Classic Scenes: ‘Beat Street’ Get The Party Started

*Big Exhale* I’m hesitant to write about things that are really and truly so personal to me and who I am, but in a brief manner, this is one such occasion that I will take the liberty to do so. Beat Street is one of my favorite movies of all-time. Maybe I will write about it in greater depth at another point, but for now, I want to give you what is probably my favorite scene from the 1984, breaking, New York and coming of age film. Yeah, I know it’s long winded, and yes, I’ve written about related topics before with the 10 Movies The Hood Loves The Most list, but I’m thrilled to be able to share this scene with you.

It’s New York in the early 80′s. Tough, poor neighborhood. Hip-hop music and culture – not really what it is known as nowadays, which is a form of evolution and bastardization of the art – was just being birthed. In this scene, Kenny aka Double K (Guy Davis) and his friends are gathering for a party in an abandoned building. That’s how it had to be done. Any opportunity to take the chance to have fun and express the art form. The crew hooks up the power from a telephone pole and wah-lah…the opportunity to party.

Ramo, Double K and Chollie on the way to a party in 'Beat Street.'

Double K gets the crowd going with some rhyming and cutting (DJ skills). People start to get into the vibe. Then, in walks Lee (Robert Taylor) – Kenny’s little brother who happens to be breaking the house rules by leaving home and going to the party – and he sets the party off with his own brand of dance. It’s hard not to be enthralled, even Kenny gives in to his dancing, and the scene is essentially a wrap.

What makes it so fun and effective for me is it’s simplicity. The set up, with the need for power. The display of art in its virginal form, a desire for expression. And even the in movie story about Lee coming around against his brother and mother’s wishes, only to see the love come through. This earns it a classic scene, and special place in my heart. Enjoy.