ATTENTION, BREAKERS!

Big Productions is looking for a few good b-boys and b-girls to show off their dance skills at the Summer of Street event at Alley Katz on Friday, June 13.  The first place winner of the event’s breakdance competition will receive a $200 cash prize.

Conceived by Matt Acree, also known as DJ Big Crack, and Brannon Howell, also known as B-Cutz, the Summer of Street is a hip-hop show that will feature both local and world-renowned competition DJs.  The Summer of Street will be the first of many monthly events.

“The Summer of Street has been in the planning stage for a while,” B-Cutz said.  “We’re doing it because we want to help unite the local hip-hop community.”

“We also want to help bring real hip-hop back,” Big Crack added.  “Something like the Summer of Street shows what we’re about – the arts of turntablism, emceeing on the mic, b-boying and graffiti art, which are all different parts of the hip-hop culture.”

As a pair, DJ Big Crack and B-Cutz have spun at other local venues such as Element, Europa, Godfrey’s and Ramakins.  Influenced by a diverse group of hip-hop DJs that includes Afrika Bambaata, Mixmaster Mike, the X-ecutioners and Z-Trip, the duo has spun both hip-hop and electronic dance music.

Big Crack has been dee-jaying since 2000.  While he says that B-Cutz’ strengths include battling and beat juggling, Big Crack said he combines tricks with party rocking.

“Some people can’t do both, but I like to throw it all into one set,” Big Crack admits. 

B-Cutz has only been dee-jaying since 2006 and considers Big Crack to be his mentor.  “Big Crack’s performances are insane,” B-Cutz said.  “When I first got started as a DJ, he broke down the steps for me because he knows his stuff.”

Their crew, the Set Wreckaz, also includes DJ and emcee 90 Proof and breaker and emcee J-Sleazy.  J-Sleazy will also host the Summer of Street event and judge the dance competition.

P-Trix, the 1999 DMC USA DJ competition champion, will headline the Summer of Street with other appearances by Turnstyle Soundsystem, Jessie Split and Joanna O and Rican.

When asked about the prospect of releasing an album or a mixtape down the line, Big Crack and B-Cutz admit that the Set Wreckaz already have their hands full.  The pair admits that they practice their performances nightly, sometimes spending up to eight hours at a time working on a set.

“It’s hard to find time to make CDs and work on our battle stuff right now,” Big Crack said.  “For now, we want to focus on one thing at a time.”

UPCOMING EVENTS
What:  Summer of Street
When:  Friday, June 13, 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Where:  Alley Katz, 10 Walnut Alley
Tickets:  $10