The Definition
Local Houstonian represents the true meaning of Hip Hop

written by Rocko

B-Boy Craig

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a brisk cool winter day. In the background you hear the vibrations of bass patterns coming from a boom box and the silhouette of a group gathered in a circle. As you get closer, you can only sneak a peek to see a piece of cardboard in the center of the shadows, which glows with a vibrant energy summoning the individuals to embrace the art of break dancing. As we finally open our eyes to see what stands in front of us, our heart is beating a familiar pattern and our blood flows to a distinguished path, and there in front of us stands an individual that deserves to stand on that golden cardboard and be recognized. He is known as BBC.

The picture painted earlier was the vivid description portrayed by native Houstonian, Anthony Craig Long when asked what he sees when he hears the word Hip Hop. “Hip Hop applies to everything in life, the way you talk, walk, eat, sleep…” says, BBC, Growing up as the youngest of 11 siblings, BBC grew up in a large family that played a role in his upbringing and down to earth personality. During the Summer of ’84, BBC and his friends discovered the art of break dancing and this is where he was first introduced to Hip Hop in its elemental form. He is what we would consider to be first generation Hip Hop. From the first tape of Run Dmc during his crews practices, to the B-Boy segment at Captian Jack’s Rainbow Skating Ring, BBC has been through the Houston evolution of Hip Hop from the get go. BBC then goes on with a nostalgic look in his eyes when describing the scene in the past and how it evolved. “The Magic Bus, Groove Shop, Reggae Hut…..”, BBC goes on and on listing the venues that have been involved in the movement. As his urban time line grew and a few hours passed, we went into his personal feelings about the current situation of Houston’s scene.

H-Town Scene

“Hip Hop is supposed to be love, unity, and fun. Right now its beef, non unity, and not fun” He goes on to inform us that it has changed dramatically with the implementation of materialistic nature. “Houston’s Hip Hop is like cold beef stew, all the ingredients are a mix. The fat (mainstream) is on top, and the good stuff (underground) is chilling in the bottom”He gives props to those that put Houston on the map for they brought attention to our city, he feels that right now it’s changing. “That beef stew is on simmer, it is slowly changing, as we bring in the heat.” As we can see clearly in the scene, Hip Hop is slowly being revived and BBC is an active participant of the movement primarily with his monthly show, The Bench.

The Bench is known as BBC’s baby, his creation that was influenced by his passions one weekend on the top of a parking garage. A friend of his was commending him for his passionate ideas and suggested he make it a reality. By the end of his weekend, BBC decided to do it. “My shows are soul cooking.” Says BBC referring to his monthly event called The Bench, now held at the The Proleteriat. The Bench is held every 1^st Saturday of every month. The Bench is working on its 3^rd year. The Bench consists of BBC as the host and Comp 1 on the tables. The Bench features local opening acts such as V-Zilla, Low Ends and Sound Proof and they bring in huge influences to town to perform. Such known acts are Boot Camp Click, People Under the Stairs, Del the Funky Homosapien and Rakim. BBC’s humility and respect brought him his venue and developed his “baby” at a steadfast rate.

As we can see, Anthony Craig “BBC” Long is a man of Hip-hop and will continue to live the culture. He is an inspiration with his shows and even owns a clothing company “3 Suns” with his boys Rex Del Ray and Article. BBC represents all of the elements of hip hop and will continue to deliver soul food with his coffee to the public daily. A man of Humility, Respect and Wisdom; ladies and gentlemen B-boy Craig is one of the most down to earth people you will ever meet. This can be summed up in his mission, “Whenever I’m lonely and in the mood, Hip Hop will never turn me down, cause it’s easy to turn her on.” Hip Hop is what you live, your life. Don’t worry Craig, your on your way to being “ almost famous”.