Flexum: “To have a great event, all you truly need is a great DJ”.

Flexum is one of those people who always make you smile with his natural sense of humor. Undoubtedly, this can be noticed while he is dancing and that brings the specific flavor of his moves and b-boy attitude. In fact, dancing with a smile is not very common today, when most of the b-boys take the “battle attitude” quite seriously, so definitely Flexum stands out among the “bad boys in the hood” type of dancers. But do not underestimate Flexum – despite he is not the 20+ air flairs guy, his unique battle attitude and signature moves harmonized with the music can make those ones with the fixed sets look very funny. 

What’s up, Flexum, hope you all well! First of all, tell me please for how long you are involved in hip hop and how does it feel to you after all those years?

I have been in this culture since I was 7 years old. My father uses to break and my uncles were hardcore cholo poppers as well. I have been truly been involved for the last 23 years. Lots have changed through the years but the only thing that I can truly say that hasn’t changed is having a few individuals that keep the essence pure and raw.

Explain to us what a good promoter should do when taking a step to organize an event?

First and foremost a good promoter will do research whenever throwing an event. Many tend to think that if they have money, popularity, or support that everything will be great. This isn’t true. A good promoter will promote months before their date. The promoter should always make sure the DJ can do their job. No vibe, no jam. Next, I would have to say judges and venue but this is also a must. Above all, a good promoter will handle everything professionally. It’s your event, take responsibility.

What are the major needs for the event to be a good one?

Honestly, to have a great event all you truly need is a great DJ. Just like it was growing up, if the music is there, the people will dance. A lot of just based off the vibes of the DJ and how the people react. Nowadays the scene doesn’t truly know how that feels, so they go to watch or practice instead of getting down and having fun.

Back in the days were there so many events like nowadays and how did you make your name on the scene?

Back in the days, I was lucky to have been at 2-3 events. For me, back in the days, it was really clubs or parties that many of us went to. For us to make a name was really going to another town or city and beating their home town heroes. Today, there are almost 50-80 events a year worldwide and no one really has that hometown hero to go after.

Should we believe in social media or we should dig deep into the scene?

Social media is exactly what it is, social. Meaning it’s whatever you want people to see and believe. For me, social media is only 1% of what I am about. So, digging deeper is what everyone should do in everything.

How do you understand the meaning of “being relevant to the scene”?

When I hear “being relevant” tossed around I am now confused. I used to feel that it was you being a part of the community. Meaning, supporting the scene. I feel those who pay entrance fees to your event, cypher at events, take your workshops, and write you saying YOU inspire them. Those people are relevant in the scene. Now it’s just if you judge, teach, or win events that can say they’re relevant.

Should nowadays bboys or bgirls, when the time comes, give it back to the culture where they came from?

Honestly, if you’ve made it in this community or have the power to give back, then no one should have to remind you of that. If someone has to tell you that you should, could, then I’m sorry for them. I’m sure many helped us be who we are and that shouldn’t be no different for us for the new community in our culture. If no one helped, then be the difference!

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Can you still see the “underground” scene or it’s just an empty sentence these days?

I continue to see the underground scene. It’s small but so pure and raw. I feel if more seen it they would feel lost due to the lack of experience in it. It’s almost as rare as catching a sidewalk cypher and wanting to throw it down. Doesn’t happen anymore.

Some final words to those “who deserved to be known”?

I just wrote several names who I thought deserved to be known and erased them. You really have to read the question and realize there are too many who don’t even know the originals who created this culture or heroes we idolize. I could name today’s generation who deserve it but I’m sure it will fall on deaf ears as well. I truly feel there are many who don’t get their fair share of exposure but off the top of my head, I would say Wealthy from the Loonies, Tim The Pitt from Massive Monkeys, Complex from Dance Brooms, and last Rion from my own crew Knuckleheads Cali. All have had breakthroughs in the competition world but also have a style of their own which man doesn’t realize inspire today’s young gen.

You can follow b-boy Flexum on Instagram here.

Core Team is thankful to Flexum for this interview and support to our idea of spreading valuable knowledge.

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