Last Thursday, Singapore’s top four bboy crews battled it out at Ministry Of Sound’s Sho’down party at Smoove Main Arena. Checking in at 9pm, everyone was on edge for the upcoming battles between crews FTC, Enemy Ground, Radikal Forze and Fuyo. Straight from the crates were vinyls hand-picked by Felix from $7 Crew, plus some drop-in beats to hip-hop tracks to warm up the crowd.

It was pretty much a convention of bboys from various generations as it was a battle for the top spot. Local artiste Dharni, who took up bboying just recently, impressed quite a few people with sharp toprocks. Apparently he had a few mentors from Floor Techniques Crew who understood that it’s just begun.

left: Dhari shows his stuff!

Ciphers started early in the evening. Guest bboys from abroad were present to check the scene, talent was certainly brewing in the region. Some words of advice from a friend were that one should just feel the music and dance with soul. There were some ill sets that really took it to the next level. Preparing for the battle ahead was a matter of discipline and clarity of mind as well as knowing yourself and the opponent.

First up was Floor Techniques Crew versus Enemy Ground. Both teams did well regarding knowledge of music, but relying on sets sometimes gets in the way of interaction in battle. Having years of battle experience, Enemy Ground smoked when it came to rocking the original Apache by Incredible Bongo Band. The way things were going, Floor Techniques took the existing moves Enemy Ground did, built upon them, and ripped it.

Right: Slicky from Enemy Ground

Next, the Radikal Forze battled Fuyo. RF handled tag team routines from Fuyo with little fuss. This was certainly not one to mess up. Powermoves gave Fuyo an advantage, but it was not a matter of how many spins were done. Radikal Forze goes to the next round.

Final round, Norbin, Charlie, Hazrul and Kelvin from FTC go up against Farhan, Boy, Faiz featuring Gregg in Radikal Forze. Norbin won his rounds with some ill style-power sets, met by Gregg’s halos which kept the crowd entertained. RF met each round with excellent response, feeling the music and ending with finishing moves that hit the beats.

Winners: Radikal Forze, but both crews walk away with some cool prizes by sponsors Smirnoff, Motorola, Adidas and Golden Village.

left: Irshad (right) and friend at Ministry of Sound!