August 14, 2008

More ABDC Music

Written by: John

In my previous ABDC Music post, it looks like I missed a few other music items from that episode of ABDC. Here it is now:

Like the “Dance Craze Challenge” from Season 1, crews were given a physical challenge to complete during their routine.
Dance Crew Dance Physical Challenge
Super Cr3w The Humpty Dance Perform the move with only 4 feet on the floor
SoReal Cru Kid N’ Play Create a chain reaction during the routine
Fanny Pak Vanilla Ice Perform the move horizontally

Challenge #2: Dance Movie Challenge

Crews must create a routine that incorporates elements of an 80s dance movie. Similar to the “Broadway Challenge” from Season 1, crews were given remixed versions of the songs from their respective movies:
SoReal Cru danced to the song Electro Beats from the movie Breakin’
DJ Godfather - For the Freaks - Electro Beats
Super Cr3w danced to the song Footloose from the movie Footloose
Kenny Loggins - Footloose (15th Anniversary Collectors' Edition) - Footloose
Fanny Pak danced to the song Maniac from the movie Flashdance
Sugar Beats - Sugar Beats Greatest Dance Hits - Maniac

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

August 8, 2008

America’s Best Dance Crew: Judges and fan voters in heated battle!

Written by: Rocky

Round 1: July 24th
The judges of America’s Best Dance Crew found themselves facing two crews that they felt were the best on the show. It was announced, B-boys Super Cr3w and Supreme Soul were dancing for their lives. The angry judges lashed out in frustration at the voters, strongly suggesting that America start voting right. Their eyes added an ‘or else’ feel to the message. After deliberations, Supreme Soul was sent home but not forgotten.

Round 2: July 31st
The judges had their chance for payback when Boogie Bot fans could not keep them out of eliminations. Earlier in the season, Lil Mama told Supreme Soul they needed to go harder, really stab the heart of the chicken. The judges united to do just that. Boogie Bots were verbally abused before being dismissed without any positive feedback. It was the first time in the history of the show that an eliminated crew was not given some love to soften the blow.

Voters were not amused.

Round 3: August 7
Voters united, voting relentlessly for SoReal Cru to force judges to once again face sending home one of their favorites. SoReal Cru became the biggest vote getter and was guaranteed a spot in the final battle. You could see that the judges were frustrated, as they had to choose between Super Crew and Fanny Pak. Earlier in the night, Shane said he felt that Fanny Pak was going to win this season. I’m sure it hurt for him to have to tell them that it was time to go home.

So what now?

Is the fighting over or just beginning?

Can the show producers trust America to vote right without manipulation?

Will the judges be sent to professional judging school so they can make sense?

Can the voting system be changed so that one person can only cast one vote? Will it?

Can, and more importantly, will America learn to vote right?

Finally, what is the definition of a right vote in a popularity contest?

I can’t believe how fast this season went by! Only one week left. I hope America voted my way right – Go Super Cr3w!!

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

August 6, 2008

ABDC Music: Groove Step Challenge

Written by: John

Fanny Pak danced to the following songs:
Word Up by Cameo
Cameo - Word Up! - Word Up!
Word Up – Original Music Video
Now that We’ve Found Love by Heavy D and the Boyz
Studio Group - Almost Hip Hop: Staying Alive - Now That We've Found Love - Sound-A-Like As Made Famous By: Heavy D. & the Boyz
Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice
Vanilla Ice - Platinum Underground (Clean Version) - Ice Ice Baby
Ice Ice Baby – Original Music Video
SoReal Cru danced to the following songs:
Bust a Move by Young MC
Young M.C. - Stone Cold Rhymin' - Bust a Move
Bust a Move – Original Music Video
Lean on Me by Club Nouveau
Club Nouveau - Life, Love & Pain - Lean On Me
Every Little Step by Bobby Brown
Bobby Brown - Don't Be Cruel - Every Little Step
Every Little Step – Original Music Video
Super Cr3w
Humpty Dance by Digital Underground
Digital Underground - Sex Packets - The Humpty Dance
New Jack Swing by Wreckx n Effects
New Jack Swing
Poison by Bel Biv Devoe
Bell Biv DeVoe - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Bel Biv DeVoe - Poison
Check out the previous ABDC music.

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

August 2, 2008

America’s Best Dance Crew: Gangster tactics used to teach voters a lesson!

Written by: Rocky

The elimination of the Boogie Bots this week was brutal and calculated. It was a message from the producers and judges to the voters showing what will happen if we do not vote the way they tell us too. They tore the Boogie Bots to shreds, showing no mercy. This was the first time of both seasons that a crew was eliminated without some positive comments to soften the blow. They were pretty much told they did not belong on the show, especially in the final four.

Most people knew the Bots would be going home this week, but how it was done was tactless and petty. If producers want to control the order that crews are eliminated in, they need to do away with public voting. Otherwise, they can suck it up like the rest of us and just deal with the results as they happen. We all have a favorite crew that leaves before we think they should. We get snarly about it, but we move on. That’s what the judges should have done this week.

The elimination segment pretty much overshadowed the other performances, and that’s a shame. I had to rewatch the show to remember the first two performances.

This week really defined each of the four remaining crews.

Super Cr3w gave us the wow.

SoReal Cru gave us the groove.

Fanny Pak gave us the cool.

Boogie Bots gave us the smooth.

The Boogie Bots lacked real energy in their performance and were sent home.

Super Cr3w and Fanny Pak were amazing from beginning to end.

SoReal Cru was great but not up to par with the other two performances this week. That worries me for the upcoming elimination round. Lil Mama and J.C. have not been overly supportive of SoReal, especially in comparison to Fanny Pak. On top that, this coming weeks music challenge will be 80’s themed, which means Fanny Pak will be in their element. Are we looking at a showdown between Super Cr3w and Fanny Pak?

I am still hoping for a Super Cr3w ending!

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

July 31, 2008

ABDC Music Week 7 Missy Elliott Shake Ya Pom Pom Challenge

Written by: John

Missy Elliott and choreographer Hi Hat helped the various crews learn some Missy Elliott music and dance moves on this episode of America’s Best Dance crew. Below you’ll find all the Missy Elliott music that they used for the show. You can also check out all the ABDC music from previous shows. Enjoy!

SoReal Cru danced to the Missy Elliott song One Minute Man
United Ladies of Hip-Hop & R&B - A Tribute to Missy Elliott - One Minute Man
One Minute Man – Original Music Video
Super Cr3w danced to the Missy Elliott song We Run This
Missy Elliott - The Cookbook - We Run This
Boogie Bots danced to the Missy Elliott song Work It
Missy Elliott - Under Construction - Work It
Fanny Pak danced to the Missy Elliott song Get Ur Freak On
Missy Elliott - Miss E...So Addictive - Get Ur Freak On

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

July 25, 2008

America’s Best Dance Crew: Lil Mama voted off the show!

Written by: Rocky

Ok, that was actually just a dream I had, but it’s what everyone has been demanding since last season. I’m personally offended at her lack of professional tact last night. I mean, I understand being upset that your favorite is in the bottom two but to insult another dance crew that you still have to judge is uncalled for. But thanks to her rude comment, the Boogie Bots will just get more sympathy votes. They might even win. Way to go, Lil Mama.

The jist of what Lil Mama said:
“America, are y’all serious!?!” “I do not get excited when I see the Boogie Bots!” “What are y’all doing? This is supposed to be the final show.”

So, did America’s Best Dance Crew just end the season early?

The tension in the air was thick with anticipation as Super Cr3w and Supreme Soul took to the stage to dance for their lives. The crews faced off, pulling out all the stops. They wowed us with creativity, mind blowing stunts, and lots of personality. Everything you’d expect the season finale to showcase. Only it wasn’t the finale.

So now what?

Supreme Soul has never been in my top three favorites this season, but I recognized their talent and expected them to battle all the way to the end. I’d like to point out that Supreme Soul has never had the voters behind them. They have been in or near the bottom two all season. Tonight was nothing new.

Super Cr3w is and has always been my choice for America’s BEST dance crew of season two. They always get my votes.

SoReal Cru has always been my number two favorite dance crew. I happen to like their slow grooving style, even though others may not. I feel like they have the perfect blend of dancing, creativity and sexiness. Apparently other voters agree because this crew has never been in the bottom two.

I love Fanny Paks quirkiness and enjoy having them on the show, for an entertaining twist. But I do not see them being successful beyond this show without some major changes. I was fine with them leaving this week or next.

Same with the Boogie Bots. I can’t really tell you why I loved them from the very first show. Something about them just makes me want to root for them. They have a fun style but without the wow factor of Super Cr3w and the sexiness of SoReal Cru. Deep down, I know they’re not the best dance Crew on the show. But I think they’re still a young crew and have the potential to be much more than they are now. To all the haters out there; I do not apologize for liking the Boogie Bots nor do I apologize for not voting for Supreme Soul. It’s my choice!

The voting:

Maybe we need a specific criterion for what MTV’s ‘best’ dance crew should mean. You don’t have to be the best technical dancer(s) to be entertaining. In fact, I’ve noticed that technique by itself can be somewhat boring. The audience has to relate to the dancers or the dance to be entertained. Ultimately, I think it’s a personal preference and that makes competitions open for public voting, complicated. Both for the competitors AND the viewers. We’re all using a different scale to judge and it can become difficult for everyone to get on the same page. This means few people are truly happy with the final outcome.

One change that would help with this is to only allow one vote per phone number or email address. That way a small group can’t become the majority through volume voting.

Ok, so back to the show:

The challenge this week was the worst of both seasons. I vote that the person coming up with challenge ideas this season should be sent home. As Shane would say, these challenges have been whack! What do band/sporting props have to do with hip hop dancing? Nothing! This season has been way too gimmicky for a dance style that is supposed to be street.

What a disappointing show.

Review:
Fanny Pak – Met the challenge. Chaotic mess, didn’t like it.
SoReal Cru – Met the challenge. Liked it, didn’t love it.
Boogie Bots – Same as the above

BOTTOM TWO: Best performances of the night

I will admit that I’m disappointed that the finale happened before it’s time. I’d like to wish Supreme Soul the best of luck. I know that being so competitive, the timing of this elimination must have been a real disappointment. Keep your heads up and learn from this experience. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again.

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

July 21, 2008

America’s Best Dance Crew: I kissed a girl and I liked it

Written by: Rocky

Apparently, girls kissing girls, is the current trend in entertainment. Kerry Perry performed her chart topping pop single ‘I kissed a girl’ Katy Perry - One of the Boys - I Kissed a Girl on ‘So You Think You Can Dance‘ last Thursday night. This week, America’s Best Dance Crew had two crews with a similar theme.

First, the challenge this week had the remaining six dance crews doing justice to pop icon, Janet Jackson.

Fanny Pak had a great routine this week, capturing the essence of Janet Jackson while maintaining their signature funky/80’s/Jazz feel. They also introduced the unexpected by having dancers Tiffani Grant and Cara Horibe lock lips for a few seconds early into their routine. The whole routine was clever and very sexy! Matt Cady, choreographer for Fanny Pak, has been doing a great job taking challenges outside their comfort zone and nailing it.

Those of you who also watch SYTYCD might find this interesting. Shane Sparks has been complaining that the guys of Fanny Pak are not dancing ‘manly’ enough. Seems Nigel is not the only judge who has a problem with effeminate male dancers.

I said last week that I thought Supreme Soul would continue to go big for the rest of the competition. Surprisingly, they were good but not great in comparison to some of the other crews. They added more choreography to their routine but the judges felt they didn’t get nasty enough. Without a female member, I’m wondering just how nasty a group of guys can get without looking like hip hop Chippendales. But then again….

SoReal Cru danced to Janet Jackson’s ‘I Get Lonely’ and it was SEXY! Shane said it was the best performance of the night, even using the word fabulous to describe them. Yes, he actually said ‘fabulous’ out loud. I mentioned earlier the girl on girl theme; this routine ends with dancer Jackie Lautchang rejecting the guys who were feeling her up for fellow female dancer Ailyn Isidro. Hot!

Boogie Bots were smooth and playful, that’s what I love most about them. They had a part called ‘evolution’ that Shane felt was the sickest move ever done on the show. I thought it was pretty cool. J.C. is still complaining that he thinks the Bots are weak in areas outside their robotic comfort zone. But what does he know; he was in a pop boy band.

Big surprise of the night, Super Cr3w was in the bottom two with A.S.I.I.D! Really? Are the voters serious!?!

No worries, Super Cr3w was amazing…again! They gave us a lot of moves by Janet Jackson while maintaining their b-boy style. Including a series of moves by member Ronnie Abaldonado that Shane says only 4 people in the hip hop world are known to be able to do. Loved it!

A.S.I.I.D gave a great performance, capturing a lot of memorable Janet Jackson moves. Unfortunately, they were up against a crew that has been in the top two all season. Someone had to go home.

A.S.I.I.D was eliminated. To the people disappointed that their favorite crew is now gone, I feel you. I’m going to miss every eliminated group from this point on.

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

Music from America’s Best Dance Crew – Janet Jackson Challenge

Written by: John

America’s Best Dance Crew threw out a bunch of Janet Jackson music this week. Does this mean that below you’ll find the best Janet Jackson dance music? If you don’t like Janet Jackson music, then check out all the previous music from America’s Best Dance Crew.

Fanny Pak danced to the Janet Jackson song “All Nite”
Janet Jackson - Damita Jo - All Nite (Don't Stop)
Supreme Soul danced to the Janet Jackson song “Nasty”
Janet Jackson - Control - Nasty
Boogie Bots danced to the Janet Jackson song “Control”
Janet Jackson - Control - Control
SoReal Cru danced to the Janet Jackson song “I Get Lonely”
Janet Jackson - The Velvet Rope - I Get Lonely
Super Cr3w danced to the Janet Jackson song “Black Cat”
Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814 - Black Cat
A.S.I.I.D. danced to the Janet Jackson song “If”
Janet Jackson - Janet. - If

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

July 11, 2008

Music from America’s Best Dance Crew – July 10, 2008 – Speed Up Challenge

Written by: John

I think it’s always made since to list all the music from ABDC since the show is on MTV after all. In a new twist I tried to list the original music video for each of the ABDC songs.

If you’re not interested in the music, you can read Rocky’s full recap of the ABDC Speed Up Challenge.

Boogie Bots danced to the song “Lollipop” by Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne - Now That's What I Call Music, Vol. 28 - Lollipop – Song
Lollipop (Edited Long Version) – Edited long version music video
Super Cr3w danced to the song “Creator” by Santogold
Santogold - Creator / L.E.S. Artistes - Single - Creator – Song
A.S.I.I.D. danced to the song “Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall ft. Akon
Kardinal Offishall - Dangerous (feat. Akon) - Single - Dangerous – Song
Dangerous – Original music video
SoReal Cru danced to the song “With You” by Chris Brown
Chris Brown - Exclusive (The Forever Edition) - With You – Song
With You – Original music video
Fanny Pak danced to the song “Touch My Body” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey - E=MC² - Touch My Body – Song
Touch My Body – Original music video
Supreme Soul danced to the song “Party Like a Rockstar” by Shop Boyz
Shop Boyz - Party Like a Rockstar - Single - Party Like a Rock Star – Song
Party Like a Rock Star – Original music video
Phresh Select danced to the song “Shawty Is a 10” by The-Dream
The New Hip Hop All Starz - Hip Hop Instrumental Beats - Shawty Is a 10 (Made Famous By the Dream) – Song
Shawty Is a 10 – Original Music Video

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)

July 10, 2008

America’s Best Dance Crew: Sexy Not Trashy!

Written by: Rocky

Fan-ny Pak, Fan-ny Pak! I was chanting right along with the audience. My favorite performance of the night. I have a confession to make, Fanny Pak was on my list of crews to be eliminated early in this competition. During the auditions I thought Fanny Pak was a joke, during the top twenty show I was surprised when they made it through to the top 10. Fanny Pak, really?!? But after the first show I saw creative potential and they’ve grown on me ever since!

My favorite three crews, Super Cr3w, SoReal and Boogie Bots are still my favorites, but tonight were a little disappointing. Both Boogie Bots and Super Cr3w were just okay. Thankfully, SoReal were good… again!

Which brings me to A.S.I.I.D, how did they manage to get more votes this week than SoReal? Every week SoReal is a fan favorite, both with the live audience and those posting on message boards. Last week their routine was definitely one of the top four.

A.S.I.I.D. has always seemed a bit sloppy to me, as Lil Mama pointed out about their performance last week. I think right now they’re getting sympathy votes for having a hearing impaired person on the team. I know it’s not PC to say it but that’s how I feel. They made it into the top three crews this week over two more popular crews. One crew that was awesome last week. Of course, I’m basing my opinion of popularity on what I read online and hear from real life people. Maybe their fan base just puts their efforts into voting rather than talking and posting. Not a bad thing. It didn’t help my opinion of the situation when the show made sure we knew that it was the loss of a hearing aid that threw them off and not just sloppy dancing. Milk the sympathy votes some more! Of course, I have to be fair; they milked sympathy votes for my Boogie Bots, too. Yeah, so I’ll be quiet now.

Phresh Select and Supreme Soul landed in the bottom. Many people were predicting that Phresh Select would go this week, as was I. So that was not a surprise. But Supreme Soul, that threw me. I think they are the sleeper crew and will be in the final battle. I’ve seen some of their performances before this show and they are definitely not showing their full potential. Actually, if the bottom two were not decided by public votes, I would say this was planned. My prediction: Expect Supreme Soul to continue to shine strong for the rest of the show.

Overall, it was just an okay show, but I still love it!

This week Phresh Select heads home.

Tags:

Post a comment (View Comments)