Foundation

Foundation examines the art and culture of b-boying (breakdancing) in New York through extensive first-hand research and interviews with prominent figures like Ken Swift and Alien Ness. The book documents the techniques, history, and social dynamics of this cornerstone element of hip-hop culture. Author Joseph Schloss immersed himself in New York's b-boy scene for five years, attending events and learning the dance form while conducting research. His direct engagement with the community provided access to insider perspectives and cultural knowledge that inform the book's analysis. The work stands apart from other hip-hop scholarship through its emphasis on direct community engagement and its challenge to previous academic approaches. Through interviews and observation, the text presents b-boying from the viewpoints of its practitioners rather than outside theorists. Foundation illuminates how physical movement, social interactions, and cultural values intersect in urban dance communities. The book demonstrates the complexity and sophistication of b-boy culture while highlighting its significance in contemporary cultural studies.

Reviews paint Foundation as a detailed but dense academic examination of hip-hop dance culture. Readers valued: - First-hand research and interviews with dancers - Documentation of b-boy/b-girl history and techniques - Analysis of dance battles and their social context - Personal observations from the author's time in the community Common criticisms: - Academic writing style can be difficult to follow - Too much focus on theory rather than dance descriptions - Some passages require multiple readings to comprehend - Limited photos and visual documentation From review sites: Goodreads: 4.15/5 from 61 ratings "Heavy on the sociology terms but worth pushing through" - Goodreads reviewer "Could have used more actual dance content" - Amazon reviewer Amazon: 4.4/5 from 13 ratings "Important research but challenging for casual readers" - Amazon review Google Books: 4/5 from 23 ratings "Documents crucial history but the writing is dense" - Google Books reviewer

Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation by Jeff Chang Traces hip-hop's evolution through first-hand accounts from pioneers and practitioners who shaped the culture alongside breakdancing.

Hip Hop Family Tree by Ed Piskor Chronicles the birth of hip-hop culture through comic illustrations based on research and interviews with early scene participants.

The Hip-Hop Wars by Tricia Rose Examines hip-hop culture through direct engagement with artists and community members to present insider perspectives on debates within the culture.

Looking for the Perfect Beat: The Art and Culture of the DJ by Kurt B. Reighley Documents DJ culture through practitioner interviews and field research, similar to Foundation's approach to b-boy culture.

Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America by Tricia Rose Presents hip-hop culture through ethnographic research and interviews with community members to analyze its social significance.

🔸 Ken Swift, one of the dancers featured in the book, began b-boying at age 11 in 1975 and became a pioneer of breaking techniques still used today. 🔸 The term "b-boy" was originally coined by DJ Kool Herc in the early 1970s to describe the dancers who would wait for the "break" section of records at his parties. 🔸 Author Joseph G. Schloss spent five years as an active participant in New York's breaking scene, making him one of the few academics to study hip-hop culture through direct, long-term immersion. 🔸 B-boying originated in the Bronx during the 1970s economic crisis, when young people created new forms of artistic expression despite limited resources. 🔸 Alien Ness, another prominent figure interviewed for the book, founded the influential Mighty Zulu Kings crew, which helped preserve and spread breaking culture globally.