Just Jam International
It was a chilly November morning in Newcastle city centre, but it soon bounced into action with the sick moves,
and phat beats of Just Jam International 09!
and phat beats of Just Jam International 09!
The Bad Taste Cru, Newcastle's resident Bboy crew have put on another great event which brought the UK and European Bboy scene together for 5 hours of the most prime action at Dance City.
Doke said " We were very happy with 2008's event and we felt that this year had a lot to live up to, and it didn't disappoint"
Disappointment was not a word anyone was feeling, except maybe for the guy's who lost their battles, as the competition was stiff.
Just Jam is now a major event in the Bboy calender. The venue's fantastic, the floor is sprung and highly polished, the lighting sets a professional tone and it's an environment where performances come alive. The sound system was pumpin' thanks to Dj Timber.
This was a proper international event with competitors traveling UK wide, plus Hatsolo (finland), Mounir (France) & Thomas (Poland) and many others from mainland europe. At the very start Tuf Tim Twist grabbed the mic and briefed the Bboys to warn "the standard is very high, and it's gunna be tough to progress, give it your all" This advice fired everyone up, and from round 1 it was off the hook!
Tim was bang on the money, the opening 2 rounds were fierce, everyone wanting to make it down to the last 32 then Banner came up against Flo and feathers were flyin. Flo opened and was looking sharp and clean and showed great bit variety but Banner came out the blocks with bags of flava and showed some of his trademark power moves, the crowd were lovin it. This was a close battle to judge and it was a spilt decision. Flo made it through 2 v 1 - Banner said "Props go out to BTC for organizing this event, the standard was pretty decent. It was a good day and well worth the drive from London"
The crowd favorite on the day was easily Kid Karim, he's only 11 and he's an immense dancer already. He's got the raw moves and he'll become more polished performer over the next few years. This boy will be a superstar of the Bboy scene, no doubt. Kid Kareem made it through to the Quarters when Mouse knocked him out with some priceless playground tactics.
The boys from BTC did pretty well, Time made it to the last 16 before being KO's by reigning champ Mouse. Rokas and RawB came head2head in the quarters with RawB making it to the Semi's.
Mouse and Hatsolo came together in the semi's, this match up was last years final which Mouse won, so the fireworks were ready to blow.
Hatsolo was pumped up for this battle and gave it stacks and Mouse just couldn't keep up with him. Hatsolo deserved a place in the final.
RawB V Mounir was the other semi. RawB showed great speed and rhythm in the two round contest but Mounir was focused and no-one was stopping him getting to the final. RawB put up a great fight, but it just didn't happen for him this time.
So, the final - Hatsolo V Mounir - and it was a brilliant display of pure breakin' prowess from both Bboys. Hatsolo showed loads of creativity and flava and Mounir was pulling out the classic moves with strength and class. There was plenty of attitude between them and it was a great performance from both guys.
Tuf Tim Twist voted Hatsolo the winner, but he was outvoted 2 -1 and Mounir took the Just Jam International crown for 2009!
Check out this compilation video for all the action.
