Want to see the show from the best seats in the house? Try becoming a SummerStage Member for a Day! Enjoy skip-the-line privileges, complimentary beverages, and air-conditioned restrooms.
Few records—if any—have had as much impact on music as the Ultimate Breaks and Beats compilation assembled by BreakBeat Lou and BreakBeat Lenny in 1986. By collecting what they called the “foundational” breakbeats – the very records DJs looped for breakdancers at the earliest hip-hop park jams and block parties, they created not only an essential tool for DJs, but also an accidental archive of hip-hop’s DNA. For this 40th anniversary celebration of the original compilation—of which only 25 volumes were released between 1986 and 1991— Breakbeat Lou is joined by members of the Bronx’s legendary Diggin’ in the Crates crew, Lord Finesse and Diamond D. As pioneers of a distinct New York sound, their work helped define the golden era of hip-hop production and lyricism that would soon resonate nationwide. Rounding out a line up filled with SummerStage alumni are Grand Puba and Sadat X of the acclaimed socially conscious rap group Brand Nubian; the iconic duo Nice & Smooth, best known for their single “Hip-Hop Junkies,” their feature on Big Daddy Kane’s “Pimpin Ain’t Easy,” and their unforgettable appearance on Gang Starr’s “DWYCK”; and Peter Gunz, whose collaboration with Lord Tariq, “Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)” became a late-90s anthem—sampling the unmistakable groove of Steely Dan. Completing the celebration is a set by DJ Boogie Blind, known for his affiliations with the legendary X‑ecutioners as well as the Diggin’ in the Crates collective. Together, these artists represent the culture, creativity, and crate-digging spirit that helped transform a DJ tool into one of hip-hop’s most influential musical documents.
Live graffiti will be done on site by James Top, Kingbee & Stem Ynn.
Pre show panel: Free with RSVP
Rock Steady
On the heels of Rock Steady For Life: Bringing Breakdancing to the World, SummerStage hosts a monumental book event celebrating the global legacy of the Rock Steady Crew. The evening centers
on an intimate panel diving deep into hip‐hop history, style, survival, and the untold stories behind Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón’s highly anticipated new book — a rare chance to experience the culture in conversation with the people who built it.
Richard “Crazylegs” Colón – Panelist
Founder and president of the legendary Rock Steady Crew and one of the world’s most influential B‐boys, Colón is often hailed as the “godfather of breakdancing.” He helped take breaking from the Bronx to stages, films, and tours across the globe, innovating moves and mentoring generations of dancers along the way. In Rock Steady For Life, he opens his personal archives to share five decades of culture — rare photos, untold stories, and a deeply human look at how hip‐hop shaped his life and crew.
Luis “Breakbeat Lou” Flores – Panelist
Editor and extender of Ultimate Breaks & Beats (UBB), the iconic 25‐volume vinyl compilation series released between 1986 and 1991 on Street Beat Records, created with Leonard “BreakBeat Lenny” Roberts. These records collected and lengthened classic drum breaks from late‐’60s and ’70s funk, soul, rock, and disco — becoming a foundational sample source for golden‐age hip‐hop producers and influencing countless artists from Public Enemy to DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, and beyond.
The Delgado’s Podcast – Moderator
A culture‐based platform dedicated to highlighting creators and artists whose work has made a significant impact in their fields. Known for organic, in‐depth interviews where storytelling, perspective, and lived experience are front and center, the host will guide a fireside‐style dialogue with Crazy Legs and guests — surfacing the personal, historical, and cultural layers behind Rock Steady For Life.
