‘The original Hip-Hop block party for da people’

Blackpool’s hip-hop scene enjoyed ‘Critical Breakdown’, an all day free event, held in Blackpool recently, with DJs, Rappers, Break-dancers and Graffiti artists performing throughout the day.

Central Drive recreation ground was the venue for the party presented by special guest star London DJ/Producer Nutty P. BSafe Blackpool, which work closely with the local community to address anti-social behaviour and find tailor-made solutions to specific problems, helped developed the event.

Throughout the day there were live DJ sets including Manchester Unity Radio’s Damo B and Just Juice. Blackpool’s female DJ Mo-Unique will also do a set. Live music was provided from some of the North West’s up and coming rappers such as Pyro and Young Kof from URBEATZ in Liverpool who are currently enjoying heavy popularity on BBC1 extra.

Blackpool’s dance team, FY Westcoast, put on choreographed dance routines and a number of highly skilled break-dancers from Manchester are visual entertainment to accompany the beats. 

Critical Breakdown took the 4 elements of hip-hop (Mc’ing, Dj’ing, Break-dancing and Graffiti Art) back to its 1970’s NYC roots where it provided a means for young people to express themselves.  The performances entertained the public and educate people about what real Hip-hop is, dispelling unjustified fears about the scene.

Artists developed graffiti artwork throughout the day. It’s part of a scheme being run in conjunction with BSafe Blackpool to tackle graffiti and promote it as an art form in a controlled environment. 

“Unauthorised Graffiti is a form of criminal damage, which is not only unsightly but also costs thousands of pounds to remove,” says Paul Walker, Executive Director of Culture and Communities.   “Following the Critical Breakdown event, hopefully more areas around Blackpool will be set-aside to provide the artists with areas to showcase their work legally. Developing a true Hip-hop culture provides a chance for today’s youth to express themselves in a creative way which they can relate to”.

“I welcome the introduction of events such as these as an opportunity to engage with young people and focus their talents in a positive way. The Neighbourhood Policing Team for the Reassurance Plus area will be attending the event and are looking forward to seeing the young people enjoying themselves,“ says Inspector Louise Leyland, Blackpool South.

“Through our regular PACT meetings the community often raise concerns that there is very little for young people to do in this area of Blackpool, this is an opportunity to give something back to the community in the Central Drive Area. By staging this event we hope to educate young people about the impact graffiti can have on others but also educate adults that not all young people are anti-social or cause damage”

Hip-Hop is being increasingly used as a means of engaging youths, pushing their talents and as a way of building and regeneratingcommunities.   Any graffiti areas that are chosen in the future will be monitored and all events organised.  Part of the scheme also ensures that any other type of graffiti/art work in other areas will not be tolerated and offenders will be prosecuted

Hopefully this will be the beginning of bigger and better things for Blackpool’s Hip-hop scene.