Along with the all-important audience participation, the breaking battles will also be judged by a panel of veteran b-boys including Katsu from the All Area crew, Poe One from Style Elements and our guide here, Wicket. The California native is the living embodiment of hip hop culture’s original elements, wearing the hats of DJ, rapper, producer and a member of not one but two b-boy crews. The tag of ‘boy’ stays with a breaker through their whole career, a sign of hip hop’s perpetual youth. When asked about the event and his involvement Wicket’s enthusiasm permeates his every word. “From breakin’ and DJing to emceeing, beatboxing and graffiti art, Melbourne will be bangin’,” the affable all-rounder beams. “Actually to be honest stripping was my passion,” he jokes. “I started out as a DJ, then went into emceeing and producing and ended up with b-boying, which is now my true passion. I’m so glad that I don’t have to compete with today’s b-boys and crews because they are so advanced and incredibly strong. Everyone is starting to understand that b-boying is a dance.” A youth movement since its inception in the mid-’70s, Wicket was no different, starting out at around age 13. “I started my hip hop journey in 1991 and started DJing. Being from San Francisco, I grew up watching world famous DJs such as Q-Bert and Mixmaster Mike. I’d also listen closely to 106KMEL radio, where the DJs would play their mixes and I was hooked,” he says with that youthful vigour still registering. When KMEL held a rap battle competition, Wicket was inspired to make the transition to emceeing, or rapping. The intrepid Wicket then discovered what would become his biggest passion, B-boying. “I was introduced to B-boying from going to dance events in the Bay Area. My friend’s older brother was part of the legendary Knuckleneck Tribe and they were iconic. Throughout the years B-boying was definitely my passion.”
As a member of the Renegade Rockers since 1993 and the Footwork Fanatix since 1997, he has seen his share of competition and one-upmanship. “Within both crews, there was always competition. I think it’s normal. It makes you work harder and become closer as a unit. Of course you’ll have your arguments but it all gets worked out at the end and we laugh about it.” Sometimes the animosity can get to you, but as Wicket explained it’s best to use it as fuel. “At times there were certain members that thought I was wack and that ate me up inside. That’s what pushed me to be who I am today.”
As the popularity of hip hop dancing has continued Wicket has been able to take his passion to the next level, going on tour with the likes of Usher and Christina Aguilera. When it comes to his competitive b-boying and stage performances, he keeps a separation. “I definitely have a different game face on when it comes to working with famous recording artists. It’s fun and a thrill in the entertainment world. You’re surrounded by the hype, media, lights, cameras, and fans. You really have to focus and be prepared to work long hours at anytime of the day. With regular b-boy performances, in my opinion, it’s not as exciting…sometimes more laidback, less money but we do it because we love to break.” He’s also continuing his role in the dance community conducting b-boy workshops as well as judging and hosting competitions worldwide, including the upcoming Australian B-Boy Championships.
Always looking for new challenges Wicket has now ventured into becoming a fully fledged recording artist. “I have pretty much achieved all I’ve wanted with b-boying so now I want to be successful as a recording artist.” He’s gearing up to release his debut studio album, following the release of his mixtape Break’em Off. “[LA-based producers] The BeatSmiths produced most of the tracks on there which allowed me to be just the artist. I love producing but it can get in the way of my own music. As far as my first official album, I’m still in the early stages, experimenting with different styles, upbeat, breakbeat, pop, R&B, even a lil’ singing here and there. You can always stay close and hear what I am working on by going to ReverbNation.”
Ultimately Wicket’s choice of career, his direction in life, has come down to gut instinct and passion. “Being outside in line waiting to get into the event and hearing the music through the walls, the crowd erupting, the friendship, the rivalries, the music. Without hip hop, I’m sure I’d be married with kids and [have] a nine-to-five job. You know the regular lifestyle but I chose a different road and I have no regrets. I Love what I do.”
