Rock Steady Crew is a breakdancing crew and hip hop group that was established in the Bronx borough of New York City in 1977. The New York Times calls the Rock Steady Crew "the foremost breakdancing group in the world today".^{[cite this quote]} A breakdancer performing a one-handed freeze (also known as a pike) in the streets of Paris. ... Hip hop is a subculture, which is said to have begun with the work of DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, and Afrika Bambaattaa. ... For other uses, see Bronx (disambiguation). ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed internationally. ...

History

The original founders were Jimmy D and Jojo, two early popularizers of breakdancing. Although breakdancing has since become a well-known subculture, in the late 1970s it was little known outside of New York, as such their early rivals were from the other boroughs of New York. In the beginning, membership in the crew was only granted by battling with another Rock Steady member; it was a competition few people won. A breakdancer performing a one-handed freeze (also known as a pike) in the streets of Paris. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, also called The Seventies. ...

In 1979 when b-boying began to die down, Jimmy D added Crazy Legs and Lenny Len to the crew. This fresh talent came at a critical time for the crew, if it had not been for these fresh new faces Rock Steady quite possibly would have ended then. Crazy Legs then was living in Manhattan and would return to the Bronx on the weekends to "hang with the boys", but that eventually became too expensive. At that point Crazy Legs began to explore the hip hop scene in Manhattan, this meant losing contact with some of the other members of Rock Steady. Crazy Legs wanted to start a crew of his own and went back to the Bronx to get Jimmy D's permission to start a new Rock Steady chapter in Manhattan. Unable to find Jimmy D he instead joined Rockwell Association (a competitor to Rock Steady) on suggestion of his cousin Lenny Len. After being turned down the first time they immediately added him to their crew as he had a lot more to offer this time and gave him a chapter in Manhattan. Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Richard Crazy Legs Colón Crazy Legs (born Richard Colón on January 1, 1966) is a break dancer and graffiti artist, and is one of the original members of the Rock Steady Crew and its current president. ... For other uses, see Manhattan (disambiguation). ...

It was not until the early part of 1981 that Crazy Legs finally got permission from Jimmy D to start a chapter of the Rock Steady Crew in Manhattan. Crazy Legs immediately switched the affiliation of his crew from the Rockwell Association to Rock Steady Crew. Although none of the current members of his chapter had battled anyone from the Rock Steady Crew they had already gained the respect of Crazy Legs and so were accepted by the Bronx chapter without question. It would be this Manhattan chapter that would eventually rebuild the popularity of breakdance in NYC. Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ...

1981 would be the real turning point for Rock Steady, in August photographer Henry Chalfant, from National Geographic offered Mike Holman for a chance for the Rock Steady Crew to perform at the Lincoln Center Outdoors Program. This outdoor performance was covered by local New York City television stations, as well as The New York Times, The Village Voice, New York Daily News and National Geographic. This performance, a battle against rival crew The Dynamic Rockers, would later gain them worldwide exposure. Founder Jimmy D saw the broadcast on television and was so impressed with the buzz that Crazy Legs had created for the crew he made him President of the entire Rock Steady Crew. Crazy Legs then made two members of the Manhattan chapter Frosty Freeze and Ken Swift Co-Vice Presidents. Henry Chalfant (born January 2, 1940 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania) is a well known and highly regarded urban culture photographer and videographer most notable for his graffiti and breakdance photography and film. ... The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. ... The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed internationally. ... This article is about a New York newspaper. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The National Geographic Society was founded in the USA on January 27, 1888, by 33 men interested in organizing a society for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge. ... Headline text Link titleInsert non-formatted text here ... Ken Swift(born Kenny Gabbert) is a B-boy in the Rock Steady Crew. ...

In winter 1982 the RSC was invited to perform at the Ritz nightclub, the list of other performers that night included the post-punk group Bow Wow Wow, Afrika Bambaataa, and the Jazzy 5. After this performance, Crazy Legs and Frosty Freeze asked Afrika Bambaataa if they could join the Zulu Kings, considered then to be the most highly respected of the b-boy crews. Bambaataa allowed them to join, and included the entire RSC as members of his "Zulu Nation". Soon after that performance the RSC became caught up in the diverse 1980s NYC club culture, which at the time was a mix of Rastafarians, Punk Rockers, New Wave listeners, and, of course, hip hop fans. The Rock Steady Crew expanded at this time into a large family like group consisting of women, children, roller skaters, graffiti artists, and DJs. This would also be the year the group, and breakdance in general, became bigger than NYC. Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... Bow Wow Wow was a 1980s New Wave band organized by Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren in 1980 whose music is described as having an African-derived drum sound.[1] McLaren persuaded guitarist Matthew Ashman, bassist Leigh Gorman and percussionist David Barbarossa of the original lineup of Adam & the Ants... Afrika Bambaataa is a DJ and community leader from the South Bronx, who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1970s. ... The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ... Rasta hairstyle Rastafarianism is a religious movement that believes in the divinity of ex Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie. ... Punk rock is an anti-establishment music movement beginning around 1976 (although precursors can be found several years earlier), exemplified and popularised by The Ramones, the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned. ... New Wave was a pop and rock music genre that existed during the late 1970s and the early-to-mid 1980s. ... For other uses, see Graffiti (disambiguation). ... DJ or dj may stand for Disc jockey, dinner jacket The DeadJournal website, or Djibouti. ...

In early 1983, the Rock Steady Crew became managed by Kool Lady Blue, who booked them on the Roxy Tour sponsored by Europe One Radio. This tour took the Rock Steady Crew, Afrika Bambaataa, Fab Five Freddie, the McDonalds Double Dutch girls, various DJs and graffiti artists from the rubble of the projects to London and Paris, and was the first international hip hop music tour. The Crew also appeared on the Jerry Lewis Telethon for the second time that year. In November of that same year Elizabeth II asked them to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in aid of the Artists Benevolent Fund. At this time the London scene was developing fast and furiously and was responsible for such innovative moves such as the fabled 'English back spin' said to be invented by Jonathan Fletcher in Convent garden. Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is the worlds largest chain of fast-food restaurants [1]. Although McDonalds did not invent the hamburger or fast food, its name has become nearly synonymous with both. ... Look up double Dutch in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... This article is about the capital of France. ... Hip hop music is a style of music which came into existence in the United States during the mid-1970s, and became a large part of modern pop culture during the 1980s. ... For other persons named Jerry Lewis, see Jerry Lewis (disambiguation). ... The 2005 Telethon on Seven Perth. ... Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... The Royal Variety Performance is a gala evening held in the United Kingdom once each year, and often in a theatre in Londons West End although it is increasingly being held outside of London. ...

The tour would lead to a short record deal with UK record label Charisma Records. Their release "Hey You, The Rock Steady Crew" went gold and was a top ten chart hit in Great Britain. The RSC saw little of the proceeds however, due to their lack of understanding of the music industry and their poor contract negotiations. The RSC alleges they were taken advantage of by Charisma Records who would not allow them any creative input. When Charisma Records went out of business they were sold to Virgin Records who indefinitely shelved the deal. This deal caused friction among the members of the group who decided to put RSC on hold for a while and concentrate on other projects. Charisma Records was a record label started by former journalist Tony Stratton-Smith in 1969. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with RIAA certification. ... Virgin Records was a British recording label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, and Nik Powell in 1972. ...

In 1989 an up and coming rapper Q-Unique gave Crazy Legs a demo tape and lobbied for the revival of Rock Steady. Crazy Legs also had been receiving pressure to restart Rock Steady from martial artist Jerry "Fast Feet" Fontanez. Persuaded, Crazy Legs restarted the group; along with Q-Unique, Crazy Legs went back into the club scene and started reassociating the Rock Steady Crew with the hip-hop scene. Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Q-Unique, a rapper signed to Uncle Howie Records and former member of the Arsonists (rap group), solo album Vengeance Is Mine (2004) produced in association with ILL BILL of Non Phixion. ...

In 1991 Mr. Wiggles approached Crazy Legs about an idea he and Fable (from Magnificent Force) had for a hip-hop musical called "So, What Happens Now?". Ken Swift and Buck 4 came on board and helped provide a scenario for the musical: Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... Mr. ...

"You don't know what it feels like to go fill out a job application ... where it says, ‘what do you do?’ what do I write? I spin on my head?" – Buck 4^{[citation needed]}

"So, What Happens Now?" was a critics choice in The New York Times and received rave reviews in The Village Voice, The Daily News and El Diario.

In a 1992 performance, they received a standing ovation led by Gregory Hines at the Kennedy Center Honors where United States President George H. W. Bush, and Gregory Peck were in attendance. Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... Gregory Hines (February 14, 1946 – August 9, 2003) was a Tony Award-winning American actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12, 1924) was the 41st President of the United States, serving from 1989 to 1993. ... Gregory Peck (April 5, 1916 – June 12, 2003) was an Academy Award-winning American film actor. ...

As of 2005 Crazy Legs is still president of the crew, with Fabel as vice presidents. There are now Las Vegas, Orlando and Los Angeles chapters in the United States, as well as members in Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, And Canada. Currently approaching their 28th anniversary, they have more goals in sight. They remain active in the community and are involved in several different outreach programs, having held several food drives for NYC pantries. One of their goals for 2005 is to start a Rock Steady foundation for children, which will provide dance classes and other after school activities. Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For further information, see Las Vegas metropolitan area and Las Vegas Strip. ... Nickname: Location in Orange County and the state of Florida Coordinates: , Country State Counties Orange Government  - Mayor Buddy Dyer (D) Area  - City 101 sq mi (261. ... Flag Seal Nickname: City of Angels Location Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates , Government State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Geographical characteristics Area     City 1,290. ...

In 2007 a remix of "Hey You, The Rock Steady Crew" by Jay C was released. Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

Rock Steady Crew anniversaries

The RSC holds an annual anniversary party in the Bronx, to "symbolize the preservation of the history and the evolution of Hip-Hop Culture."^{[citation needed]} This party is a community event which brings out many local DJs, breakdancers, graffiti artists, MCs, and hip hop fans from all over the world. It is also a time where the current members honor the past members who have retired, and those who have died. The 30th anniversary climatic concert, held in Lincoln Park in Newark, NJ on July 29, 2007, featured what may have been the most impressive lineup of legendary hip hop luminaries, including EPMD, Biz Markie, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Soulsonic Force, Dana Dane, Chubb Rock, Craig G, Just-Ice, Lords of the Underground, and Naughty by Nature, as well as contemporary acts like Thirstin Howl, Planet Asia, Polyrhythm Addicts, and DJs like DJ Scratch, Q-Bert, JS-1, Tony Touch, and Evil Dee.

the rock stedy crew are known as kool

List of members

Pre-1984 Hiatus

Richard Crazy Legs Colón Crazy Legs (born Richard Colón on January 1, 1966) is a break dancer and graffiti artist, and is one of the original members of the Rock Steady Crew and its current president. ... Headline text Link titleInsert non-formatted text here ... Ken Swift(born Kenny Gabbert) is a B-boy in the Rock Steady Crew. ... Richard Walters (born January 14, 1965), better known by stage names Slick Rick, MC Ricky D and Rick the Ruler, is a rapper. ...

Post-1991 Revival

Richard Crazy Legs Colón Crazy Legs (born Richard Colón on January 1, 1966) is a break dancer and graffiti artist, and is one of the original members of the Rock Steady Crew and its current president. ... Mr. ... Tony Touch, also known as Tony Toca, is an American hip hop DJ MC, B-boy, and producer from New York City, who is of Puerto Rican descent. ... Q-Unique, a rapper signed to Uncle Howie Records and former member of the Arsonists (rap group), solo album Vengeance Is Mine (2004) produced in association with ILL BILL of Non Phixion. ... Ken Swift(born Kenny Gabbert) is a B-boy in the Rock Steady Crew. ... Rahzel (full name Rahzel M. Brown) is probably best known in the semi-mainstream world as a member of the Roots, Rahzel is an MC that specializes in the fifth element of hip-hop culture -- beatboxing (which comes after graffiti spraying, DJing, MCing, and breakdancing). ... Rhettmatic is a DJ who is part of the Los Angeles, California based DJ crew the Beat Junkies. ... The subject of this article may not satisfy the notability guideline or one of the following guidelines for inclusion on Wikipedia: Biographies, Books, Companies, Fiction, Music, Neologisms, Numbers, Web content, or several proposals for new guidelines. ...

Discography

Albums

• "Ready For Battle" - 1984

Track listing

1. "Uprock" – 5:10
2. "Me And Baby Brother" – 4:11
3. "She's Fresh" – 4:02
4. "B-Boys B-Girls" – 4:49
5. "It's Just Begun" – 4:38
6. "(Hey You) The Rock Steady Crew" – 5:25
7. "Digital Boogie" – 5:49

Singles

• "(Hey You) The Rock Steady Crew" - 1984
• "She's Fresh" - 1984
• "Uprock" - 1984
• "Used To Wish I Could Break With Rock Steady" - 2000
• "Hey You" - 2007

References

• The Freshest Kids: A History of the B-Boy (DVD) 2002 by Image Entertainment.
• Current Member List
• Official Biography
• Biography & Original Member List by Joe-Joe

DVD (also known as Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) is a popular optical disc storage media format. ...

External links

• Official Website
• The Freshest Kids: A History of the B-Boy at the Internet Movie Database
• "Rock Steady Crew Celebrates 30th Anniversary" at XXLmag.com