Video game giant
PlayStation is expanding its relationship with hip-hop culture with the release
of B-Boy, a new video game influenced by the company’s sponsorship
of the annual UK B-Boy Championships.The
game, developed by FreeStyleGames in collaboration with Rock Steady Crew member
Crazy Legs and DJ H####, will also feature scenes from the championships as players
build crews to battle real-life superstar B-Boys and event host Crazy Legs in
"B-Boy Life" mode. The
idea for B-Boy sprung from years of discussion among those at PlayStation,
who has sponsored the Championships over the last 11 years."Over
the many years of sponsorship, we have talked about taking the inspiration from
the championships to create a B-Boy game. Now it’s here, we are all excited. This
games comes with all the authenticity of B-Boy culture, featuring the top B-Boys
from the around the world, and the dynamic game play we always dreamed of,"
said Carl Christopher of PlayStation.The
first UK B-Boy Championships were held in 1996, as a small underground hip-hop
event at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire. The
goal of the original event, which featured Crazy Legs and performances from London
Posse and Schoolly D, was to put a much needed spotlight on the effect and reach
of B-Boy culture by showing the art of battle between B-Boy crews.The
also attracted national qualifiers in Japan, Korea, USA & Europe.This
year’s event, hosted by Crazy Legs and Afrika Islam of the Universal Zulu Nation,
will feature performances from Big Daddy Kane as well as popping, locking and
beatbox battles.The
B-Boy game is slated to be released this month on PlayStation Portable (PSP) and
PlayStation 2. The
UK B-Boy Championships will be Oct. 7 and 8 at Carling Academy, Brixton and London’s
Brixton Academy.