More Than A Stance » Gear

Why We’ve Been MIA

Paul — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:37:00 +0000

Just sayin’.

Adidas Megalizer: Make Music with Your Moves

Calvin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:40:34 +0000

adidas Originals – MEGALIZER featuring les Twins from Twins on Vimeo.

Above is every lazy dancers’ dream: what if the music matched itself to you, instead of you dancing to the music?

It’s the premise of the latest spot for Adidas Originals, for which France’s Vagabonds crew’s Lamine and Mounir teamed up with Les Twins, YAK Films, Sid Lee, coder Didier Brun, and a number of famous French rappers.

As many commenters have pointed out, the concept is nothing new — Nike even ran a similar spot using shoes to make music. The difference is, in this case, dancers are wearing the shoes and creating the music through their steps.

Unfortunately, though the advertisements imply that the shoes will be made available to the public, it seems that only three pairs were made for the films, while a limited number of installations were built in Paris for people to try. Furthermore, according to Brun’s blog (which is worth checking out if you want to see the science behind it all), the shoes seem to be a challenge to master themselves moreso than a shortcut to beat rocking mastery:

The dancers that operated on the video clip did train a lot to succeed in synchronizing to play the actual song.

In any case, it’s a fun and nicely executed series, and the beats beat the sound of b-boys panting, grunting, and crashing against the floor. Who wouldn’t at least want to try some toprock-tap-dancing-beat-making?

Thanks to Bboy Insiders for the heads up.

Fast and Fly: Ken Swift Discusses the Nike Cortez

Calvin — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:58:22 +0000

In celebration of their upgraded line of Cortezes, Nike Sportswear dropped a nice three-part series of videos showing the shoes’ history, evolution, and adoption by various cultures.

Ken Swift holds down the fort for the b-boys and the East Coast, explaining how the shoe’s unique shape and fabrics made it ideal for doing fast footwork and looking fresh.

Other featured artists include Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol.

Check out more Nike videos here.

Stuff B-Boys Like: Mock Neck Sweaters

Calvin — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 04:26:51 +0000

"Hold on, did you just call me a biter?"

Ah, the mock sweater.

Re-popularized by big name b-boys who spin across country in them, these sweaters have arguably been the biggest and most surprising trend in b-boy fashion from 2010 through the present.

The “mock” originally referred to the sweaters’ resemblance to turtleneck sweaters, the difference being that the the mock didn’t have a loose edge to fold down. Of course, “mock” now more appropriately describes modern b-boys’ attempts to be like their favorite dancers from the ’80s or ’90s (or, ahem, the ’10s).

There’s really nothing wrong with this, of course. It just takes a bit of getting used to to see the snug sweater preferred by Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple, shown above), your dad and that old guy on your street who smells like mothballs also being sported by kids with baggy sweatpants and Cortezes and floppy beanies.

World Backspin Champions 2008, B-Boy Todd Smith and B-Girl Sally White

And that’s what’s special about the mock. Many fashions in hip-hop were reappropriated from affluent, non-”urban” folk. (Polo, anyone?)

And usually, the fashion throwbacks of b-boys and b-girls usually align with the fashion throwbacks of everyone else in hip-hop. (Think Pumas, PRO-Keds and Cazal glasses.) Everyone’s sported the old-school hip-hop look, from celebrities to hipsters to sorority girls.

But how many young, non-b-boy hip-hoppers have you seen rocking a mock? It’s a trend that’s almost exclusive to the b-boy scene. Any given jam might have the majority of its dancers rocking mocks in a kaleidoscope of colors, but it’d be a rarity for this to happen at, say, an MC battle.

In any case, they’re said to be very warm, and rumor has it that if you try to do windmills in them, the rest of your wardrobe will be out of style before you can stop spinning.

The point is, if it’s possible for the mock to be cool again in hip-hop, will someone please get the ball rolling on the short shorts? Thanks.

It’s Official: We’re Famous

Paul — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:13:06 +0000

This is not our shirt, we didn't make it, don't buy it. I mean, you can if you want.

If getting ripped off is any sign of success, then we’ve finally hit the big time.

We found this shirt on accident through a random Google search. Whoever designed it really knows who we are. I mean, they got all the elements right: we love cities, we only speak through a megaphone (which we share), we listen to our music on cassettes, and we like to stack up our water bottles sideways until they reach a height of 70 feet.

I suppose it’s our fault for dragging our feet on our official shirts. Don’t worry, the store really will be up soon.

PRO-Keds Drops Spring 2011 Lookbook

Calvin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:02:38 +0000

PRO-Keds have long been a b-boy staple, but it’s certainly up to debate whether what the world needs is another kid stomping around in a pair of Royals.

The latest lookbook features an interesting concept exploring the connection between the sneaker’s history in hip-hop and the present. Inevitably, there are some pictures and clips of some halfhearted b-boy stances and freezes.

What do you think — worthy of copping, is it just another example of what Celebreak called breaksploitation?

SOURCES: Hypebeast, Freshness Mag

Generation BBoy’s Headspin Cap for the Lovers

Calvin — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:48:57 +0000

Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?

Headspin beanies are one of the few fashion accessories designed exclusively for b-boys and b-girls. You’d think they’d have evolved beyond a beanie with patches of padding and slick materials, especially since dancers are supposed to be all creative or whatever.

Now the possibilities are endless. You could have headspin beanies with silhouettes of all the stuff b-boys like — like a weed leaf, or maybe someone doing a really horrible freeze.

Okay, maybe we should just stick with the hearts.

Just remember: when you’re actually upside down, the heart will probably look like a butt.

Click here to visit the Generation BBoy site.

Shirt.Woot exploits your culture. In a fun way.

Paul — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:25:28 +0000

Our nerdier readers will already know what Woot! is, but for those who don’t, Woot! is a website which features one random product each day at a substantial discount. Could be an Xbox, could be a Roomba, or it could be a toy monkey.

Their spinoff Shirt.Woot is the same idea, but with user submitted shirt designs. Today’s design is titled “The Original B-Boy” and features Bowser carrying a boombox and sporting some knock off Chucks.

What makes it worth mentioning is the write up underneath the product (Woot! has become known for their sarcastic product descriptions). It’s a pretty great indictment of the current state of “urban dance movies” that have been flooding the market, taking on such themes as sex, diversity, and even “Twilighters.” They know this shirt is a gimmicky attempt to capture that demographic, and they’re ok with that.

If that sounds good to you, you’d better hurry. The shirt is only on sale for one day.

EDIT: Credit points out that Alex from Motion Disorderz is the designer of the shirt. I wonder if my title still holds true considering that an actual b-boy designed it? Funny how a little context can change things.

Stuff B-Boys Like: Dressing like a Power Ranger

Calvin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 03:06:59 +0000

No, I’m not referring to the actual costumes, though there are b-boys who like to dance while dressed up as Power Rangers.

In case you don’t catch the reference, the show Power Rangers was about a group of multicultural high school kids who were given dinosaur powers by a giant floating head. There was also a robot who was prone to yelling, “Aye-yi-yi-yi-yi!”

Anyway, aside from the aforementioned dinosaurs, each member was also assigned a color. And, despite the fact that it was a total giveaway of their secret identities, each ranger would wear almost nothing but that color, even in everyday life.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with matching colors, but there’s also such a thing as understatement and subtlety.

Why are there more and more b-boys (myself included) who insist on dressing like we’ve been dipped in a tub of paint? Is it really that exciting to have everything — including your laces, belt, and underwear — match?

Oh My Got!: Nike’s Huarache Dance Low

Calvin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:41:12 +0000

Image from Sneaker News

Yeah, yeah, this isn’t Nike’s first foray into the b-boy/b-girl market, and Nike is a major corporation that already makes tons of money, and all that, but — wow. Look at them.

I don’t even really like Nikes that much. But the legacy (and comfort!) of the already-legendary Huaraches — combined with something-or-another that gives it the “dance” label and a clean redesign? Sign me up.

I’m even willing to forgive the fact that Zappos describes them by saying, “Let ‘em bite your moves, your style and even your kicks—but no one’s going to be able to rock these Nike® Huarache Dance Low sneakers like you princess!” Wait, what? Still fresh!

Click through for more images after the jump.

A very big thanks to misses V and Evil of Tennessee for the heads up.

Win $100 Gift Certificate From The Bboy Spot Store

Paul — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:12:37 +0000

(Not one hundred Spock dollars–this was just the best image I found in my Google image search)

Chances are you or someone you know is the proud owner of some Biggest & Baddest gear (and I bet it’s this). Mex, owner of Biggest & Baddest and The Bboy Spot announced a contest today to award one winner a $100 gift certificate to their online store. Here’s the scoop:

“The Bboy that post a picture with the most TheBboyspot/Biggest&Baddest products will win the $100.00 gift certificate. I have to be able to count the ammount of products presented in the picture and I must be able to see the design so I can tell it is one of our products…

Contests starts now and end Sunday the 7th”

Click the link below to enter.

LINK: WIN $100.00 gift certificate from TheBboyspot.com/STORE Contest!!!

B-Boy Condoms. Yes, You Read that Right.

Paul — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:26:16 +0000

TheBboySpot.com has officially blown our minds. They’ve just put up a blog post which features a product that will stay in the minds of b-boys and b-girls for years to come: the b-boy condom.

They’re made by One Condoms and feature a b-boy on the package with the phrase “power move.”

I really don’t know what else to say, so visit TheBboySpot.com’s blog to read just how they came across this majestic product of pop culture.

Flying Steps vs. Heelys

Calvin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:06:00 +0000

If you’re not familiar with Heelys, the first two definitions from Urban Dictionary do a pretty good job of covering the spectrum of possible definitions:

1. Sport shoes that have wheels housed in the heel that allow you to walk, run, and roll at any given moment.

I enjoy riding Heelys.

2. Pathetic attempt at an extreme sport, only little kids buy them to look cool to their friends, and for kids who gave up every extreme sport they tried.

If your seen in a skatepark with heelys chances are you’ll be beaten the shit out of

In other words, they’re those shoes with wheels built into the soles. You might have seen kids wearing them as they glide around at malls. You might have felt an uncontrollable yearning to push over the aforementioned kids. You might have wished for your own pair.

Because I drift more towards the former of those responses, I’m not sure how to feel about this campaign featuring legendary German crew Flying Steps and their so-called “Breakin’ Wheels” tour. On one hand, Flying Steps was one of the first crews that really impressed me with its dynamic athleticism. We’ve got to make money doing something, so why not make a living doing what we love?

On the other hand, it doesn’t even seem like the dancers particularly enjoy the Heelys so much as they have to figure out ways to incorporate it into their dancing. Plus, I don’t know that having “broken wheels” is really the most appealing name for, well, anything. What do you think?

The Flying Steps YouTube channel has more commercials and some fun videos of the crew first learning to ride Heelys. Click here for the official “Breakin’ Wheels” site.

Sneaker History and Cleaning Tips from Ken Swift

Calvin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:34:07 +0000

What’s the deal with Pro-Keds? What about with Adidas Superstars? How do I keep my [insert material type here] sneakers clean? How do I match my sneakers to my outfit? Is it true that keeping your shoes clean is part of b-boying?

Ken Swift goes above and beyond by exhaustively answering the most trivial of these questions and more in this four-part (!) interview from reptank. No detail is overlooked, from the importance of light-colored midsole to improve footwork visibility to advice on keeping stitching and laces fresh. He even talks about using cologne to keep your Adidas stripes shiny. (Consider this fair warning that the average person will find this inexplicably boring, but I watched it all in one sitting.)

The interview itself is nothing too fancy, but there’s definitely something endearing about informal knowledge-dropping sessions like these. Factor in the fact that Ken Swift is still rocking floors, and it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone that he’d be a shoo-in on our list of the top b-boys of the 2000s.

Hit the jump to see more of the interview.

My 2009 B-Boy Holiday Wishlist

Calvin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:01:21 +0000

Looking to blow your new holiday cash on some new b-boy paraphernalia? No? You’re still broke? Well, me too. But here’s my list* anyway. A b-boy can dream, right?

10. Godkee’s “Rock Creek Park” shirt (shown above): Well, it turns out that not only does Nasty Ray know every hip-hop-related dance style ever, but he also has good taste when it comes to clothing design. Clean, understated monochromatic type and subtle bird silhouettes set this apart from a sea of schizophrenic designs with every color and old school hip-hop reference possible. It’s the details that count. Click here for our previous coverage and here for the Godkee site.

9. Outbreak 5 DVD

In three words: RoxRite vs. Focus. I haven’t felt like I’ve needed to see a battle this bad in a very long time. I’m not even sure when the DVD is dropping, though it should be available here when it does. I probably would’ve felt the same way about Red Bull BC One and Evolution 4 if I hadn’t already seen the battles. Dang it. Am I contributing to the problem? Uh, next.

8. Nike Air Threads

Previously mentioned here and here, the Nike Air Thread is said to have been specifically designed to accommodate b-boy moves. In terms of looks, feedback seems to range from “ugh” to “meh,” but I just want to see if they really feel all that great, even if it means wearing women’s shoes.

7. NufSed’s “Be Original” tee

Just look at it. I already said what I needed to here. Click here to cop.

6. Focus’s “B-Boy Workshop” DVD

Ever since AlphaTrion compared it to Storm’s Footwork Fundamentals in his review here, I’ve felt a gaping hole my b-boy soul. Click here to cop.

5. Armory Survival Gear’s “Skulls” Tee

One of the quickest ways to make anything played out in 2009 was to slap skulls or b-boys on it, but this skeleton b-boy design from Pres One is nice and crispy. Cop here.

4. Sedgwick & Cedar’s tee(s)

I’m surprised I don’t see more cats rocking gear from this line at jams. If you didn’t catch our original post about the Kool Herc shirt here, Sedgwick & Cedar is a line that’s celebrating the roots of hip-hop in a way that’s not cheesy or trite — a challenging task at which many have failed. Click here to browse their collection.

3. Alien Ness’s “Art of Battle” Book

If you haven’t already guessed, I’d much rather learn by reading than by watching a streaming video. After hearing Ness talk about it here and Poe One talk about it here, my curiosity’s been piqued. Our original post is here, though it appears the original site here has been hacked.

2. Turn It Loose DVD

As we mentioned here, this feature film has one of the best trailers we’ve seen to date, and I’ve heard nothing but good things from those who’ve had a chance to check it out. Of course, I’m not exactly sure when it’s dropping on DVD, but when it does, I’m there (with tissues in hand [for crying]). Click here for the official site.

1. Slim knee pads

There are two problems with knee pads. First, for most people, if you don’t wear knee pads, your knees will start swelling up as if you did. Second, if you do, you risk looking like a high school volleyball player or Ninja Turtle.

The solution? Slim knee pads like the ones shown above, which are available at Champs–unless a b-boy retailer wants to get in on this. Hopefully, this’ll mean 2010 will be a year of fewer creaky knees.

*For the purposes of full disclosure: this is my personal list. I’m not an original OG b-boy from the ’70s. I don’t wear foam caps or Puma Suedes. On occasion, I listen to “mainstream” music and legitimately enjoy it. I’m not playing favorites or turning a profit from this, I promise. Thanks!

Headspin Hat Winners Announced: Everyone Wins!

Paul — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:20:11 +0000

A few days ago, we asked our readers to send us pictures of their “headspin bald spots” for the chance to win one of CypherStyles.com’s Headspin Hats with Triple Padding.

After looking at all the entries with us, Barry, the owner of CypherStyles.com, told us that he couldn’t live with the guilt of letting some of these guys continue to go bald all because they wanted better headspins. So we’re going to be giving one Headspin Hat to everyone who entered (you can see them above).

Entrants: check your e-mails for instructions on how to claim your prize. Check your spam folder if you haven’t received it yet.

Show Us Your Bald Spot To Win A Free Headspin Beanie! *NOW CLOSED

Paul — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:35:32 +0000

For some b-boys, it’s a badge of honor; for others, it’s the reason you never see them without a hat on. Either way, the “headspin bald spot” is no joke. Even Amy Winehouse is a recent victim.

So during the process of reviewing the Headspin Hat with Triple Padding from CypherStyles.com, owner Barry Rabkin told us that he’d be willing to donate one of the beanies to some needy b-boy. He suggested we hold a contest where our readers send us photos of their bald spot, and so that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Send your photo to bald-contest@morethanastance.com and we’ll select the b-boy or b-girl who we determine has the most pathetic bald spot. The winner will receiver one Triple Thick Headspin Beanie from CypherStyles.com and a bagful of our pity.

EDIT: Contest is now closed. We will announce the winners on Christmas Day!

American Eagle Sets Its Sights on B-Boys

Paul — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:35:57 +0000

I gotta say that I’m fairly impressed American Eagle didn’t just throw a picture of an awful looking freeze on this shirt, but my suspicion of big companies makes me assume that they are ripping off this style of artwork from somewhere.

In all honesty it seems to be a pretty unique attempt, but still not something I’d buy.

What do you think?

Thanks to Harold for the tip.

Give Thanks for $10 Pro-Keds and Words of Wisdom

Paul — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:19:08 +0000

We’ve always let you know when to get your hands on cheap Pro-Keds, and thanks to a tip from Harold we’re letting you know that you States-side readers can get your hands on them for just $10.35. Click above to go to the sale page.

Also don’t miss our Cypherside Chat with Poe One. It might just blow your mind. Here’s one of my personal favorite quotes:

“Style is an approach. It’s not anything else. They’re trying to say a style guy is a footwork guy. I’ve seen footwork guys with no style.”

Peace, and happy Thanksgiving!

We Dare You to Rock This

Paul — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:43:06 +0000

From the description:

“Nylon undershirts were popular with breakdancers back in the day because the soft texture made it so much easier to rock backspins with.”

Mmmmyeeaahhhh ok.

Someone please try to pull this off at a jam. If you do, please send us the picture; I promise we’ll post it.

Found on the GODKEE Facebook.

B-Boy Houndstooth Tee from Mixer Friendly

Calvin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:35:15 +0000

Photos from Karmaloop

Okay, so I’m torn.

My hatred for b-boy silhouettes–especially those in air freezes–is no secret. So this “Breaker” tee from Mixer Friendly should be a no-brainer.

But upon closer analysis, I realized that silhouettes have been used to make an b-boy houndstooth pattern. Seriously? This is ridiculous! My mind has been officially blown.

You can snag these for $30 at Karmaloop by clicking here. Dudes can choose from black or brown, and girls have the blue (shown above) and green.

Fresh “James” and “Rock Creek Park” Shirts from Godkee

Calvin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:22:21 +0000

Godkee comes through with some really clean, really exclusive b-boy-themed shirts and sweatshirts.

How exclusive? There are said to be only 12 of each item, ranging in price from $20 to $30. How clean? Take a look at the details in the design after the jump.

Head over to Godkee for more information and flicks.

Throwback: Vans “Breakers” Shoes

Calvin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:12:30 +0000

Image from Defunkd

If all the recent shoe releases targeting b-boys seems a little familiar, it may be that you’re having a flashback to 1984, when the skateboarding shoe company Vans tried its hand at making some b-boy shoes.

They obviously weren’t the prettiest b-boy shoes around, but with a tagline like “Man, I need Vans Breakers/ Only For The Elite!” I can’t say that I would have been able to resist getting a pair. It’s just a little something to think about for all you b-boys and b-girls rocking Authentics and Eras.

Head over to Defunkd for a close-up image and for more history.

New Steez from Puma

Calvin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:08:24 +0000

Because so many b-boys and b-girls are Puma Suede/Basket fiends, I figured I’d give you a heads up on this line of nine new Suede colorways scheduled for release on November 12. Click here for the rest of the drops.

And if you’re more on the budget-conscious side of things, you States-side cats can hit up 6pm for a 60% off sale on Pumas–there are some nice kicks in the mix.

Kool Herc “To the Beat Y’all” Tee

Calvin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:55:40 +0000

Image from Underground Hip Hop

Sedgwick & Cedar drops a fresh tee featuring Kool Herc (part of our “Old to the New” Breakumentary). If you don’t know, he’s the “father of hip-hop” commonly credited for extended the breaks of songs that some of the earliest b-boys danced to, eventually earning them their name.

So it’s only appropriate that he’s shown on the t-shirt with a b-boy stance. Word.

Click the image above to shop at Underground Hip Hop, here for Digital Gravel or here for The Giant Peach.