Today’s guest hails from Minneapolis, by the name of Los Boogie from War Machine. I had the pleasure of meeting him 5-6 years ago at Breakin’ The Law in Madison, Wis. I knew from the get go that this man was serious about his music selection and passion for the dance as well. I had the opportunity to travel out to Minneapolis to see him and record a mix, as well as conduct a small interview. Here it is…
Q: Los, can you speak on what DJ Leacy’s influence had on you–because he was one of my inspirations as well–and is there anyone else who might have influenced you?
A: DJ Leacy was the epitome of “breaks DJing” to me. He revolutionized an entire element within the breakin’ scene–cutting up rare & funky bboy breaks. I didn’t have the fortune of meeting the man so he remains a Legend to me (RIP). I based my style and “breaks” education on the things DJ Leacy did because it he served the breakin’ community. Bboy first, DJ second.
-Other DJs that have influenced me: Z-Trip, Cut Chemist, Fatboy Slim, Skeme Richards, Woodo, Billy Brown. More recently: Diablo (CA), Lean Rock (MA), Renegade (UK), Tybierius (MN) and AlphaTrion (GA).
Q: Some might not remember but you dance as well. Can you talk about the current state of dance & DJing out in Minneapolis? What was it like to travel to different states?
A: Our scene has been called the “freshest young breakin’ scene in the US” by Biggest & Baddest. We boast over 200+ active bboys & bgirls (mostly in high school). With lots of work, by many people in our scene, we have managed to infiltrate the performing arts sector, the event organizing circuit and even sporting events. The same has happened with DJing, our cities seem to have an affinity for the arts, music and dance.
Q: What advice do you have for the younger generation where you live? About traveling and getting out there.
A: Be frugal (good with money) and TRAVEL. Get out of your town and see the world. The value of experience–world experience more so–is priceless. I once read something that stuck with me, “if you step out of your comfort zone, your comfort zone has expanded.”