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**Other Interests:** Video editing **Other Profession:** Filmmaker, video producer/editor **Motto/Credo:** Copy me! It’ll make me better! **Titles** - **2009 1st place** B-Boy France - **2010 1st place** Chelles Battle Pro 8 vs. 8 Vagabonds, France - **2010 1st place** International Block Party 5 vs. 5 Vagabonds, Perpignan - **2010 1st place** Massy Humanitarium Battle 5 vs. 5 Vagabonds, France **Profile** Vincent Omar Lafif aka B-Boy KEYZ from France is one of the members of famous French crew Vagabonds. He has a very special style with original footwork, setting him apart from other French B-Boys. KEYZ puts emphasis on the dance rather than the acrobatics and is known to be powerful, clean and smooth in his sets. His signature moves are variations of threads or “clés - keys” as the French B-Boys call it. It’s a move where you “thread” your limps through each other—for example, grab one foot with one hand and then throw the other leg through that loop. Or when you make “knots” into your legs while doing a move. KEYZ is a cheerful battle cat, often laughing and sometimes looking silly. But don’t’ be fooled! He is totally focused and will throw down his best moves with technical precision. KEYZ was born in France, but a big part of his family lives in Morocco, where he travels quite often. He considers himself as both French and Moroccan and feels that he is blessed that way because that’s what built his personality—to live in both worlds. KEYZ started breaking when he was only nine years old. His brother was an old-school breaker and KEYZ just started copying him. Next to his brother and his crew, he drew inspiration from Havikoro, a US crew, consisting of B-Boys, house and Hip Hop dancers, but also from Olympic Starz from Toulouse, Style Elements, Rock Steady Crew and B-Boy Benji from France. In the beginning, Vincent’s parents weren’t too happy about the career choices of their sons. They were worried about their future—KEYZ as a B-Boy and one of his two brothers as a DJ, music producer and martial arts fighter. Very often KEYZ heard, “You should have a real job son!” After realizing that their kids needed to be creative artists to live a full and happy life, they started supporting their three sons in all their decisions and today are very proud of them. KEYZ chose his B-Boy name because “to find the key means to find the solution.” Finding the key to win was what he strived for and he is sure to have found the solution. KEYZ lives the B-Boy life. He battles, teaches workshops and performs in shows, for example “Image in Nations” with Olympic Starz Toulouse, “Alien” with Vagabond Crew and “Braqueurs” (Thiefs) with Original South Kingz. But he also has another passion. He loves to produce videos and so he founded a communications agency called 372 pixels with six of his friends from Toulouse. They produce Hip Hop video clips and work on advertising campaigns for companies like Moët & Chandon, “Le Palais” club in Cannes, “The White Beach Party” in Saint Tropez, Ed Hardy and others. KEYZ loves Hip Hop and says that he’s obsessed with all elements of the culture. He’s curious about rapping, singing, painting, DJing and is looking forward to explore these elements more in the future. “I’m always doing something that is connected to Hip Hop. Even when I’m ill and have to stay at home—I can still dance, check out videos or make graffiti sketches.” KEYZ travels to Japan with high expectations. He’s looking forward to going to Asia again because he really appreciates the attitude towards B-Boys there. B-Boys are considered artists there, like dancers from more classical art forms, whereas in other countries Hip Hop is still considered a street culture. He is also looking forward to exploring a new way of life, since his last trips to Asia had brought him to China and Korea and so he considers the trip to Japan a rewarding new experience. Mostly, KEYZ is exited about the battle though. “I expect a high level competition and the biggest adrenalin rush imaginable!” Asked if he thinks he could win the competition he states, “Of course I’m going to win! I’m very polite and if you invite me to dinner, I will eat everything—from the entrée to the dessert, including cheese and coffee! And trust me; I’m hungry!”