tags and tokyo:6

Today marks the day when things get a little more profesh.

After a week of back-and-forth tweaking, I finally got to pick up my first batch of “official” Steppie tags that will be sewn onto the inside neckline of all my clothing. It’s been something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, and it finally seemed like it was time to make the move… especially since things are taking an international direction. Now, don’t get too excited… it’s a small move, but at least it’s a move in an amazing direction…

In exactly one week from today, my feet will be standing on Tokyo concrete for the very first time. Aside from getting to run around the streets of Japan and creating a ruckus with 20-or-so of my favorite people, I’ll get the opportunity to dust off my Creative Recs and dance again with my old hip hop crew from college. CADC is seriously the gift that keeps on giving, even when I’m an old alum, but I’m so grateful and so ready to soak up this experience. I’ve spoken about CADC before, but if you’re unfamiliar, here’s a video from my first year on the team (seems fitting since it’s a Japanese-themed set):

Wow, the video quality makes this performance look ancient… lol.

If it weren’t for Boogiezone and their expansion in Japan, we wouldn’t have had this opportunity to begin with.  Moreso, if it weren’t for Boogiezone, I wouldn’t have had the chance to begin my long journey in trying to make a name in Japan. Elm (the brain behind Boogiezone) approached me a month ago about a possible collaboration for an official Japan Launch t-shirt. I was flattered, honored, and beyond excited considering how much I look up to Elm and what he’s done for BZ and the hip hop dance community. I admire anyone with big dreams, and moreso, anyone with guts to go out there and breathe life into them. And for me, an open door was being served on a platter, and I ate it up like chocolate cake.

The “I Am A Ninja” x Boogiezone Japan Launch tees will be debuted in Japan for the official “United We Boogie” event. The fuscia design is printed onto an American Apparel dark navy tee with the BZ x Steppie logo printed on the back of the shirt. And in case you haven’t guessed it already… yes, these shirts will be the first to show off the new Steppie clothing tags!

They will be sold in Japan during the event next week, and upon our return, will be sold through Boogiezone in the US. Thank you again to Elm, Kanako, Mr. K, and the Boogiezone team for helping me make this happen.

I’ll try and post again before my pandas and ninjas land in Tokyo, but ’til then, if you’ve been to Japan before, please recommend places to see and experience! 

Related posts:

1. wong fu + kevjumba video shoot: