Jabbawockeez

The Jabbawockeez (stylized as JabbaWockeeZ) are an American hip-hop dance crew, best known for being the winners of the first season of America's Best Dance Crew in 2008. Established in 2003 in San Diego, California when dancers Kevin “KB” Brewer and Joe Larot put together an innovative dance crew to participate in dance competitions with the idea of disrupting the existing dance scene. At the time, they felt that dance crews were clones of one another, and were dancing to the “top” of the music instead of digging deep into the music, and they set out to do something different. With Jabbawockeez, they showcased freestyle dance and were able to strike a balance between dancing to the music and dancing as an artistic expression.

Jabbawockeez
Jabbawockees performing "Sauce on the Side" in 2008
Background information
OriginSan Diego, California, U.S.
GenresHip-hop dance, B-boying, Popping
Years active2003-present
Associated actsSuper Cr3w
Kaba Modern
Kinjaz
DaBaby
Websitewww.jbwkz.com
MembersKevin "Kb" Brewer
Joe "Punkee" Larot
Jeff "Phi" Nguyen
Rynan "Kid Rainen" Paguio
Past membersNeev
Gary "Gee" Kendall (Deceased)
Ben "B-Tek" Chung (with Kinjaz)
Phil "Swagger Boy" Tayag
Chris "Cristyle" Gatdula
Eddie "Eddie Styles" Gutierrez
Saso "King Saso" Jimenez
Randy "DJ Wish One" Bernal
Tony "Transformer" Tran (with Kinjaz)"

By 2004, the Jabbawockeez's members included Phil "Swagger Boy" Tayag, Ben "B-Tek" Chung, Chris "Cristyle" Gatdula, Rynan "Kid Rainen" Paguio, and Jeff "Phi" Nguyen. Tony "Transformer" Tran joined the crew in 2013. The Jabbawockeez do not have a group leader; choreography for their performances, as well as music and design choices, is made as a collective unit.[1]

History

Early career

The dancers began performing wearing ski masks and gloves. The mask and glove motif was adopted as a tribute to the 1970s San Francisco strutting crew Medea Sirkas. Gary "Gee One" Kendall and Randy "DJ Wish One" Bernal were both members of the MindTricks dance crew who were active in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jeff "Phi" Nguyen explains, "There's no lead dancer in our crew. Our philosophy is that when you watch us perform, you have to watch us as a whole... When we put [the masks] on, it's not about who we are or where we came from. We're all one." The name Jabbawockeez, coined by Joe Larot, was inspired by the fantastical monster from the Lewis Carroll nonsense poem Jabberwocky.[1] Overtime, the group switched to their signature white masks and gloves which better fit their persona and image. In San Diego, through Gary's connections, the Jabbawockeez added b-boys Rynan "Kid Rainen" Paguio and Chris "Cristyle" Gatdula to the group. The original eight-member iteration of the Jabbawockeez began performing as a group in 2004. This lineup consisted of Gary, Randy, Phi, Phil, Kevin, Joe, Rynan, and Chris.

Jabbawockeez rounded out their numbers with additional members, bringing their total to eleven. Phoenix native Jeff "Phi" Nguyen had met Rynan Paguio at various Los Angeles area auditions and performances and earned a spot in the Jabbawockeez in 2004 by battling Kevin Brewer.[1] The Jabbawockeez also brought Kaba Modern alumnus Ben "B-Tek" Chung and b-boys Eddie "Eddiestyles" Gutierrez and Saso "Saso Fresh" Jimenez into the fold. Stylistically, the Jabbawockeez style of dance features an eclectic mix of various urban styles, primarily popping & b-boying, along with a careful synchronicity to self-created instrumentals which one member dubs "Beat-Kune-Do" (a play on the word "Jeet Kune Do", a martial arts style created by Bruce Lee). In 2007, the Jabbawockeez appeared on the second season of America's Got Talent. Performing with nine members, the group was eliminated in the Las Vegas callbacks episode. In 2008, they auditioned and were accepted onto the first season of America's Best Dance Crew. And some requests also include of Mayhem, Tooboi and Philani Mangezi.

America's Best Dance Crew
Main article: America's Best Dance Crew

The Jabbawockeez auditioned as a seven-member contingent for the first season of America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC), because of crew member limits imposed by the show. Originally, the ABDC group was supposed to consist of Gary Kendell, Phil Tayag, Kevin Brewer, Joe Larot, Rynan Paguio, Chris Gatdula, and Phi Nguyen; however, when Gary died that year, and Joe suffered a knee injury during the audition rounds, the group chose Ben Chung to replace Joe on the show and left Gary's spot vacant, proceeding with six members. They eventually went on to become the winners of the show. The win earned the crew $100,000 (USD).[2]

Years after ABDC
Jabbawockeez performing with their trademark white masks

Since ABDC, the Jabbawockeez have appeared in Pepsi,[1][3] Ford, and Gatorade commercials,[1] and performed on Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, The Ellen DeGeneres Show,[4] and Live with Regis and Kelly. They also made a cameo appearance in Step Up 2 The Streets,[5] launched their own clothing line, and toured with New Kids on the Block,[1][6] and Jesse McCartney.[1] Along with the ABDC season two winner, Super Cr3w, Jabbawockeez were the opening act for the Battle of the VMAs ABDC special.[7][8] The group also made an appearance on Cycle 13 of America's Next Top Model during the episode "Dance With Me" to help the contestants learn how to convey emotions with their bodies. They also starred in Shake It Up, a Disney Channel Comedy Show. On February 15, 2009, they accompanied and danced with NBA All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal in his NBA All-Star Game player introduction.[9] On October 16, 2009, they performed in front of a crowd of 35,000 at the University of Florida's Gator Growl.[10] They also performed for DECA's 66th Annual International Career Development Conference in Salt Lake City. Jabbawockeez returned to America's Best Dance Crew on June 5, 2011 when they performed during the Season 6 finale. On May 19, 2013 they were backup dancers for Taylor Swift's performance at 2013 Billboard Music Awards. They have also appeared in Season 7, Episode 2 of The Bachelorette with Ashley Hebert.[11]

Australia tour

The Jabbawockeez toured Australia from August 28 to 30, 2009. The three-day tour was for Australian fans who were unable to see the crew due to the cancellation of the Australian leg of New Kids on the Block's Full Service Tour. The group performed in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane and made several appearances on MTV Iggy.[12]

Las Vegas shows
Members of the Jabbawockeez with DJ collective The Bangerz. Photo by Mark J. Sebastian.

On May 7, 2010, the Jabbawockeez were brought to Las Vegas to perform a personal audition to Felix Rappaport (MGM President) via talent agents Herman Flores (DUB Magazine Co-Founder, World Of Dance Co-Founder, Digital Influence Agency CEO), Steve Vera (Links Collective CEO) and Daryl Williams helping produce and debut their own live stage show called MÜS.I.C at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. They are the first dance crew to headline a show in Las Vegas.[1] The show included members from Super Cr3w, the winners of season two of America's Best Dance Crew. Music for the show was produced by DJ collective The Bangerz and their costumes were designed by Kara Saun.[13] Although scheduled to end in June, the show was later extended through August.[14] Since its initial run, the show has moved to the Jupiters Hotel and Casino in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. They moved to the Luxor Hotel and Casino for their new show PRiSM in May 2013. PRiSM was housed in a brand new 850-seat theater and a mural of the crew is painted in the lobby by performance artist David Garibaldi.[15] In November 2015, The Jabbawockeez started performing their show called "JREAMZ" at the MGM Grand [16] In February 2020, Jabbawockeez announced the arrival of their latest production, Jabbawockeez "TIMELESS," which replaces JREAMZ in the Jabbawockeez Theater at MGM Grand.

JBWKZ Records

JBWKZ Records, the company's official record label, was founded to create and distribute their own music. Becoming the first of its kind, JBWKZ Records uniquely became the first record label to create music specifically made for dancers. In 2010, the label signed San Jose-based production group The Bangerz. The production group built a close-knit relationship with the crew, and released their first joint-single entitled “Robot Remains.” The single quickly became one of the Jabbawockeez most iconic records, being closely tied to one of the dance crew's most notable dance pieces.

The Bangerz continued an ongoing relationship with the crew, and worked closely with them on multiple albums. In 2010, The Bangerz and Jabbawockeez produced “Mus.I.C - The Album”, which was composed entirely of music used to score the “Mus.I.C” live Jabbawockeez Show in Las Vegas. In 2013, The Bangerz followed up with “Prism - The Album” to accompany the crew's second Las Vegas production, “Prism”. In 2015, The Bangerz went on to produce the “Movement” album. The album's lead single, “Two Step”, ended up reaching 8.5+ million views in its accompanied “Two Step Challenge” video. In 2019, the label signed producer and dancer TJ Lewis. He went on to release singles “Focus” and “Jabba The Dawn”. In 2020, the Bangerz are continuing to work with JBWKZ Records, and are currently producing a new album.

#CokeRedMoves

In partnership with Coca-Cola, the Jabbawockeez featured in a dance video to provide medicinal aid to children in underdeveloped countries. Coca-Cola agreed that for every dance video that choreographed to the song "Celebrate" by Empire of the Sun & Tommy Trash and tagged "#CokeRedMoves" in the video, they would donate 60 days worth of life-saving medicine to children afflicted with HIV. For the first 1000 videos submitted, Coca-Cola will donate upwards of $25,000 to the Global Fund to finance the HIV/AIDS program on the ground in Africa. In the premiere dance video, Jabbawockeez danced alongside other well-known dancers such as Ian Eastwood, Brian Puspos, Les Twins, 8 Flavahz and more.[17][18]

Master of None

The Jabbawockeez appeared in the season two episode "Dinner Party" on Master of None, the Netflix series starring Aziz Ansari. In the episode, the Jabbawockeez are guest judges on the series's fictional TV program Clash of the Cupcakes, in which Ansari's character is frustrated they will not remove their masks to taste the cupcakes.

World of Dance

The group appeared and competed on the first season of the 2017 reality program World of Dance. They were eliminated in the Duels, losing to Ian Eastwood and The Young Lions.

Halloween Horror Nights

The group has also appeared as part of Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights nighttime event in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.[19]

BOP on Broadway (Hip Hop Musical)

The group appears in the music video of rapper DaBaby's song "BOP" on his 2019 album Kirk. On December 7, 2019, they performed with DaBaby on Season 45, Episode 8 of Saturday Night Live, with DaBaby as musical guest and host Jennifer Lopez.

Awards

The first significant achievement of the Jabbawockeez was winning season 1 of America's Best Dance Crew in 2008. In the 2008 AXA (Asian Excellence Awards), the Jabbawockeez had been voted as the Favorite Reality TV Star, where they also performed with Kaba Modern on stage.[20] On August 5, 2012, they were the first dance crew to be awarded the Living Legend of Hip Hop Award from Hip Hop International.[21] They were also the recipients of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Set It Off Competition 2013, where the Jabbawockeez received the award via video and presented BabyWockee for her number.[22]

Members

Present members: Kevin "Kb" Brewer, Joe "Punkee" Larot, Jeff "Phi" Nguyen and Rynan "Kid Rainen" Baguio, Gavin Pecson, and Kris "Juju" Mangonon [23]

  • Jabbawockeez performance
  • Jabbawockeez in San Jose
  • Jabbawockeez
  • Members of Jabbawockeez

References
  1. Sagolla, Lisa Jo (August 5, 2011). "Dancing with the Jabbawockeez: Jeff 'Phi' Nguyen reveals what it's like to be part of a genuinely collaborative dance enterprise". Back Stage, National ed. 51 (31): 17.
  2. Kubicek, John (September 24, 2009). "America's Best Dance Crew: Season Finale Recap". Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
  3. Jabbawockeez (dancers) (July 28, 2008). Jabbawockeez on Pepsi Smash (Adobe Flash video). Yahoo! Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 23, 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  4. Jabbawockeez (February 25, 2009). "Denise Richards and Chyler Leigh". The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Season 6. Episode 112. Warner Brothers.
  5. Jabbawockeez (dancers) (July 15, 2008). Step Up 2: The Streets (DVD). Los Angeles: Touchstone Pictures.
  6. Vena, Jocelyn (May 7, 2009).New Kids On The Block Pumped For Tour With Jabbawockeez Archived August 23, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. MTV News. Retrieved August 11, 2009
  7. "MTVPress Official Press Site – MTVPress". MTVPress. Archived from the original on January 3, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  8. "POP, LOCK & DROP". kuyaonin.blogspot.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  9. J.E. Skeets. "Video: All-Star Shaq pops and locks with Jabbawockeez – Ball Don't Lie". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  10. Kearney, Scott (October 18, 2009). "Jabbawockeez". Gator Growl. Archived from the original on October 1, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  11. Meghan Carlson. "'The Bachelorette' 7 Episode 2 Photos: Dancing with the Jabbawockeez". BuddyTV.com. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  12. "Log In or Sign Up to View". facebook.com. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  13. Phillips, Jevon (May 19, 2010). "'The Jabbawockeez present MUS.I.C.': Opening the doors to dance... in Las Vegas? (UPDATED)". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 24, 2010. Retrieved June 24, 2010.
  14. JabbaWockeeZ (July 30, 2010). "Jabbawockeez dances to a string of successes on The Strip". VegasDeluxe.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  15. Lane, Richard (May 17, 2013). "Look Inside The World Of Jabbawockeez's PRiSM". VegasChatter.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  16. "Jabbawockeez debut new show 'JREAMZ' at MGM Grand on Las Vegas Strip". axs.com. Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  17. "Jabbawockeez Freestyles – Move for the MOVEment #CokeREDMoves – World of Dance". worldofdance.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  18. "On Air with Ryan Seacrest & More from the Live Radio Show". On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  19. "The Jabbawockeez Dance Their Way to Halloween Horror Nights – Dread Central". dreadcentral.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  20. Lisa Leong (May 2, 2008). "Highlights from the Asian Excellence Awards Show". Archived from the original on April 27, 2010. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  21. hhiadmin (July 6, 2012). "JabbaWockeeZ to Receive Living Legend of Hip Hop Ward at 2012 Hip Hop International Competition in Las Vegas". Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  22. "JabbaWockeeZ Present BabyWockee at Set It Off 2013". stepxstepdance.com. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  23. Carter, Brooke (March 15, 2017), What Happened to JabbaWockeeZ – Now in 2018 Update, archived from the original on January 14, 2018, retrieved January 13, 2018
Preceded by
Inaugural		 America's Best Dance Crew Champions
Jabbawockeez		 Succeeded by
Super Cr3w
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