If you’ve ever wanted to sing while yelling, well, it’s very simple. You yell. The trick comes in when you have to maintain a note, or scream for an extended period of time. This is a lot harder then it may seem. Yell singing puts tremendous stress on your vocal chords, and requires an extraordinary amount of breath.

Have you ever lost your voice after a long period of talking loudly? Yell singing can cause permanent loss of your voice. If you try yell singing without practicing first, you could badly damage your vocal chords. Make you take your time and learn some vocal techniques before you jump into yell singing. It is important to be cautious when learning on how to yell sing.

You need to develop strength in your vocal chords in order to yell sing. This can be done in a numerous ways. Most of the techniques are the same with all types of singing. Simple vocal exercises will help build your vocal muscle. Breathing exercises will help give volume to your voice, and give you the ability to hold notes longer.

If you are serious about learning to yell sing. You should look into the various instructional materials that are available. You might also consider hiring a personal teacher. Whatever you choose to do, remember to start slow. You need to build up your muscle before you can exercise it.

Find Out More:
Click Here For Free Information and Reviews. How to Yell Sing

http://SingingCenter.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/tips-on-how-to-yell-sing-1495496.html

Lucky for you, you won’t have to look. I’m going to reveal to you a site that will get you dirt cheap music downloads.

I hated trying to download music. I didn’t want to download illegally for obvious reasons. But at the same time it would cost me a fortune to fill up my MP3 players 40GB of memory.

For many sites it would cost me $1 to $3 PER SONG.

That’s outrageous if you ask me.

But, I finally found a site that was worth a damn.

Flickr Music is AMAZING. They have a database of almost 13 MILLION songs available for download.

The best part is that the site offers CHEAP music downloads. How cheap? You can get a lifetime membership of UNLIMITED downloads for a puny $30.

That’s a deal that can’t be beat. Trust me, I’ve looked around forever.

I’ve NEVER seen a deal like that. For $30 you can download however many songs you want from their collection of over 12.8 million for the REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Not only will you be able to fill up your MP3 player’s memory, you’ll be out buying media cards to add to your memory so you can download EVERY song you want. All for just $30.

If that isn’t cheap music downloads, I don’t know what is.

Wanna start filling up your MP3 player TODAY?

Grab yourself all the cheap music downloads you can handle at Flickr Music!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/cheap-music-downloads-where-to-get-cheap-music-downloads-1481534.html

Others think of anything that is receiving heavy rotation on radio as commercial music. Whatever their definition, one thing is often overlooked: commercial music is the heart of the music industry which pumps the blood that keeps it alive.

So why then are so many music artists resistant to making commercial music? The answer that I’m often given is because they don’t want to “sell-out” their creative integrity by conforming to some industry version of what’s popular (i.e. what’s selling at the moment). It becomes very obvious to me that the problem is not commercial music, but rather the perception and definition of it.

The misconception is that the music industry created this superficial definition of commercial music to strip away the artistry and true identity of artists for the purpose of making money; forcing artist to create songs that the “masses” will enjoy. That fallacy is often perpetuated by music artists who are usually incapable (not unwilling) of creating commercially viable songs.

The truth is the public, not the industry, dictates what is commercial, and for decades they have gravitated towards, embraced, and purchased songs that adhere to a commercial music format.

If commercial music is the rule for success and sales in the music industry, there are inevitably going to be some exceptions to it, but unfortunately, the tendency is for music artists to try and become the exception, instead of observing the rules and why they exist.

Simply put: the rules of commercial music success have not, and will not change. Not in your life time or your children’s lifetime. They exist because it’s human nature to reject the unfamiliar; in the music industry, similarity is the cornerstone of acceptance. This is why so many popular songs sound similar and contain familiar elements.

It’s a rule that is prevalent in every genre, and on every continent. There are those artists who do a masterful job of observing their own artistic values while delicately balancing the demands for commercial music by industry professionals. Artists such as Prince, Sting and Bjork, have pushed the envelope of creativity for years. But artists of their caliber who possess such sublime talent and vision are rare.

For the sake of clarification and argument, I will offer my explanation and industry definition of what commercial music is; based on 25 years of listening to recordings as a music lover, music industry professional, and music critic in what I will call, “The 6 Rules of Commercial Music Success.” They are songs that have the following:

1.) A STRONG HOOK/MEMORABLE CHORUS. If no one knows what your song is called, they can’t request it when they hear it on the radio. More importantly, they can’t buy it at retail…or track it down on the Internet to illegally download a copy of it.

2.) GOOD MELODY. Commercial music is characterized by good melodies (i.e. verses, choruses, and sometimes bridges that get stuck in your head and make you want to sing-along). What can the top selling hip-hop acts of the last 10 years (Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Eminem, and 50 Cent) attribute their success to? Good melodies (not cool beats) that increase the commercial value of their music.

3.) WELL-PRODUCED. Coming from an R&B background where producers are a pivotal part of commercial music success, I did not realizeuntil I became a consultant that many rock bands don’t utilize, nor value producers like R&B music acts. Perhaps they should since the record company often assigns top-notch producers to enhance the quality of songs (through their musical expertise) and enrich the records (through their experience and proficiency in the recording process), ultimately making them more enjoyable to listen to and, you guessed it…more commercial!

4.) APPEALING LYRICS. The lyrics don’t have to be profound; people just have to be able to emotionally connect with and mentally relate to them. If you have a way of saying common things in an uncommon way, your lyrics will have an edge over the songwriter whose song is about the same topic. Write about what’s closest to your heart for credibility and sincerity, and others will be able to relate to your songs – especially if it’s on a subject matter that they know or have experienced.

5.) KEEP IT SHORT. Keep the length of your songs down to a maximum of four minutes. Jazz and World Music are exceptions. A song that is well-written makes people want to hear it again, and again, and again. The longer the song is, the less likely that will happen. Don’t believe me? Check the length of your favorite songs.

6.) TALENT/WELL-PERFORMED. Most outstanding vocalists are often surprised by how low this rule is on the list. The fact is that there are more mediocre songs performed by outstanding vocalists, than there are mediocre vocalists performing outstanding songs. A good song that is well-performed gives it an edge, but if the song is lacking, all of the yelling and vocal acrobatics that singers tend to use to compensate for it will not make it a better song…though it may help the singer to attract better songwriters to work with. If you lack talent and it’s a really good song, someone more talented can (and will) sing the song and make it better.

Now that you know the 6 rules of commercial music success, hopefully you will be able to use this information to your advantage and create songs that will increase your chances of success in your professional music endeavors…or you can ignore them and continue to wonder why no one (other than your friends and family – all of which listen to commercial music) like your songs.

Gian is a recognized authority on commercial music and Independent A&R Specialist who is best known for his comprehensive and insightful music reviews on The Muse’s Muse.com. He has been an influential factor in obtaining record deals for artists signed to RCA, Bust It!, Gasoline Alley and Interscope Records. He currently does A&R for signed and independent music artists, and music producers including Grammy nominated music producer Cori Jacobs (Pussy Cat Dolls) and San Francisco Bay Area Producer, Chris Carter, (Jasmine Trias/Back Street Boys), in addition to being an Adjunct professor of Music Industry Studies at San Francisco State’s Music/Recording Industry Program.

Think of rhythm and diversity in music and you have to turn to Latin music. Musical styles of all Latin American countries are collectively called Latin music. Prevailing languages in Latin America are derived from Latin language. Spanish, Portuguese and French are the common languages of Latin America. Hence, Latin music lyrics can be written in Spanish, Portuguese, Latin and other Romanic Languages.

That is why diversity is the main characteristic of Latin music. Energetic rhythms of Central America make Latin music more lively and attractive. Shades of Caribbean tune are frequently observed in Latin music. Simple acoustics of the Southern Cone and Andes impart liveliness in this music.

Flavors of Spanish and European musical styles and wild African beats are quite prominent in Latin songs too. Rhythm, diversity, down-to-earth tune and perfect use of instruments have established Latin music at an esteemed position. And that is the reason millions of people are fond of Latin music; even those who do not understand Latin, Spanish or other Romanic languages listen to Latin music to enjoy the tune and rhythm.

Latin rhythm is very evocative and impulsive – it is quite easy to move the audience by the beats of Latin songs. That is the reason Latin and Spanish songs are played as dance numbers while partying. People love to toe to the beats of Latin music always. A lot of Latin music videos are released every year; it proves that dance is an invariable part of music in Latin America.

Latin rock is a significant part of Latin music. Latin rock is basically a blend of rock and Latin American instruments. The Caribbean and African rhythms make Latin rock jolly and jovial. Latin rock has a huge teen audience not only in Latin America, Mexico and Europe but all over the world. Music magazines, music TV channels and radio stations play Latin rock and publish music charts regularly to keep track of latest releases.

Latin rock is known for connecting various cultural and linguistic groups. Hence, diversity, the main feature of Latin music, is clearly observed in Latin rock too.

Carlos Santana is said to be the creator of Latin rock. He used rock guitar with classis Latin songs in 1960s and gradually Latin rock started getting shape. The style underwent a revival in late twentieth and early twenty first century by the path breaking styles of musicians like Jaguares, Aterciopelados and others.

All forms of Latin music including classical songs, jazz, rock and pop are popular in Latin America and have been widely spread to the outer world as well. Visit online music stores and music magazine websites to learn more about Latin music.

1) Sean Combs – P. Diddy or Puff Daddy operates his business interests under the business name Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide. Business ventures that fall under Bad Boy Entertainment include Bad Boy Records; the clothing lines Sean John; Sean by Sean Combs, a movie production company; and his two restaurants. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Coombs has also taken the roles of recording executive, performer, and producer of MTV’s Making the Band. If that isn’t enough, he is also a writer, arranger, clothing designer, and Broadway actor.
So what else does P. Diddy sell under his various company names? There is his fragrance Unforgivable, which sells for roughly $70 a bottle. And then there is vodka. In 2007 he signed a multi-million dollar agreement with Ciroc.

Other ventures that earn P. Diddy a pretty penny include the TV series he created called “Making Da Band.” Diddy also owns restaurants in New York and Atlanta (named “Justin’s,” after his son). And if that’s not enough, Diddy holds the honor of having designed the Dallas Mavericks’ green alternate jerseys.

All of Coombs efforts have paid off well making him one of the richest hip-hop performers with a net worth estimated at US $346 million.

2) Jay-Z – Jay-Z, also known as Shawn Corey Carter is also a financially successful hip-hop artist having a net worth of over $150 million. Jay-Z co-owns the 40/40 Club an upscale sports bar that started in New York City and has since expanded to Atlantic City and Chicago. He is part owner of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets and is also the creator of the clothing line Rocawear along with Damon Dash. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings, one of the three founders of Roc-A-Fella Records and recently, the founder of his new venture Roc Nation.

Jay-Z also serves as co-brand director for Budweiser Select and collaborates with the company on strategic marketing programs and creative ad development. He provides direction on brand programs and ads that appear on TV, radio, print, and high-profile events. He has also invested in a real estate development venture called J Hotels that recently acquired a $66 million mid-block parcel in Chelsea, New York.

3) 50 Cent – Curtis James Jackson III, better known as 50 Cent, rose to fame with his music which sold more than twenty-one million copies combined. It was from here that he went on to expand his empire through a handful of ventures. To start, he signed a five-year deal with Reebok to distribute the “G-Unit Sneakers” line as part of his G-Unit Clothing Company. He worked with Glacéau to create a Vitamin Water drink called Formula 50. In 2007, Coca-Cola purchased Glacéau for US $4.1 billion. 50 Cent also teamed up with Right Guard to launch a body spray called Pure 50 RGX Body Spray and a condom line called Magic Stick Condoms.

50 cent is also an author and started a reality TV show on MTV called 50 Cent: The Money and The Power.

4) Jennifer Lopez – Jennifer Lynn Lopez often nicknamed J. Lo, is an actress, singer, record producer, dancer, fashion designer and television producer. Lopez launched a clothing line in 2003 named JLO by Jennifer Lopez, which includes different types of clothing for young women, including jeans, T-shirts, coats, belts, purses, and lingerie. She also sells jewelry, hats, gloves and scarves. In 2005, J. Low launched a new clothing line called Sweetface. In late 2007, Lopez retired JLO by Jennifer Lopez and launched a new juniors’ line called JustSweet.  Her fashion lines have featured at many New York Fashion Week events.

Jennifer has also opened a Cuban restaurant and is a spokesperson for Lux shampoo in Japan.  Lopez owns the film and television production company Nuyorican Productions, which was cofounded with her manager Benny Medina. Lopez net worth is estimated at over $250 million.

5)Justin Timberlake  – Justin Randall Timberlake is a pop musician and actor. Timberlake has co-owned three restaurants in the United States: “Chi” opened in West Hollywood, California and “Destino” and “Southern Hospitalty” in New York. He also has his own brand of tequila called 901; the name comes in part from the area code of his hometown of Memphis.

In 2005, Timberlake launched the William Rast clothing line with childhood friend Juan (“Trace”) Ayala. The 2007 line contained cord jackets, cashmere sweaters, jeans and polo shirts.  The pair reports inspiration from fellow Memphis native Elvis Presley.

Recently Timberlake started his own record label, Tennman Records.

These are just a handful of musicians who have made it big in other arenas; numerous other musicians are making it big with their marketing skills, business expertise and name.

Jeff Bachmeier is owner of 977music.com, an online music and online radio station network providing live streaming Internet Radio channels with music from the 50’s thru Today. Users can also choose to create their own customized on demand playlist through their own social media profile. For more information please visit http://www.977music.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/musicians-who-are-entrepreneurs-1489361.html

The review suggested that starting with the lilting “I Miss the Mountains” (Kitt-Yorkey), Ben-David captures both an innocence and a wise maturity fused with a yearning for life that is palpable. With careful phrasing, she unleashes a waterfall of emotion in song that allows the listener to peek inside a centered artist who has weathered some bumps and moved on. Warm readings on “Here’s to Life” (Butler-Molinary) and Leslie Bricusse’s “When I Look in Your Eyes” are perfect samplings of one who has lived and understands the subtexts she’s singing about. She digs even deeper on John Bucchino’s “If I Ever Say I’m Over You” and “This Moment” as well as on two of Jacques Brel’s frenetic mad scenes, “Brussels” and “Carousel,” where she gets to breathe new life into these showy theatrical neo-classic war horses.

Sheera Ben-David said of the Jacque Brel song “Brussels”, “I generally have a closer relationship with slow songs, so a fast number has to be pretty awesome for me to make it my own. Brussels has this great way of lifting your spirits with its cheerful rhythm, but I love the juxtaposition of the lyrics then being so dark. The irony makes it such a fun and wild song to sing.”

The album was named Cabaret Hotline Online’s Outstanding Female Vocalist Album. Complementing Adam Ben-David’s sublime arrangements are Mat Fieldes on bass, David Rozenblatt and Damien Bassman on drums and J.J. McGeehan on guitars.

For decades, Sheera’s mother, Batyah Godfrey, was a soloist at the Metropolitan Opera. Their father, Kerry Ben-David – who met Batyah at Juilliard – was cantor at Scarsdale Synagogue for two decades after working at the Rome Opera as a Fulbright scholar.

“When we were growing up, we spent a lot of time backstage at the Met,” recalls Sheera, “I spent a lot of time being exposed to what I consider still the finest of the finest when it comes to music. I have a deep appreciation for classical and opera and all those things.”

She also was drawn to sacred singing.

This June, the New York cabaret star gave birth to her first child, Baxter. Sheera insists that Baxter is her best performance to date, however those listening to this extraordinary CD may beg to differ when listening to this amazing young woman sing.

 At the 20th Annual Cabaret Convention held this past October at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, Sheera Ben-David received the Julie Wilson Award.  The CD, On a Carousel, is produced and arranged by Adam Ben-David, and is available at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sheerabendavid2/from/tblink.

Sheera Ben-David

www.sheerabendavid.com

Professional Marketing Firm for the Manufacturing Community and Manufacturing Journalist to most manufacturing magazines

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/jacque-brels-brussels-interpreted-by-cabaret-star-sheera-bendavid-1469760.html

While royalty free music is certainly a convenient and inexpensive option for those in search of bulk music for their restaurants, not all royalty free music is created equal. Music from major providers such as Award Winning Music is an affordable and premium music choice for all types of professionals. The following are five characteristics to look for in high quality royalty background music, production music, and music on-hold to help insure it will enhance a business’ or project’s mission and communicate its purpose and style without reducing its value:

1. Good – make that excellent — sound quality. The sound quality of the music you are listening to will be the first and most noticeable element. If the music has been recorded under optimal conditions, you will hear a perfect balance between bass and treble, as well as consistent sound and texture regardless of the volume at which you are listening to the music. Similarly, you will be able to pick out the individual sounds of different instruments as they blend to create the whole piece.

2. Instruments that sound true-to-life. Similar to excellent sound quality, the best royalty free music ideally uses real instruments and not those that are synthesized. And if they must be synthesized, they should sound just like their original instruments and not like hollow versions of themselves. Most people have at some point heard instrumental pieces in the grocery store, in an elevator or used as on-hold music for major companies that sound no more textured than a sub-par demo on a low-end keyboard. The best royalty free music will have depth to it, and will demonstrate the many capabilities of the violins, cellos, percussion, electric guitars or brass instruments it incorporates.

3. Original musical themes that still evoke familiar tunes. One of the many benefits of royalty free music is that is an inexpensive way for film producers and directors to use original-sounding production music in their films, television programs and video projects. But, not all providers of royalty free music enlist the best composers and musicians (or, if it is purely digital, any trained composers or musicians at all!) to create their repertoire. First-rate royalty free music will sound original, yet be reminiscent of favorite songs. Stylistically and technically, it will make sense and fit into the grand scheme of a project while still making it unique. It will have rhyme and reason to it, and will therefore sound as though someone composed it for the specific film or project and will resonate in the minds and hearts of each listener and create a true emotional response.

4. Well-composed music by musicians and artists with real credentials. Great royalty free music sites will provide credentials for the composers and performers they enlist, and their artistry will shine through in the finished product. A purveyor of beautifully and carefully crafted background music, on-hold music and production music will be able to give the history of the artists involved in the design and production of the music, and this history will include collaborations with major artists in the genre of the type of music being composed.

5. A diverse yet still versatile music library. The best royalty free music will offer diverse styles that run the gamut of musical tastes. Genres of music might involve classical, jazz, different types of rock and roll, New Age and some progressive styles such as Hip-Hop and techno/dance music. But even within the more traditional styles of music, such as classical, there will be selections that appeal to younger listeners with typically more “modern” musical tastes, just as within the more cutting-edge styles, there will be pieces that can be enjoyed by even those that would not normally listen to techno and Hip-Hop.

Looking for these basic characteristics when shopping for royalty free music will help discriminating professionals select the perfect production music, music on-hold or background music to suit their very specific projects.

Award Winning Music is an excellent source for royalty free music that far exceeds all standards. If you would like to take a look as what they have to offer, their website is at RoyaltyFreeMusic.com.

MUSIC

The oldest and finest forms of human expression is MUSIC. Representing the most ancient literature is Vedas known to the world, are set to a distinctive melody that has been passed down through the centuries in an unbroken oral tradition. Being an abstract art form there are many definitions given to music. Invisible lines and colours of sound on the canvas of silence is a painting of a Music .Music is what we feel from the heart.. Music is like an in exhaustive spring and infinite space. There is music in cosmic breath. The waves of oceans, the embrace of bamboo branches, vibrations of atoms and heartbeats: music is omni present. Music can be divided into Western classical, Hindustani classical, Carnatic classical, folk, Jazz, Pop Music, Fusion, etc. Of these there can be further identification of Vocal and Instrumental music. Within instrumental there can be differentiation of percussive instruments as well as wind and string instruments. In India, the arts have been classified by the scriptures into two major streams known as margi and desi that can be roughly translated as classical and folk. Numerous texts such as the Sangeeta Ratnakara of Saarangadeva lay down the basic tenets of classical music.

The two major systems of classical music today are the Hindustani and the Carnatic. Though today they appear in diferent styles, they in fact have their origins in a common theory and source as is apparent from ancient treatises.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUSIC

TRADITIONAL MUSIC IS KATHAKALI

The orchestra is formed of two varieties of drums – the maddalam and chenda; the chenille which is a bell metal gong and the ilathalam or cymbals.Murpancharimelam It is the traditional temple percussion music.Panchavadyam the five instruments in a traditional temple music accompanying processions and pageants. The five instruments are Chenda, kuzhal, Edakka, Elathalam, Timila.

THIRUVATHIRAPPATTU IS AN OCCASSION TO CELEBRATE WOMANHOOD

The Thiruvathirappattu, a song typical to kerala which has got many varieties, is a reminder of the days when Thiruvathira was observed as an occasion to celebrate womanhood. The song accompanies Thiruvathirakali, a dance performed by women for everlasting marital bliss, on the Thiruvathira asterism of the Malayalam month of that is in December and January. The sinuous movements executed by the dancers around a oil-lit wick with lamp made of brass embody lasya or the amorous feminine charm and grace. The dance follows a circular, pirouetting pattern accompanied by clapping and singing. Thiruvathirappattu beginning “Gopala balakanae gopikakanda..” is an ancient song with a devotional tone and describes the romantic tales of Lord Krishna.

YOUTH ARE ATTRACTED TO MODERN MUSIC

The features are rhythmic element, melodies and hooks, a mainstream style, and conventional structure is nothing but a pop music.since from 19th century a profitable industry in America is pop music.In pop music a single person can give sing a song with orchesthra people.Today the youth is completely attracted to the pop music .Now the music is available through online with a special offers which of low cost to you.

Whatever the music it may be it reaches the hearts of the people and makes themselves to be a relaxed one.Music refresh the mind and help to concentrate on the work. I found one of the best sites is deals365.us

FIVE VOLUMES OF DATA.

The Music Business Registry (http://www.musicregistry.com) publishes five directories: the “A&R Registry,” the “Music Publisher Registry,” the “Music Business Attorney Registry” the “Film and Television Music Guide,” and the “Record Producer and Recording Engineer Directory.” For many in the business, these are indispensable reference works.

“The directories give everyone vital, accurate and the most up-to-date information they need to contact the entire A&R, music publishing, legal and film/TV music communities,” Esra states. From comparing notes with dozens of professionals in all of these areas of expertise, I can tell you that no one disputes his claim.

More than one music industry executive has told me that the Music Business Registry publications are worth their weight in platinum. Tess Taylor, president of NARIP (National Association of Record Industry Professionals), says “I couldn’t get through one day without the directories from the Music Business Registry. These publications are the finest in the business.”

Each directory tells you how to reach industry professionals by regular mail, e-mail, direct dial telephone and fax. The books provide each person’s exact title, street address, the name of their assistant and the styles of music in which each executive specializes. Web sites are also included.

UPDATES? YOU WANT UPDATES?

The world of the A&R executive is exciting but ever-changing. Which is to say, there’s a lot of turnover in this part of the industry. So much turnover, in fact, that the A&R Registry is completely updated and reprinted every eight weeks, whereas the publisher volume is biannual and the other books come out yearly.

NEED A PRODUCER? HERE ARE 1,700 OF THEM!

Created in partnership with RPM Direct, the “Record Producer & Recording Engineer Directory” presents 1,700 of today’s leading Record Producers, Recording Engineers & Remixers throughout the US, Canada and Europe in every genre of music. Included in the book are:

(1) Complete contact information for every Producer, Remixer & Recording Engineer along with a list of their credits.

(2) Producer/Engineer/Remixer Management Companies including a complete
staff listing as well as full client rosters.

(3) A Complete Index to easily locate any producer.

(4) Several Interviews and articles with today’s leading Producers & Engineers.

No wonder you can find the Music Business Registry’s publications in the offices of top record company executives, music publishers, artist managers, agents, music attorneys, recording artists, studios and other music business professionals everywhere from Los Angeles to London, New York to Nashville, Chicago to Copenhagen, Toronto to Tokyo, Stockholm to Sydney and Minneapolis to Munich.

YOUR SEARCH BEGINS HERE.

The Music Business Registry is located at 7510 Sunset Blvd #1041, Los Angeles, CA 90046-3400. Phone: 800-377-7411 or 818-995-7458. Fax: 800-228-9411 or 818-995-7459. E-mail: ritch@musicregistry.com.

Author: Scott G
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
US State tax list

Break dance, which is now mostly referred to as “b-boying”, and the dancers called “b-boys” or “b-girls”, is actually a term applied to anyone who identifies with the “break dancer” culture. The B-boy genre, which is largely unnoticed in the U.S. mainstream, is actually as popular as other forms of popular sports and entertainment. It generates millions of dollars of revenue through it’s own network of live events, websites and retail outlets, which sell their own unique brand of B-boy videos, music, apparel and related paraphernalia, and is searched for on-line as much as other forms of popular sports and entertainment. B-boy entertainment is viral, a bona-fide phenomena that is re-emerging in the U.S.

B-boy, which technically stands for “break or beat-boy”, is the art of traditional break dancing, but now combined with elements of gymnastics and mixed martial arts or what is now known as “tricking”. The original form of the dance, which never actually died, as most in the mainstream assume, again simply went underground where it could find its own home, a place where B-boy’s could shine in their own right, away from the negative aspects of modern mainstream Hip-Hop. There it’s where it has remained and morphed into an incredible acrobatic styled dance which is often compared to an Olympic sport.

“You won’t see any finer moves in the Olympics”- Ron Wilkerson / Monster & Critics.com

At the center of any B-boy competition is the “Battle”; where two opposing sides, either teams or solo, face each other in a battle of dance supremacy. Many B-boy competitions include choreographed stage presentations, in which they’re judged for creativity and showmanship, but the Battle remains the foundation of any B-boy competition.

RedBull & SONY® are two of the largest and most notable sponsors of B-boy competitions worldwide. With several dozen major events held annually, some of the larger events like Battle of The Year and R-16 draw in crowds of over 10,000 and 20,000 respectively. Other notable events like the World B-Boy Championships, FreeStyle Session, Red Bull BC One & Beat Battles boast record breaking attendances into the thousands, and sell out year after year.

These hi-energy contests are incredible displays of creativity, dexterity and agility. The Battles, which are often laced with verbal smack, jostling and chest thumping, are explosive to watch and have often been compared to a WWE match. However, this is unscripted and in the end, with hugs and handshakes all around, there’s nothing but respect and honor for one’s opponent…that’s the B-boy way.

In Europe and Asia, B-boy has exploded, spawning its first set of celebrities in the Korean crew “Last for One”, which have been featured in commercials, TV and are regarded as bona-fide celebrities in their country. As a matter of fact, over seas, B-Boy is a booming market for endorsements and sponsorships. So much so that SONY® Europe has even released a B-boy game for their Playstation2 (PS2) and PlayStation Portable (PSP) game platforms.

Like most popular trends, the US lags behind, but there are some very significant signs of a mainstream resurgence here. Leading the way is the documentary Planet B-Boy, which made its debut at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. The film chronicles the trying journey of five of the best B-boy crews, from all around the world, on their way to the Grand Daddy of B-boy competitions, the International “Battle of The Year; which is considered the “World Cup” of B-boying. The movie opened to rave reviews and is being touted as a film of “great significance in the history of B-Boying and Hip Hop” by Dancing.net.

On television there are several projects in development that feature or highlight break dance, of which is the development of a street styled dance competition created by P-Diddy for MTV and the WORLD B-BOY LEAGUE, a league organization, which will televise “fight league” styled B-boy competitions.

As well in the U.S., the break dance resurgence can easily be witnessed by visiting your local high school or college. B-boy clubs have sprouted up, in what seems like thousands of college and high school campuses across the country. In most cases, these are legit, school-sanctioned organizations, which are offered right along side chorus, poetry and chess. A search on Google for break dance clubs, college turns up dozens of these clubs and related organizations.

This article just skims the surface of this topic, but clearly demonstrates how the B-boy genre is alive and thriving today. It is unquestionably a viable market and a much more popular force than recognized. The days of your Uncle’s head spins and moonwalks are long gone. B-Boy isn’t a fad or fodder for a punch line. It’s a legitimate art form, a popular sport and a significant element of Hip-Hop culture whose time is well over due. Break dance never died, it just went back home to change its clothes and it will be out to play again soon.

“…an important element of dance culture that deserves some legitimate respect. Or perhaps a slot at the Olympics”.
Rich Cline
-Shadow on the Walls

Mr. Covert is manager of The Knucklehead ZOO, 2-Time National Break Dance Champions