Massive Monkees' photostream

Massive Monkees is an unsurpassed crew of energetic b-boys/b-girls (break dancers) originating in Seattle, WA. “They are percussively-gifted, hip-hop dervishes,” (artsjournal.com) and “one of the most famous breaking crews in the world,” (seattletimes.com).

Since coming together in 1999, Massive Monkees consistently perform in front of over 1,000,000 people each year. They have shared the stage with the likes of Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Nas, Public Enemy, KRS-One, Missy Elliot, LL Cool J, Ludacris, 50 Cent, and Akon among others. Currently, they are on the hit MTV show “America’s Best Dance Crew”, with “an excellent shot at taking the competition”, (seattleweekly.com).

Massive Monkees are also known for dominating the national and international break dance scene. With their original moves and innovative group routines, they have won numerous titles, including 1st Place B-Boy Summit (US), 1st Place Raskilde Festival (Denmark), 1st Place Prince’s Trust Urban Music Festival (UK), 1st Place World B-Boy Championships (UK), 1st Place Battle Runners (Japan), and 1st Place Battle Opsesion (France).

With so much talent available, Massive Monkees have been involved in countless creative projects ranging from documentaries (“Souled Out”, “The Way of the B-Boy”), event organizing (“Massive Monkees Anniversary”, “Coosh Crash Test”), t-shirt design (UNDFTD), and other collaborations (Seattle Super Sonics, X-Box, BIC, Microsoft Windows, MTV).

Many of the group’s members are able to make a living off their art – often including work that involves teaching and mentoring local youth in schools and community centers. One member even went so far as to move to his native country of Cambodia to teach kids to break dance and “be inspired to do more”, (Seattle Times).

“Massive Monkees have shown that they’re the best in the world… and they’re sharing it with their community”, (Greg Nickels). In 2004, an appreciative Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle, declared April 26th as annual “Massive Monkees Day”. Three years later, The Seattle Arts Commission honored the group with The Mayor’s Arts Award, continuing to recognize Massive Monkees’ contribution to the arts.