The ‘Crazy, Inspiring’ Life of Richard “Crazy Legs” Colon

Crazy Legs has been mad busy this last year! Scratch that–Crazy Legs has been busy his whole life and its been for the greater good of humanity and for Hip Hop culture as a true pioneer. This year was a celebratory as well as honorary year for Crazy Legs and his crew, Rock Steady Crew. RSC celebrated 35 years as a crew, family, and pioneers in the Hip Hop culture puzzle! On top of the RSC 35th Anniversary celebration, Crazy Legs was part of a documentary project called, “Bouncing Cats,” which tells ‘the inspiring story of one man’s attempt to create a better life for the children of Uganda using the unlikely tool of hip-hop with a focus on b-boy culture and breakdance.’ With all this selfless work Legs has been putting into the culture and the greater good of humanity, the press was bound to cover someone so amazing! Well it happened, RSC 35th Anniversary was covered by CNN as well as a follow up story on Crazy Legs and the documentary Bouncing Cats.

“To call Richard “Crazy Legs” Colòn a mere pioneer is a massive understatement. It is nearly impossible to have a conversation about b-boying without giving mention to the legendary Crazy Legs. Not only is he a veteran of hip-hop as a culture, boasting more than 3 decades as the driving force behind the hip-hop dance movement, but he’s also an outstanding citizen and role model. He’s lent his time, experience, and influence to aiding and encouraging the positive advancement of the hip-hop culture. From age 10 until now, he literally has not skipped a beat… (Excerpt from Bouncing Cats website).

“Crazy Legs started b-boying in 1977 when he picked up moves from his cousin Leonard Nunez and other local b-boys in the Bronx. At the age of 12 he battled his way into the seminal New York b-boy crew the Rock Steady Crew. Legs quickly gained notoriety as a dancer and in 1981 the Village Voice credited him with the creation of the classic b-boy move called the continuous backspin or “windmill”. That same year he was also written up in National Geographic, The New York Times, and New York Daily News. By 1982, the dance took Crazy Legs and the Rock Steady Crew to Paris and London and in 1983 the crew performed for the Queen of England. Amazingly, this was just the beginning.

Crazy Legs took the dance from the floor to film, making appearances in Flashdance, Beat Street, Wild Style, Style Wars, and The Freshest Kids (which he co-produced). He’s choreographed music videos for Wyclef Jean (which was nominated for an MTV Award for Best Choreography) and multi-platinum artist Moby. Aside from infiltrating the entertainment industry, Crazy Legs has appeared in commercials and print ads for major corporations including Coke, Sprite, Verizon Wireless, Sean Jean, Avirex, and Nike. He even signed a deal with Fila Sportswear, making him the first b-boy to get a sneaker company to honor a group like the Rock Steady Crew with it’s own sneaker. (cont.)

“It’s far from “all business” for Legs. Being a true hip-hop pioneer, he’s never forgotten where his roots are truly at. “I enjoy teaching more than anything. I enjoy working with kids and giving back to the community. So expect me to never turn my back on the hood.” He backs this point by volunteering his time and reputable name to teaching the art of b-boying and preserving the power and integrity of the movement he helped start and keep it growing for generations to come. His efforts have been recognized and honored, giving him an impressive resume of awards for professional and charitable work, including a place in the Hip Hop Hall of fame. In 2003 alone, he was presented with the Source Youth Foundation Image Award, received the AARTS Award from the Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund, and honored as the National Godfather of the Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade. Legs was still steady hitting his stride in 2004, being honored at the first Annual VH1 Hip Hip Honors and signing an endorsement deal with Red Bull Energy Drink.

From having an official “Rock Steady Crew Day” in both New York City and Las Vegas to worldwide respect and recognition, the fame hasn’t gone to his head. His focus remains on the importance of youth, community, and preservation of hip-hop as a vehicle for expression and change. Why dedicate his life to a cause like hip-hop? “Love of music, reputation, and tradition. Gotta keep every aspect of hip-hop that is positive alive and pass it on so that it can be used as a tool by others to advance in life and express themselves when they have no other outlet.”

What an emotional day for someone like ‘Legs’ who has not only devoted his life to spreading the positivity of the culture but competing in his last battle at RSC 35th Anniversary. I can tell the eyes were not dry from everyone at the event and all the emotions of 35+ years giving everything to the culture.

For our culture, and honestly for the world in general, ‘Legs’ will go down as a not only a pionner but an crucial individual in helping kids, youth, and adults become better people. Through art, dance, music, and more, ‘Legs’ will continue to serve those around the world with a desire to be better. We honor and appreciate what ‘Legs’ has done and will always support him, RSC, and those involved in improving the lives of many!