OG Philly b-boys don't hold back on the integrity, authenticity and individuality of breaking — past, present and future

LAGAET competes in breaking during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at La Concorde.
LAGAET competes in breaking during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at La Concorde. Photo credit Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Breaking made its debut as an official discipline at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but did it stick the landing? This week’s edition of "Shara in the City" takes us to Rav and Tony Azzaro, a couple of OG Philly b-boys, who offer their thoughts — and they don't hold back.

🎧 Listen to their discussion

Was it a good thing or a bad thing for the breaking community? And what does the competition in Paris mean for the future of breaking?

"The good thing is that, when you come into hip hop, it accepts everybody — weight, size, color, everything — inviting anybody in and encouraging them to do your thing. Express yourself. Just be you. Try to be original. Don't do what anyone else is doing. You have to have your own style," says Rav.

From the legends behind the cameras to the young kids pushing boundaries; from the intention, integrity and individuality of breaking to the ... uh ... signature style of Aussie b-girl Raygun — Rav and Azzaro throw down on the state of breaking today and where it's heading tomorrow.

Logistx of Team United States competes during Women's Breaking at La Concorde during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Logistx of Team United States competes during Women's Breaking at La Concorde during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photo credit Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images

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"Shara in the City" is part of the KYW Newsradio original podcast Bridging Philly. Listen to the latest episode in the Audacy app, wherever you find podcasts, or right here:

Featured Image Photo Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports