The Massive Monkees' Path to a World Breakdancing Championship, Now on Film

If your knowledge of the Seattle hip-hop scene goes no deeper than Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” or Sir Mix A Lot’s “Posse on Broadway,” you could be forgiven. Hip-hop might be the most underground scene in a city famous for underground music. But it’s a scene that deserves more attention. In a genre famous for glamorizing drugs and misogyny, Seattle’s hip-hop culture has always been notable for social consciousness and hometown pride.

There has never been a better time to get familiar Seattle’s hip-hop history than now. The newest installment in the Seattle Channel’s Emmy Award-winning series Community Stories, Massive Monkees: The Beacon premiered at MOHAI on Thursday, March 3. The 30-minute documentary (which is available on the Seattle Channel Cable 21), shows the Massive Monkees’ path from the after-school programs of the Jefferson Community Center to international fame as a world-champion breakdance crew.

Now adults, the original Massive Monkees have become community leaders, including, several years ago, opening The Beacon, a dance studio in Seattle’s International District. The Beacon is an inclusive community offering a free after-school program, dance and music classes for all ages, and community events.

The documentary, produced by Shannon Gee, is a balanced blend of heartfelt interviews, high-energy performance videos and kids’ dance classes. The Beacon’s Mini Breaks class for toddlers and preschoolers (held Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Beacon) is unique in the world, and unsurprisingly, the documentary proves nothing is cuter than a preschool break battle. It’s a testament to the quality of the Mini Breaks program that the toddlers are not only cute, they are recognizably breaking.

In interviews, founding members of the Massive Monkees talk about the positive influence hip-hop culture has had on their lives, and speak passionately about hip-hop’s ability to unlock the potential in youth. Younger members talk about the impact of being a student at The Beacon or participating in one of its school outreach programs today. Note: The documentary is appropriate for all ages, though you might lose younger kids in the interviews (luckily, there are many compelling dance sequences).

Exploring hip-hop at MOHAI

It’s fitting that the documentary premiered at MOHAI, which is hosting The Legacy of Seattle Hip-Hop exhibit through May 1. This interactive exhibit, curated by Seattle arts promoter Jazmyn Scott and music educator Aaron Walker-Loud, explores many facets of hip-hop culture in Seattle: graffiti, deejaying, break dancing and the music itself. Much of the exhibit space is dedicated to forgotten and overlooked artists of the early and mid-90s when most eyes were still trained on the dying grunge movement. The Legacy of Seattle Hip-hop explores the connections between Seattle’s scene and the wider world of hip-hop as well as the characteristics that make Seattle’s artists unique.

Placards explain basic concepts to the uninitiated (what is the difference between a DJ and an MC?) while the interactive elements give visitors a chance to try their hand at producing. The exhibit is filled with show posters and memorabilia from local artists. From experimentalists Shabazz Palaces to the Moor Gang’s queen, Gifted Gab, there’s something for everyone. Even if everything else is unfamiliar, you’ll get a spark of recognition from Macklemore’s scooter in the “Thrift Shop” video. Be sure to grab a free copy of the Fantagraphics comic book Hip-Hop Family Tree before you leave.