in New York City, FM20 caught the attention of Crazy Legs, who extended an invitation for them to join the Rock Steady Crew.

WEBSITE
Website: djqbert.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: djqbert
Youtube: DJ Qbert
Twitter: DJQbert
Facebook: skratchdjqbert

4. Bboy Fever One

Bboy Fever One Facts:

Bboy Fever One is both a B-Boy and DJ originally from Seattle. His journey led him to New York in 1997, where he became an integral part of the renowned Rock Steady Crew. His notable reputation revolves around his distinctive style called ‘gunzblazin,’ a dance style he refined under the guidance of Icey Ice and Lil’ Lep from the New York City Breakers.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: feverone
Youtube: feverone
Facebook: fever1

5. Madchild

Madchild Facts:

Madchild, a Canadian rapper, is a prominent figure in the Vancouver-based hip hop collective Swollen Members. He ventured into solo work with his 2009 EP titled “The Madchild EP.” Progressing further, he dropped his inaugural album, “Dope Sick,” in 2012, followed by “Lawn Mower Man” in 2013 and “Silver Tongue Devil” in 2015. Notably, he became a member of the Rock Steady Crew in 1993. Continuing his musical journey, he released “The Darkest Hour” in 2017.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: madchild
Youtube: Madchild
Twitter: MadChild57
Facebook: Madchild.Official

6. Bboy Mr. Wiggles

Bboy Mr. Wiggles Facts:

Bboy Mr. Wiggles is a South Bronx native of Puerto Rican descent who grew up immersed in the hip-hop culture from the early 1970s. His journey into dancing began with battles across various locations in New York City. Through dedication and skill, he cultivated a formidable reputation in battling, enabling him to engage in battles on a global scale. B-Boy Mr. Wiggles particularly highlights his achievement of being a part of two legendary dance groups in the realms of hip-hop and funk styles: The Electric Boogaloos and the Rock Steady Crew.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: mrwigglesrsc
Youtube: MRWIGGLESEB
Twitter: MRWIGGLESEB
TikTok: mrwiggleseb
Facebook: MRWIGGLESEB

7. Q-Unique

Q-Unique Facts:

Q-Unique, as a prominent member of the renowned Rock Steady Crew, Q-Unique has made appearances alongside fellow members in music videos like The Roots’ “Clones” and Def Squad’s rendition of “Rappers Delight.” Q-Unique’s charisma has also led him to feature in various advertising campaigns for well-known brands such as Coca-Cola and Armani. Beyond his music releases, Q-Unique recently played a role in initiating and securing a Proclamation from the Mayor of NYC, designating July 26, 2003, as “Rock Steady Crew Day.”

WEBSITE
Website: q-unique.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: mr_q_unique
Youtube: QUNIQUEtv

8. Rahzel

Rahzel Facts:

Rahzel is a member of Rock Steady Crew. He is famous for his ability to beatbox simultaneously with singing and rapping. He displays his skills through a range of individual ventures and collaborations, including a notable contribution to Ben Harper’s 2000 track “Steal My Kisses.” His distinctive voice can also be heard on video games SSX and SSX Tricky. Rahzel’s involvement extended to the album “True Love” by Toots and the Maytals, which clinched the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2004.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: rahzelthelegend
Youtube: RahzelVEVO
Twitter: rahzelthelegend

9. Bboy Tony Touch

Bboy Tony Touch Facts:

Bboy Tony Touch started his journey as a B-Boy during the early 1980s, a time when rap music was undergoing a renaissance. Influenced profoundly by trailblazers like the Rock Steady Crew, Grandmaster Flash, Red Alert, “Little” Louie Vega, and Jam Master Jay, he swiftly shifted his focus to the realm of turntablism. B-Boy Tony Touch is renowned for his iconic mixtapes, particularly the original “50 MCs” series consisting of parts 1, 2, and 3. This, alongside his numerous other mixtapes, propelled B-Boy Tony Touch into the limelight on the streets and within the industry, earning him the distinction of being recognized as the genuine ‘Mix Tape King.’

WEBSITE
Website: tonytouch.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: djtonytouch
Soundcloud: therealtonytouch
Twitch: djtonytouch

10. East3

East3 Facts:

East3 was born in the Bay Area and raised in Honolulu, HI. His artistic journey began at the age of 14 when he started painting. His chosen moniker, ‘East,’ was inspired by the concept of Asians hailing from the Eastern Hemisphere. His primary aim was to raise awareness and acknowledgment for the Asians contributing to the Hip Hop culture. In 1994, East 3 was enlisted by Mr. Wiggles and Crazy Legs to establish a new chapter of the Rock Steady Crew in Hawaii. East3 became the founding member of the Rock Steady Crew.

WEBSITE
Website: east-3.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: eastthree

11. Bboy Skill Roy

Bboy Skill Roy Facts:

B-Boy Skill Roy served as a valuable source of local B-boy history, showcasing the significance of direct interactions with Hip-Hop pioneers from the mainland. His contributions highlighted the fusion of these influences with local innovation, illustrating the evolution and unique development of the B-boy culture within his community. Skill Roy and East3 were honored to perform with B-Boy Crazy Legs back in the late ‘93 in Hawaii.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: skillroy808
Facebook: SKILLROY1

Former Members

12. Bboy Frosty Freeze

Bboy Frosty Freeze Facts:

Bboy Frosty Freeze was also known as “The Freeze To Please”. Renowned for his comedic, acrobatic, and inventive approach, he stood out with a distinctive style. His signature move, famously referred to as the “dead man drop,” originated from a fortuitous mishap. While attempting a backflip that went awry and ended with him landing on his back, this unconventional maneuver became his trademark move. In early 2008, he was affected by an undisclosed illness. His condition deteriorated to the point where he required life support starting from March 27. Tragically, he passed away on April 3, 2008.

13. Mix Master Mike

Mix Master Mike Facts:

Mix Master Mike, an accomplished American turntablist, gained fame primarily for his collaboration with the Beastie Boys. Born in San Francisco, California, Mix Master Mike has ancestral roots in both German and Filipino descent. His prominence soared when he secured victory in the 1992 New Music Seminar/Supermen Inc. DJ Battle for World Supremacy held in New York City. In the same year, Mix Master Mike joined forces with DJ Qbert and DJ Apollo to form the Rock Steady DJs and clinch the DMC World DJ Championships.

WEBSITE
Website: mixmastermike.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: mixmastermike
Youtube: MixMasterMikeOFFICIAL
Twitter: mixmastermike
Facebook: mixmastermikeofficial

14. Bboy Ken Swift

Bboy Ken Swift Facts:

Bboy Ken Swift’s journey into breaking began at the age of 12, sparked by the inspiration he drew from the dancers on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. In 1978, he established the Young City Boys, a collective that featured other talented individuals. B-Boy Ken Swift and B-Boy Frosty Freeze decided to join the Rock Steady Crew in 1980, both serving as co-Vice Presidents of the crew. From 2014 to 2015, Ken served as a Scholar in Residence at the Hip Hop Education Centre at New York University. He is also a contributor to The Oxford Handbook of Hip Hop Dance Studies, which released in November 2022. Read more about Bboy Ken Swift

Social Media Handles
Instagram: realkenswift
Youtube: kenswift2841
Facebook: ken.swift.75

15. DJ Rhettmatic

DJ Rhettmatic Facts:

DJ Rhettmatic is a renowned producer and DJ. He holds a significant role as a member and co-creator of Southern California’s pioneering turntable band, the Beat Junkies. Commencing his DJ journey in 1983, he initiated his career with Double Platinum, a DJ collective rooted in Cerritos, CA. He was a member of Rock Steady Crew, LA Chapter in 1991. He currently hosts Beat Junkie Radio on Dash Radio.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: rhettmatic
Twitter: rhettmatic
Facebook: rhettmatic

16. Bgirl Baby Love

Bgirl Baby Love Facts:

Bgirl Baby Love held the distinction of being the lone female member of the Rock Steady Crew for a period of three years. Hailing from the Upper West Side, she was initiated into the world of breaking by her brother, during their time spent at a park located on 98th and Amsterdam. This particular park would later be renamed “Rock Steady Park” as an homage to the dancers who frequented it. B-Girl Baby Love is now settled in Atlanta with her two kids.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: daisy_castr0
Facebook: daisy.cutajar

NOTES:

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