The best birthday gift I received this year is from my homegirl Smoothie, who used to bgirl in the Fly Antics Crew with Miss Finesse. The gift was the Style Wars DVD. As a columnist for MVRemix, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I've never watched it until now. The documentary portrays the early graffiti movement in New York City, integrated with elements of bboying and rapping in the 80s. It is responsible for shaping the scene today. I recommend everyone to pick up a copy. It is a definite necessity if you're into the scene.
On another note, I will be celebrating my birthday tonight in Toronto with the New York Giantz - DJ Neil Armstrong and DJ Eleven - hosted by Black Rap. If you haven't gotten you're ticket, well you're out of luck, advanced tickets are SOLD OUT. Rush down early, as the tickets at the door are very, very limited. Big ups to Bozack Morris and DJ Mensa <3
MVExposé: Miss Finesse
Miss Finesse of the Fly Antics Crew in Vancouver is known as one of the best bgirls in Canada. She broke out into the male-dominated arena in 1999, fast developing her skills. Three years later, Fly Antics was born through her efforts with cohorts Invertabrat, Bles-sed, Smoothie and Rhythm.
"I am motivated by all of the women who surpass all notions of inequality and prove to be above and beyond the expected. I am a very competitive person, so the thought of someone being better than me, lights a fire inside!"
Finesse's defining year was 2003, where she was featured with the Crew at a Talib Kweli show in Vancouver and competed in the Bboy Summit in Los Angeles. The year did not end there. Finesse was placed second in the Bonnie and Clyde competition at the Bboy Masters Pro Am in Miami. Soon after, the Crew was placed first at Los Angeles' Urban Dance Festival.
When Finesse is not breaking, she can be found on TV. She is the host for Break Life, a segment of Pass Da Mic. The program showcases Vancouver's hip-hop and urban music scene through interviews, live performance footage, and music videos on Shaw Cable's Multicultural Channel every Sunday at 11:30 pm and Tuesdays at 12:30 am.
"I strive to preserve the art form through education. Pass Da Mic is Western Canada's only hip-hop television show focusing strictly on the hip-hop culture. We display all elements of the hip-hop culture: DJing, breakdancing graffiti, beatboxing and emceeing."
