While they also recorded songs later on their history, Rock Steady Crew started off as a dance crew in the Bronx during in 1977. The group was initially founded by Jimmy D and Jojo and membership was only granted to those that would battle and beat one of the members of the crew in a dance battle. After years of growing popularity, Jimmy D introduced the now legendary Crazy Legs into the crew and he brought a new energy to the group. Crazy Legs used to travel from Manhattan up to the Bronx each weekend in order to hang with the crew, but eventually wanted to start a new chapter of Rock Steady in Manhattan.

Although it took a while, Crazy Legs eventually gained permission from Jimmy D to start a chapter in Manhattan, expanding Rock Steady's presence throughout New York. In 1981, RSC was given a chance to perform at the Lincoln Center Outdoors Program and battle their rival crew The Dynamic Rockers. This battle was televised and covered by a number of media outlets. This would gain Rock Steady national exposure and make the group a commodity that many people wanted to be associated with. They even linked with Afrika Bambaataa and the entire RSC became members of the Zulu Nation.

Soon after their performance at Lincoln Center, Crazy Legs was also named President of the entire Rock Steady Crew for the exposure that he was able to bring the group and it wasn't too long before their membership included men, women, and people of all ages and races. They were placed on the first international hip hop music tour, Roxy Tour, and continued to gain membership and a fan base across the globe as the years went on. They were even given a short-lived recording deal. Although this record deal caused some initial friction within the group, RSC still lives on today, with chapters across the states in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Orlando, as well as overseas, including Japan, United Kingdom, and Italy. Crazy Legs still remains the President. For pushing the style and sub-culture of break dancing to new heights, to Rock Steady Crew we say...Respect Due.

What are your thoughts on Rock Steady Crew? Are you a b-boy or b-girl? What do you think is the importance of break dancing in hip hop? Leave all comments and thoughts below and you can always send an e-mail to straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.

*Information found at wikipedia.org and hiphoparea.com/breakdance/rock-steady-crew-history-and-noday.html.