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A Bronx Boy in Denver! Representing a Universal Hip-Hop Family from Da Bronx, reaching around the gl

  • makindents
  • Oct 13, 2015
  • 13 min read

This past month, Oct 1-7th I was able to get back to NYC and visit and build with my TBB Brother's and Sister's in Da Bronx! A very excited moment in time for me, goin' back to the Hip-Hop mecca, celabrating with the fam, 40 years of Rockin'. This family reunion was very exciting bringing our brother BATCH back home for this year's celabration. Born and Raised in Denver, with all my roots planted in New York, from Upstate to Endicott, down to Bushwick in Brooklyn, I try to get back as much as possible. After my grandmother passed, Brooklyn never felt the same, for me. I'm a true blue Hip-Hop advocate, so this time around, my TBB/TBG family revamped my love for NYC again, more importantly-Da Bronx.

I got blessed in with the crew around 2009.Big brother Aby, would travel out to Denver with some other Bronx brother's to Mighty 4 jams, LOF and Paulskee were presenting at the time. Time after time i was on the MIC rockin' the crowd. I got the stamp of approval from My LOF, OG, Fienz. Grateful he notice my heart and craft I have for this Hip-Hop Culture as well as OG Aby. I must admit, I got blessed with my medillion TBB necklace, I was super hyped and honored, but as a Hip-Hop purist, I needed to go and learn and study in da Bronx about the TBB essence and history. Now that I've done that, wearing these beeds have a whole other amazing meaning to me and I'm proud and blessed to be involved with such a historic crew.

Brief History on TBB Rockin' Crew:

TBB/TBG WAS FORMED IN 1975 IN THE BRONX , NYC - THE CREW WAS ONE OF THE TOP PREMIER HIP HOP CREWS IN THE EARLY DAYS OF HIP HOP BEFORE IT WAS EVEN CALLED HIP HOP AND WHEN THE MOVEMENT WAS ABOUT THE DJ AND PARTY ATMOSPHERE AMONG SO MUCH MORE TO SAY THE LEAST. Back in those days the average Hip Hop head was in a neighborhood with street families that formed much of the crews in HIP HOP to come, also much of the original Bboys , Writers , Deejays and Emcees were in these street families or were stick up kids and troubled youth. HIP HOP and crews like TBB came after the time of the civil rights movement and other human rights movements, The Black Panthers , The Young Lords , Nation Of Gods and Earths the Black exploitation films, the Martial Arts craze (The Bruce Lee era) and much more things that would heavily influence the evolution of HIP HOP for many years to come.....

TBB THEN DISBANDED IN 1979 AND FORMER MEMBERS THEN FORMED ROCK STEADY CREW ( RSC). over the years original TBB members have been in and out of touch,some members grew up had kids and much of them are now all over NYC.... some joined other HIP HOP organizations and families from the early days like The Universal Zulu Nation , NYC Breakers ( Floor Masters) and much much more crews......After many years in 2003 TBB came back and has been growing since from within the HIP HOP community across the globe now recruiting new talent.

RSC WAS ONE OF THE MAIN THE CREWS THAT WOULD TAKE THE DANCE FORM OF BBOYING INTO THE NEXT DECADE AND BEYOND FROM WHAT WE GLOBALLY CONSIDER THE GOLDEN AGE OF HIP HOP WHEN THE MOVEMENT SPREAD ACROSS THE GLOBE THROUGH THE FILMS,TOURS, BOOKS, DANCE, ART, MUSIC AND SOCIAL-POLITICAL TIES AS HIP HOP AS A YOUTH DRIVEN MOVEMENT IS REVOLUTIONARY AND CULTURALLY RESPONSIBLE.

-BATCH IS HOME!!!-

OG BATCH is The Founding Father of TBB! He's been away for 20 years, so it was very nice to see him and hear some incredible stories from this B-Boy pioneer! He has a incredible heart and one of the most loyal dudes I've ever met, he most definitely will live and die for his brother's and sister's. Peep out some commentary and history from the TBB OG!-

-FROM BATCH-

"TBB Rocking Crew was actually a regular graffiti crew in the. Beginning 1974, it only contained three young members Cash, Shark,and meBatch.Cash and Shark were dedicated to graffiti art they were not into dancing when up rock.Dancing was in me on the other hand was wild young kid who was definitely attracted.To the dance and so the story begins of me Batch being a Up Rocker Dancer although it.Appeared to look like Cash who gave me the name and charge of TBB when it comes to.Graffiti Cash lead the way at the beginning Cash was the head Pres of TBB in graffiti art.Cash and Shark were the one's who inspired me at the beginning my Graffiti name was BATBut I wanted to change it cause it was only 3 letter name so I told Cash I wanted more.Letters in my name Cash said I quote:Yo Bat all you need to do is add "C&H" I ask him?What that meant and Shark and Cash at the same time said BATCH I was fascinated....In 1975 Up Rockin was in it's prime and graffiti was hotter than ever which we devoted our.Lives for and fame we seeked from it when I officially made TBB into TBB Rockin Crew.In 1976 Cash and Shark called it the day and went their separate ways by then.rocking was in effect and Up Rockin fell apart almost instantly .In P.S 129 Schoolyard in the presence of TBB floor rocking became a better name forthe dance Art which at the beginning jokingly was called"rocking on the concrete. When Tee-Tee Rock(not Tee-Tee (not the later TBB member) fell to the ground from a. Mistake from a Up rock move after that the new era of dancing in the Bronx was about to. Make history floor rocking was born by 1977 (Rock Steady wasn't even thought about).... TBB Rockin Crew became so large that it caught the attention of Big Man himself. Afrika Bambaataa head of the biggest organization in the Bronx (The Zulu Nation) same time. 1977Afika Bambaataa had called for me to meet with him in one of Zulu headquarters. In Webster Projects there I met with the Big Fella and we discussed a peace treaty among. And TBB he wanted to make sure that no one especially so younger kids would not get hurt. In the schoolyard parties I immediately bowed to his important command and the Zulu's. And TBB as one when we came together in any events or parties I totally respected . Afrika Bambaataa from the beginning during those early years of the development of Hip-hop in general Allow me to also say that brothers like Mr.Freeze,Kid Freeze.Kuriaky(RIP),Ken Swift and many more who kept the rocking art form alive as well. Will forever be recognized and. Respected for their pioneering efforts from back then which. Also kept the competition coming and reinventing newer moves to the technicians of the. Art form rocking with respect to the old school founders let us keep in mind that. rocking is not just a gifted art but it is also a dance art that keeps transforming as its. Evolution continues to occur with time and what is so unique and special about the art of. rocking let us step to the side and admire these younger men and women whom are. Participating with all their efforts to see that rocking never goes out of style and the. The same time thank them for bringing forward the transformation which is indeed what. rocking is all about from the beginning of it's development it is such a blessing to me. And many of you as well to get to see this art form of Dancing spread so widely around the. "WORLD TODAY" must admit that show Dancing with the stars better fits the real dancer of the rocking. Communities why?Because there is no other dancing form that is so body twisting so. Complex and complicated when it comes down to rocking do we not agree? It's purely incredible! To all of you out their involved in the rocking community I humbly ask of you to . Continue to create and formulate more new moves so that we can forever keep this Art form of dancing alive! Make the best of it and pass it on to your kids and so forth it is a positive activity. That can create wonders and bring us all together as family continue to support TBB. And all it's members embrace your selves and become one I thank you deeply for. Supporting The Bronx Boys.

Peep out BATCH's Homecoming- TBB-2015

Check out 'BATCH' in the movie, 'The Freshest Kids'

Let Me introduce yall to some other member's to my TBB Family!

-ABY-TBB 183RD-Global President'TBB-

Aby TBB 183rd is the original concrete rocker. He started top rocking in late 1974. He began floor rocking in mid-1975 until 1979. as an original member of the Bronx Boys Rocking Crew. He is an innovator and pioneer as he introduced the helicopter and Russian Steps as new moves to the art of rocking. In the 1980's he began dancing the Loft-Webo style mixing the dance with b-boying and electric boogaloo. In 1980 he started a Loft crew called HBO (Home Boys Only), the largest Webo-style B-boy/Electric Boogie crew in all of NYC.

In 1998 he received the blessing from his older brother and TBB founder Batch to bring back the Bronx Boys Rocking Crew. Under the leadership of Aby TBB 183rd, the Bronx Boys/Bronx Girls Rocking Crew has spread globally. With over 50 chapters worldwide, TBB/TBG Global represents Aby's vision and mission statement: To inspire, educate, and empower our communities through cultural expression.

A Message from Brother Aby:

-DJ JOHNNY JUICE- Global Vice President'TBB-

DJ Johnny “Juice” Rosado is an award winning and Emmy and NAACP Image nominated composer, producer, turntablist, engineer, musician, b-boy, writer, MC, educator, lecturer, author, and mentor. Raised in the Bronx, he witnessed the birth of Hip Hop right on his doorstep as a b-boy and writer in the 70's. Moving to Strong Island in the early 80's, he immediately made an impact on Long Island's budding Hip-Hop scene. His work, especially with Public Enemy, has been embedded into Hip Hop history. With over 30 years in the industry, he has contributed to some of Hip Hop’s greatest works. Over the years he has lent his production and scratching skills to projects by other legendary Hip Hop artists such as the Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Leaders of the New School, KRS One, and DMC.

Nominated for an Outstanding Music Composition Emmy for his work on ESPN's Ali Rap, Johnny Juice is focusing more film and TV music scoring and soundtracks. Recently nominated for 3 NAACP Image Awards including Best Album, Juice continues to remain relevant in an ever changing industry. In 2008 he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame as a member of Public Enemy and took the stage in 2013 with Public Enemy as they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Visit www.djjohnnyjuice.com for more info about Johnny Juice.

Dope Interview With brother Juice! Much Respects!

-Dollar Bill $-Elder Community Liaison/ Expeditor-

Dollar Bill aka William Hightower was born July 17 1964. As a young boy he played in the abondoned buildings near his home on Byrant Ave and Aldus Street. Bill was 11 years old when he became a Lil Black Spade. Raised by his grandmother, he moved to Walton Avenue and 177 Street. It was at this time that he was tagging his name 2MANE. One day, Bill tagged over a piece by TBB's Trace2. Bill was told that TBB was looking for him. When Bill and Trace2 met he said "kid, you got heart." Some time in 1977 or 1978 he met Jimmy Lee and Jimmy Dee on Creston Ave and 181st street. 3 days later, he met TBB founder Batch and a few other TBB members with Batch's brother Aby. This is how he became a member of TBB. Bill remained a member until Batch broke up the crew in 1979.

While living on Andrew Ave and 183rd Aby, Dollar Bill, and Vic Rady started H.B.O. Dollar Bill was the Vice President. A year later, he was asked to step down. Dollar Bill also joined The Universal Zulu Nation's Chapter 13 Gestapo Main. at the behest of Jay and Silver Dollar. In 1983 he the joined the US Army. He was discharged in 1987. Bill received his degree in Business Management from Bronx Community College in 1989. At this time he started playing Basketball and then changed his name from Dollar Bill to "Magic." He worked as a dock builder with the Local 1456. Dollar Bill is now attending school to become a health advisor for the Board of Health. He stays active in the community by coaching and mentoring children.

-PLUTO 7-TBB,Official Historian-

Pluto's introduction to hip hop culture began in 1981 in Morristown New Jersey, where he attended a block party in his cousin's neighborhood. There he found a fondness for DJing. Becoming a DJ at the time wasn't possible since he was unable to afford turntables so he focused his energy towards b-boying. A spark was lit when he saw a short news story on the dance in 1981. He was inspired by what he saw on the news clip and frequent trips to New York City. He eventually began to teach himself and others in his area. Early documentation on the culture would have a big influence towards his outlook on documenting the culture personally. By 1984 he had moved and began to teach the local kids. He even organized his first public performance for the locals in the neighborhood with the newly taught dancers. When b-boyin died down in the mid 80's he moved back to his old neighborhood and started throwing house parties with a group of friends.

Eventually, b-boying started to experience a resurgence and in turn led to one of the biggest b-boy events at the time, the Rock Steady anniversary. It was here where Pluto got the opportunity to help a then Rock Steady member Ray Roll document various hip hop/bboy events. These experiences inspired him to look deeper into the roots of the dance. By the late 90's to mid 2000's he began to teach a new generation of dancer not only locally but also in the Pennsylvania area. Some of these dancers were the younger brothers of those he danced with years earlier. With this new generation of dancers he went on to perform with various recording acts such as the Roots and the Neptures. He also did various performances while also lending his time and talents to local charities and volunteered in the community. By the late 2000's what was left of the collective formed a crew and Pluto parted ways to later join up with The Bronx Boys.

-BOM5-NYC Graffiti Legend, TBB,MW, Original Rock Steady Crew-

You want to talk about a All-City, Puerto Rock, Subway Outlaw, Hip-Hop, B-Boy fanatic, from the Burnt-Down Bronx! He is super loyal with a warrior heart!! This is him! My big brother BOM005. It don't get NO Realer then him! A True Legend, been spraying the MTA and NYC bus routes since the 70's. In 1978, he started 'Mad Writer's' Crew. He credit's 'Billy167' as his mentor, taught him how to get into the yards and how to jump on the tracks, also helped him with his Wildstyle! It was hard back then in the burnt down, BX. A War with street gangs and stripes for respect. My brother never backed down, and put fear into other crews, once a baby savage skull, he did what he had to to survive. He thrived with his ART, and dance! He even inspired and taught his little cousin, 'Crazy Legs' how to dance! He met up with Aby and BATCH when they 'Salsoul crew' then form TBB. Thru TBB he met SPY and learn more B-BOY moves. Chill with JIMMY LEE, RIP7, WEBO, MONGO ROCK, KARATE CHINO, RUBBER BAND, BOSCO (RIP) and EZ-MIKE. Got down w/ROCK STEADY CREW w/RIP7 thru JOJO and JIMMY DEE. He moved away to Japan in the 80's, moved back in the 90's and never,ever,ever, stopped payin dues! He is still heavily active in his Bronx community, traveling, teaching empowering the youth through Hip-Hop Culture. He's never dropped his crew colors and he has his TBB flag raised high4Life. Pick up the movie "From Mambo2HipHop" he's on there with our other brother TRACE2 (RIP)-TBB.

Handstyles by my brother:BOM5

It was a Great Day in The Bronx, The Whole Weekend was incredible!, Check out Some Pic's and footage!

Koolin' With My Big Brother's and OGz, (pic by: Johnny Juice)

More Brother Buildin'

The Fam over at Tuff City, Tattoos

OG Batch with DJ SkamRok, (UK Chapter)

My brotha! Juneski- in the place to be!!!

My brother's and Sister, reppin at 'Writer's go off' wall out in Brooklyn, payin tribute to the TBB Ogz

DOPE Canvas done by: BOM5

DOPE Art done by:BOM5-Chief 69-CJ Satch- with/ Pluto7 (pic by:SkamRok)

TBB Brother- DJ Solo138th-gettin loose @ The Afterparty! (pic by:SkamRok)

Peace to these OGz judging the Main event battle @ The TBB After Party! BOM5-Kid Freeze-Lee(BeatStreet)

pic by:Frankie-TBB

It's Pretty DOPE when you grew up watchin' the Movie BeatStreet your whole life, and LEE AKA Robert Taylor comes to our jam to rep with the crew!

On The BurnSide Block with the Crew, P.A., Conn. Jersey, ATL, S.C., Denver Chapters reppin lovely

My brother's working on the mural for our TBG sister, Brandi-R.I.P. (Chief69-BOM5-)

BOM5 GET LIVE! Working on the burner for our sister Brandie!-R.I.P.-TBG-

The Finished product for our sister-Brandie, R.I.P. done by Chief 69/BOM5

The Denver Chapter represented in The Bronx, original sign's created by: Dan Ericson, saluting the OG'TBBs

Crew RoofTop BBQ in the Bronx @ Charlie Hustle's spot!

Check out some Footage of the crew battling in the New Prospects

Peace to ALL The TBGz doin' their thing, check out 'Women's ALL Style' Battle

Peep out this Legendary Interview from The TBB Crew!- Back in 2009

Check out this Classic Cypher with ALL These Legend's @ The After Party!

Here's to 40 year's of Rockin the globe, my brother's and sister's! b4 it even had a name. . From the Burnt Down 2 the Boogie Down with OGS on lock down. B4 the media milkin the styles, fashion, and the trends. The world caught their influence and wanted to get down. WE Were Here in the beginning and still here till this day, makin a impact in a positive way through Hip-Hop Culture. We are never alone. Hip-Hop Familia all in unison, all in Unity, sharing the knowledge, history, culture to the community. Say what you say.. but you can never take our history away! TBB Allday! Chapters from The Mecca, China, Japan, Switzerland, South Africa, London, P.A. Jersey, ATL, S.C., California, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Texas, Denver,and the other's I missed and everyone I got a chance to build with. Big up 2 All the OGZ-from Fahrenheit75-and HardRocks still reppin on the block! It don't stop! So Thankful and Grateful for being down with a Legendary Crew. Thank u for embracing me and my craft. I'm not from The Bronx, but just like the culture. The Roots are in Bronx. The Birth place on where this Hip-Hop Culture All Started. Trust Me, The Bronx can teach you something. I've Learn a Lil somethin from these brothers and sisters on this trip. Respect to My big brother Fienz, for introducing me to TBB in the first place! I'll be out here in Denver playin' my position, hold my own like when I'm pissin! Love yall! Salute! 360/365, ALLDAY,Everyday! Until Next year Crew!! Remember, you can't have Hip-Hop without TBB and you can't have Hip-Hop without TBG!! Eeerrraaaahhhh!!

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