Jed

JED Lawrence, aka FLARE KING from Cape Town, represented South Africa in the third edition of the RED BULL BC ONE in São Paulo. He started dancing in 1998 and is one of South Africa's top-3 B-Boys.

Boasting an impressive breaking resume, JED won the title of Best B-Boy at the South African Battle of the Year in 2000, 2001, and 2005, as well as winning the breaking section of the Alex Groll Cup in 2002, 2003, and 2005. His most recent achievement is taking the crown with his crew Ubuntu at the Fringe World Cup B-Boy Event in France this year.

JED’s style is powerful, original and different. His fans call him the Flare King because he invented different variations of the flare. He creates unusual moves and is sure to whip up a frenzy in São Paulo, as his style reflects both the diverse flavor of traditional South African moves and his love for the urban dance form. JED’s battle strategy is always to kill with the first move, so he’s a threat throughout the battle.

The first time JED saw B-Boying was in 1998, when he saw the International Battle of the Year 1995 video. He was captivated and immediately started practicing and in 1999 he participated in the Battle of the Year South Africa himself. He would love to make breaking his profession, but that is difficult. Hip Hop is not yet seen as a positive form of self expression in South Africa , even though people are slowly realizing what a beneficial impact it has on the youth.

“I just want the opportunity to showcase the unique way we move here in South Africa,” JED says. “It’s all about combining all the different cultures and influences into one routine—representing my country the best way I can.”

JED’s family backs him up, no matter what because they know breaking means everything to him: He wants to become the world’s best B-Boy and hopes he can make a difference in other people’s lives. He’s studying music and apart from breaking tried out two other elements of Hip Hop culture—graffiti and DJ-ing.

JED thinks that Hip Hop is the best tool to break ethnic stereotypes and bring people from different cultures, religions, and social backgrounds together to form one big family—no matter what color you are.

Titles
2000 Best B-Boy, Battle of the Year, South Africa
2001 Best B-Boy, Battle of the Year, South Africa
2002 1st place, B-Boy Competition, solo battle, Alex Groll Cup, Cape Town
2003 1st place, B-Boy Competition, solo battle, Alex Groll Cup, Cape Town
2005 Best B-Boy, Battle of the Year, Cape Town, South Africa 2005 1st place, B-Boy Competition, solo battle, Alex Groll Cup, Cape Town
2006 1st place, B-Boy World Cup, solo battle, France
2006 participation, Red Bull BC One, Brazil