June 10-16, 2004

naked city

The Message

NEW DEFINITION OF SUMMER MADNESS: The B-Boy Barbeque, organized by Stef Tataz and Pose2, is a family-friendly event. Photo By: Michael T. Regan

The B-Boy Barbeque celebrates the past and present of the hip-hop community.

by Deesha Dyer

Remember the feeling that crept up on you when you smelled a neighborhood barbecue? Those old-school block parties where you'd play hopscotch and double-dutch until the Lil' Hugs drinks and hot dogs were gone? Back when the speakers shook with the sounds of Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash and MC Lyte? When only ice cream or the water hoses could cool you down?

How could you forget? Tucked in the cut of South Philadelphia, the B-Boy Barbeque takes you back. A free event where alcohol is not sold, drugs aren't welcomed and drama isn't tolerated, the barbecue successfully operates by promoting community empowerment and unity and celebrating all facets of hip-hop culture: B-boys and B-girls, graffiti writers, DJs and MCs. Plus delicious food from the local ladies.

But, it didn't start out that way. Created in the back yard of locally praised, nationally renowned graffiti artist Pose2, the B-Boy Barbeque started in 1997 as a small gathering for the city's graffiti writers. Discussing and listening to music was accompanied by the swapping of black books and canvases showing off the latest tags and pieces. After the first barbecue, word on the street spread rapidly.

"B-boys showed up and pulled cardboard out the basement to get down; records would pile in from DJs spinning, and MCs would start ciphers that lasted all night," Pose2 recalls. It became the place to be in the summertime. The interest became so large that the number of participants outgrew Pose2's energy to constantly organize it. He decided to take a break. During his hiatus, he watched hip-hop transcend its subculture status and accumulate a trendy mainstream following.

When Pose2 decided to revive the B-Boy Barbeque in 2002, he wanted to re-create it as an event that represented hip-hop's independent past and its popular present. So he enlisted the help of hip-hop preservationists and city promoter, Stef Tataz.

A larger location was in order, so they moved it to its current homebase at the Hawthorne Recreation Center at 12th and Carpenter. The playground, basketball hoops, tennis courts and restrooms set the scene and stage for an open, active, welcoming atmosphere.

This time around, it was imperative that the focus remain on keeping it a family event, concentrating especially on the youth. "We wanted to show them that there is more to hip-hop than what they hear on the radio or see on television," Tataz states. "It's important for us to relate and stay connected with the kids." Thanks to sponsorship from various outlets, they've opened up a kids zone where the little ones can follow in Pose2's footsteps with markers, papers and mats.

There is also plenty for the adult attendees to indulge in. Between the performances from various MCs and DJs including Word Association and Ill Vibe Collective, be sure to peep the authentic Philly B-boy Z-No-Zeen poppin' and uprockin' on the linoleum. The wall across from the center is designated for the guest graffiti artists to display their talents. In addition, the fence is outlined with canvases for various painters.

Local MC Reef the Lost Cauze — one of the highlights of the 2003 barbecue — returns this year to deliver another memorable performance. Since there is no stage, Reef stood on a bench beside the active B-boy circle to keep the vibe flowing. "I didn't want to take attention away from them or make myself the center of attention," Reef says. "The event is about bringing us all together."

At any given moment during the day, you'll run into residents of D.C., New York, Las Vegas and California. They come to soak up the event, network and experience firsthand why Philadelphia is regarded as one of the richest hip-hop cities in the world.

Popular demand has made the B-Boy Barbeque an all-weekend affair. This year it spans from Friday's graffiti art show at Union 237 featuring Philly's own Dan1, Toronto's Fever and Zori from Puerto Rico to a live painting exhibition at the corner of Fifth and Cecil B. Moore on Sunday.

If you miss this year's B-Boy Barbeque, you've got a long wait to experience that old-school block-party community feeling next summer. "This is a place where people of all ages can come together and just have natural fun," Pose2 says. "This is proof that the feeling still exists."

Art exhibition, Fri., June 11, 6-10 p.m., free, all ages, KEO, DAN1, FEVER, ZORI, DOC TC5, PRO BLAK, Union 237 Gallery, 237 Market St.; B-Boy Barbeque, Sat., June 12, noon-8 p.m., free, all ages, Reef the Lost Cauze, Rich Medina, Nuthouse, Session 31, Phil Moore Brown, 84, and many more, Hawthorne Recreation Center, 12th and Carpenter; Painters Touch, Sun., June 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free, all ages, various painters, Corner of Fifth and Cecil B. Moore; www.bboy-bbq.com.