Interview with Hyun Yoo (B-Boy Born)

Background

• Full name: Hyun Yoo, also known as B-boy Born or BoneWarner b-born.
• Originally from Seoul, Korea; currently living in Georgia City, USA.
• Known for being a legendary B-boy, artist, and multi-talented individual.

B-Boy Journey

• Started breaking in 1999, initially without a B-boy name.
• First B-boy name: "Natural Born Dancer," inspired by the movie "Natural Born Killers."
• Joined Rivers Crew in 2004 and got a new name "Born," which later on evolved from "Newborn."
• Influenced by the graffiti seen in K-pop album covers in 1997.

Artistic Development

• Early exposure to graffiti, starting in 1997.
• Embraced a diverse range of hip-hop culture elements, including DJing, graffiti, tattoo artistry, and music production.
• Consistent practice as a means to improve and understand art better.
• Views all forms of art as interconnected and a part of one's lifestyle.

Philosophy on Art and Lifestyle

• Art is seen as everything around us; it's about using one's mind and working hard to master it.
• Stresses the importance of passion and lifestyle over financial gains.
• Believes that true success and money follow naturally if one is dedicated to their passion.

Career and Achievements

• Traveled and battled globally as a B-boy during the early 2000s to 2010.
• Known for maintaining traditional B-boy style focusing more on foundation and musicality.
• First crew: NJP Crew; heavily influenced by B-boy Go-Guma, a mentor teaching foundation techniques.

Family Influence

• Comes from a family of artists on his mother's side, including pianists and painters.
• Family has continuously supported his artistic endeavors.

Life in the USA

• Moved to the States and immersed himself in the hip-hop culture prevalent in New York.
• Had the opportunity to meet pioneers like Ken Swift.

Perspective on Modern Breakdancing

• Recognizes the shift towards more structured and professional segments like the Olympics.
• Emphasizes the importance of maintaining the cultural essence of hip-hop within breaking.

Teaching and Impact

• Teaches breaking with an emphasis on finding one's style through foundational techniques.
• Encourages students to express themselves while understanding the fundamentals.

Personal Growth and Future

• Continues to grow and explore different art forms, including potential interests in carpentry.
• Strives to maintain balance in his lifestyle while seeking new creative challenges.

Reflection

• Reflects on his journey from Korea to international recognition.
• Values the relationships and friendships formed through his career.
• Serves as an inspiration to many in the hip-hop community for his dedication and multifaceted talents.