About Me
Illstyle Rockers is a B-boy crew that came together in 1994 and was officially named in 1996 by Dre Live Borders, Dome FX Cameron, Forrest Getemgump Webb and Bobby Blaze Wolfe.Illstyle came about at a crucial time during the mid-90's since there was little or no representation of B-boying in Northeast Ohio. From the late 1980?s to the mid-1990's not a single B-Boy crew could be found anywhere in Northeast Ohio. Besides the Cincinnati Scribble Jam hip-hop and later the Columbus Hip-Hop Expo, there were no common grounds for hip-hoppers to get together to battle or network.Based upon this observation and lack of representation, the crew deemed it necessary to reintroduce the scene back into northeast Ohio. As a result, they performed in various cities all over the state.Highlight performances and appearances include: Prester Pickett's Virtual Reality: From 8-Track to CD, Cruisin with Eddie: Children's Miracle Network Telethon Benefit, Cleveland Bicentennial Celebration 200!, Youth Revolution! A Benefit for Music Awareness of Canton, D.A.R.E Benefit, Cincinnati Scribble Jam, Inaugural First Night Akron, CSU's 1997 Representin? Concert/Forum, Slippery Rock University's LL Cool Concert, Oberlin College Hip-Hop Conference, 2003 Dance Erie, Vittum Theater (Chicago), and 2003 Jump For Kids (Washington DC) to name a few.The scene started taking shape as Illstyle started organizing Jams. Illstyle Jams provided an outlet for B-boying, emceeing, beatboxing, live performances, battles, writing, turntablism, independent hip-hop tunes, and just something totally different from the programmed mainstream commercial rap. Eventually, Illstyle Jams became a meeting ground for hip-hoppers from all over the state Ohio and as far away as Pennsylvania and Michigan.In 1998 Illstyle released the Breakin Rules EP with the help and production expertise of Mr. Dibbs and Q-Unique. Urb Magazine regarded the record as ?a Godsend for B-boys and B-girls. Copies of the record sold throughout the United States and Europe.The Illstyle family has a great combination of veteran B-boys as well as new jacks. Several of the members have performed internationally with other touring troupes.Not just anybody can become a member of Illstyle. One must have a true love for the hip-hop way of life, skills, progressiveness, thorough knowledge of hip-hop history, the willingness to research, the willingness to represent, and the heart to battle.Illstyle will always serve as an icon that real hip-hop is alive and thriving. The group continues to maintain it presence through live performances, masterclasses, weekly classes, community outreach programs and hosting hip-hop functions.
