Crazy Legs

 

Crazy Legs (born Richard Colon on January 1, 1966) is a breakdancer and graffiti artist.  As one of the original members of the Rock Steady Crew and its current president, Crazy Legs grew up poor in the projects of the Bronx, NYC.  He saw tremendous levels of gang activity that many of his fellow Puerto Ricans were choosing.  Opting to make something of himself, rather than getting sucked into gang life, he turned to what was then a very new phenomenon, “breakdancing” or “uprocking”.   In the 30 years that has ensued Crazy Legs has become the dominant face of the breakdance element of Hip Hop culture to the world.He has been featured in films like Flashdance and Beat Street,  he has produced films like “the Freshest Kids” .  He has appeared in commericals and print ads with major companies like Coke and Verizon, this demonstrated the intial signs of the economic power of Hip Hop.   

He has been honored by VH1 during its ”Hip Hop Honors” segments, he was one of the original inductees to the Hip Hop Hall of Fame. 

If you ask him though, what’s been most important to him is the contributions he has made to community and the rewards he has received for doing so.   He has been noted by the Source Youth Foundation and the AARTS Bay Shore Schools Arts Foundation.  He has also been honored as the Godfather for the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Jersey City, New Jersey. 

As president of Rock Steady Crew, Crazy Legs hosts and organizes the annual Rock Steady Anniversary, a community event that honors deceased members of the crew and celebrates hip-hop culture both past and present. These anniversary parties unite DJs, breakdancers, MCs, graffiti artists, and thousands of hip hop supporters from all around the world. Under his leadership the group also holds an annual Celebrity Basketball Tournament during the yearly Anniversary Celebrations that raise money for the Greenwich Village Youth Council in

New York. In 2003, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaimed July 26 to be “Rock Steady Crew Day” in

New York City during their 26th Anniversary Celebration at Pier 54.

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Posted in September 2007