ISELIN, NJ – JUNE 29, 2015 – The independent owners and operators of McDonald’s New York Tri-State will present McDonald’s B-Boy Royale II, the city’s largest annual breakdance competition, on August 22 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Hosted by rapper MC Jin and former MTV VJ Grace Subervi, the event will feature eight award-winning East Coast dance crews battling it out for a grand prize of $5,000. The event will also honor breaking pioneer Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón of the legendary Rock Steady Crew with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Tickets are $25 and on sale at www.McDonaldsBBoyRoyale.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area.

In addition to the main competition, McDonald’s B-Boy Royale II will celebrate the 40 year legacy of breaking with the inaugural presentation of special awards recognizing its pioneers and innovators. Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón, one of the original members and current president of Rock Steady Crew, will be honored with the McDonald’s B-Boy Royale Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in elevating breaking to an art form and introducing b-boying to a global audience.

“I’m absolutely humbled by this honor,” said Richard ‘Crazy Legs’ Colón, a Bronx native who began breaking at the age of 10. “When I first started out in the 1970’s, b-boying was considered ‘underground’ and mostly relegated to the streets of New York. To watch it grow into an international movement that transcends race, culture and gender has been the most rewarding part of this
journey.”

McDonald’s B-Boy Royale II will build on the momentum of its predecessor by raising the stakes and showcasing only the “best of the best” of the East Coast b-boy scene. The grand prize has been increased from $3,000 to $5,000 and each of this year’s competing dance crews were required to have battled in at least two internationally-recognized b-boy tournaments.
Meet the McDonald’s B-Boy Royale II competitors

5 Crew Dynasty – Founded in 2004, the Queens-based 5 Crew Dynasty represents the solidarity and unity in hip hop culture. Their groundbreaking routines have won them top honors at Rock Steady Crew 34th Anniversary Jam (2012) and Massive Monkeys Anniversary (2014).

Beast Coast – Formed in 2011, Beast Coast is a “super crew” featuring some of the most accomplished b-boys in New York City. With their solid foundation, powerful dynamics and NYC aggression, this crew has dominated the East Coast competition circuit with wins at Miami Pro-am (2014) and Freestyle Session Qualifier NYC (2014).

Dynamic Rockers – Hailing from Queens, Dynamic Rockers has been credited for helping to propel breakdancing into mainstream culture. Their unique style –which fuses acrobatics with precision footwork— has earned them top prizes at such international competitions as The Notorious IBE (2012) in the Netherlands and the Chelles Battle Pro (2012) in France.

Lionz of Zion – Originating from the Washington D.C. area, Lionz of Zion is one of the highest-ranked dance crews on the East Coast. Their members have received international acclaim for their abstract style of breaking and have each won numerous titles at such prestigious competitions as Red Bull BC One (2012) and District Classic (2015).

Silverback Young Bloods – Consisting of some of the youngest b-boys in the competitive circuit today, this New York/Florida-based crew is built on versatility and a fresh approach to breaking. They are this year’s winners of King of the Kidz France (2015).

Supreme Beingz – Established in Queens, Supreme Beingz has a legacy of being one of most successful crews of the past decade. They were crowned winners of Kings of New York (2008) and B-Boy Massacre (2010).

Team Entree – Formed in New York, Team Entree consists of b-boys from across the five boroughs who pride themselves on their unique breaking style. Featuring originality and a flair for the dramatic, they recently won top prize at Ruthless Breaks 4 (2015).

Titanz – The members of this NYC-based crew have a brotherhood as strong as their fierce passion for the art of breaking. They have won championship titles at Kids of New York (2009) and, more recently, Rawcus 360 (2015).

“I’m honored to be hosting and performing at this year’s McDonald’s B-Boy Royale,” said MC Jin, a New York City-based hip hop artist and actor who came to prominence as a battle rapper on BET’s ‘106 & Park’ and has appeared in such films as the RZA-directed The Man with the Iron Fists. “It’s great to see McDonald’s supporting the local b-boy scene and developing this competition into something unique in the world of breaking.”

“The incredible response we received to last year’s McDonald’s B-Boy Royale was a clear sign that we needed to turn this into an annual event,” commented Paul Hendel, a local McDonald’s franchisee and New York Tri-State Co-op President. “In addition to showcasing some amazing talent, this competition also helps support the mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the fabulous work they do for families and children.”