McDonald’s B-Boy Royale II: The Summer In NYC Just Got Hotter

Written by: J. Johnson | Sources from: McDonald’s New York Tri-State

New York City made a name for a multitude of individuals, traditions, and art forms for decades. It has many nicknames and phrases stuck to it that, NYC is the place to be when it comes to making a name for yourself. That’s what the independent owners/operators of the McDonald’s Tri-State has done with an art form that was primarily popular among African American but also Puerto Rican youth, many former members of the Black Spades, the Young Spades, and the Baby Spades during the mid 1970s. Breakdancing was further developed by Puerto Rican youth in New York City in the late 1970s to the early 1980s.

They’ve created the ‘McDonald’s B-Boy Royale’.

An event that showcased b-boy groups displaying their greatest passion of performing to be the best. We think it’s an amazing way of showing why this art of dancing has gained popularity across the country… no across the world. Instead McDonald’s took to the home where it originated and with the greatest success of the first event it comes back! (Check out the highlights from last year’s McDonald’s B-Boy Royale here.)

Being hosted by our good friend MC Jin and the lovely former MTV VJ Grace Subervi, the event will feature eight award-winning East Coast dance crews battling it out for a grand prize of $5,000. Now the money is enticing, but we know the crews are going to be there with one thing on their mind and that’s to be the best of the best at what they are passionate about.

Here’s the 8 groups that are ready to compete:

5 Crew Dynasty – Founded in 2004, the Queens-based 5 Crew Dynasty represents the solidarity and unity in hip hop culture.  Their groundbreaking routines have won them top honors at Rock Steady Crew 34th Anniversary Jam(2012)and Massive Monkeys Anniversary (2014).

Beast Coast – Formed in 2011, Beast Coast is a “super crew” featuring some of the most accomplished b-boys in New York City.  With their solid foundation, powerful dynamics and NYC aggression, this crew has dominated the East Coast competition circuit with wins at Miami Pro-am(2014) and Freestyle Session Qualifier NYC (2014).

Dynamic Rockers – Hailing from Queens, Dynamic Rockers has been credited for helping to propel breakdancing into mainstream culture.  Their unique style –which fuses acrobatics with precision footwork— has earned them top prizes at such international competitions as The Notorious IBE(2012) in the Netherlands and the Chelles Battle Pro (2012)in France.

Lionz of Zion –Originating from the Washington D.C. area, Lionz of Zion is one of the highest-ranked dance crews on the East Coast. Their members have received international acclaim for their abstract style of breaking and have each won numerous titles at such prestigious competitions as Red Bull BC One (2012)and District Classic (2015).

Silverback Young Bloods – Consisting of some of the youngest b-boys in the competitive circuit today, this New York/Florida-based crew is built on versatility and a fresh approach to breaking. They are this year’s winners ofKing of the Kidz France (2015).

Supreme Beingz – Established in Queens, Supreme Beingz has a legacy of being one of most successful crews of the past decade. They were crowned winners of Kings of New York (2008)and B-Boy Massacre (2010).

Team Entree –Formed in New York, Team Entree consists of b-boys from across the five boroughs who pride themselves on their unique breaking style. Featuring originality and a flair for the dramatic, they recently won top prize at Ruthless Breaks 4 (2015).

Titanz – The members of this NYC-based crew have a brotherhood as strong as their fierce passion for the art of breaking. They have won championship titles at Kids of New York (2009) and, more recently, Rawcus 360 (2015).

Although the night will be about dancing, it wouldn’t be fitting if one icon wasn’t there. At ‘McDonald’s B-Boy Royale II’ will honor the 40 year veteran, with the inaugural presentation of special awards recognizing its pioneers and innovators.  Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón, one of the original members and current president of Rock Steady Crew, will be honored with the McDonald’s B-Boy Royale Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in elevating breaking to an art form and introducing b-boying to a global audience.

If you want to see the passion, thrill, the excitement you have to make your way to the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts and witness the art that is breakdancing aka b-boying on August 22nd.

Tickets are available today for $25 and on sale at www.McDonaldsBBoyRoyale.com.  All proceeds from the event will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area.

Follow on Twitter and Instagram at @McDNYTriState and like the McDonald’s B-Boy Royale Facebook and Event Page for the latest updates. Join the conversation with #BBoyRoyale2.