Meet Your DJ: Lean Rock to Spin Seoul
Few people live and breathe Hip Hop like Boston’s Lean Rock. Born and raised in Hip Hop, Lean Rock carries its message far and wide as one of the best break DJs working today. In addition to his impressive music career, the international B-Boy dances with Floorlords, Boogie Brats, Horsepower and Squadron crews. Who better could there be to man the turntables at the 10-Year anniversary of Red Bull BC One in Seoul?
We caught up with the master of beats to discuss how to DJ for battles, some Red Bull BC One history and what global Hip Hop culture means today. Read on:
How do you feel about DJing the 10th Anniversary of the Red Bull BC One?
It’s an honor to be spinning for the 10-year anniversary of the Red Bull BC One. I mean, only a few have been able to do the event, so it’s something I really cherish. On top of that, it’s the 10-year anniversary so that makes it a little more special of a World Final.
What’s been your favorite memory from 10 years of Red Bull BC One history?
My favorite memory of the Red Bull BC One was when RoxRite won the Red Bull BC One World Final in 2011. It’s always a great feeling to see one of your peers accomplish something so great. When he won, I felt like we all won. Rox is one of the truest people in B-Boy culture and definitely a role model for many, on and off the floor. I’ve personally seen Rox put in some serious work for the culture since Pro Am 1999. For anyone to be on top of his game for that long is true inspiration.
It’s been said that you intuitively know what kind of music to play for each B-Boy. What’s the secret to your spinning skills?
I just go by the feeling of the atmosphere. Obviously, years of traveling and spinning at many B-Boy events gives you an advantage to know what really works and what doesn’t work. I try my best to bring the best out of the dancers and to connect with the crowd. It takes the B-Boy, the DJ and everyone else to create the vibe. It’s all about vibing. It’s not just about me… it’s about creating the magic together.
You’re considered part of Hip Hop royalty. How have you seen Hip Hop change in America over the past 10 years?
I’ve been blessed to be part of the Floorlords legacy my whole life. My crew was established in 1981, so it definitely has a lot of history. Hip Hop will forever go through its changes, for the better and for the worse. There are plenty of things that have happened over the past 10 years, but what I think is more important is how you make it better today.
Do you think breaking brings back some of Hip Hop’s original positive messaging?
“Peace, unity, and love…” On a global scale, I feel like Hip Hop’s original positive message is alive and well. You see people of different ethnicities and different religions dancing with only one thing in mind…to get busy! It’s not a matter of who has more money, which race or ethnicity is superior, etc. The beauty of Hip Hop is that no matter where you’re from or where you’re at, your skills get you your respect.
Your father was a famous B-Boy (Leanski of Floorlords). What was it like to grow up surrounded by breaking and Hip Hop?
My father is a great influence to many and he’s definitely put in some serious legwork for this culture as a whole (and still does). To me, he’s the definition of “we live this.” To look back at how I was raised in this culture, I wouldn’t choose any other way. Being mentored by greats… being around pioneers and legends… It’s all I could ask for.
What’s the biggest challenge for Hip Hop culture today in your opinion?
The biggest challenge of Hip Hop is the support amongst each other. We are all raised differently, we all have different paths and we all have different outlooks on life, so things can get complicated. It can be hard for many of us to come together. The ego is the gift and curse of our culture.
What’s next for B-Boying in the USA?
Only time will tell. It’s hard to say what’s next but I hope things continue to get better. I guess it’s our job to make that happen though.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three Hip Hop albums, what would they be?
Nas’ Illmatic, Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), and A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders.
What advice do you have for young DJs trying to make a name for themselves?
Study the foundation of the culture. Reach out and ask questions to people that come before you in your craft. Put in your 10,000+ hours. And, most importantly, have fun with it. You will live it if you love it.
Stay up to date with the latest Lean Rock news here:
www.leanrock.com
https://soundcloud.com/DJ-lean-rock
Twitter: @leanrocker
Instagram: @leanrocker
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJleanrock
Notes To Editors:
Red Bull BC One is the most important one-on-one B-Boy competition in the world. Each year, thousands of B-Boys compete in national Cyphers for a spot in six Finals, held in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Winners earn a ticket to the Red Bull BC One World Finals, where 16 will enter, but only one will be crowned champion.
The first Red Bull BC One World Finals were hosted in 2004, in Switzerland. Since then, the annual competition has moved from Germany to Brazil, South Africa, France, USA, Japan and Russia.
This year marks the 10-Year Anniversary of Red Bull BC One, where the World Finals will head to Seoul, South Korea, home of some of the most innovative breaking today. In celebration of a decade of first-class breaking, all previous World Champions will return to battle in Seoul.
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