Martha Cooper

Feet fluttering with precision, Martha Cooper captures Marc "Mr. Freeze" Lemberger amidst a solo performance. Mr. Freeze is accompanied on stage by fellow Rock Steady Crew members: Kippy Dee, Take One, Ty Fly, and Ken Swift (left to right). Standing at the edge of the cypher, the other breakers await their chance to take centerstage or rest a moment to catch their breath. Each of the B-boys pictured are pioneers of the culture and went on to become international icons, respectively all of them are considered key figures in breaking history.

Taken at the Graffiti Rock rehearsal at Common Grounds in SoHo, this event was the first of its kind as it brought all the core elements of Hip Hop together. The co-organizer of this showcase was Henry Chalfant, who believed in the validity of Hip Hop culture and worked to expand its audience past the borders of New York City. Chalfant’s introduction to Hip Hop came through graffiti as he was deeply enamored with how the youth used art to define their individuality, undeterred by their socioeconomic status. Chalfant spend years surveying graffiti culture as a photographer and built rapport with many notable writers, in some cases he became their primary documentarian. A small display of Chalfant’s close relationship with writers can be seen on the stage backdrop made by Julius “T Kid” Cavero, who placed “Henry” towards the lower right side of the piece as homage. Chalfant was also a major collaborator with Martha Cooper, and together they used their documentation skills to produce Subway Art; a comprehensive book that captured the early formations of graffiti and is regarded as the “bible” by writers to this day.

Henry Chalfant was instrumental in organizing the first breaking battles made with public speculation in mind. Chalfant’s interest came at the perfect time as the Rock Steady Crew’s manger Ruza Blue, AKA Kool Lady Blue, was in the process of helping them become the first breakers to be hired as performers. Following the success of Graffiti Rock, later that year in 1981, Henry Chalfant organized a battle between the Dynamic Rockers and the Rock Steady Crew dubbed “Battle of Boroughs.” Held at Lincoln Center and unbeknownst to those in attendance, this clash of rivals became one of the most significant events in breaking history. Over four decades later, breaking has become the global phenomenon that Henry hoped it would be as the sport will makes its Olympic debut in the Paris 2024 Olympics.