Beatboxing

Beatboxing is the art of vocal percussion. Although the term "beatboxing" derived from hip hop culture, it is not limited to hip hop music. It is primarily concerned with the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, voice, and more. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments.

The term beatboxing most likely refers to early drum machines which came with pre-programmed musical patterns.

History of beatboxing

The technique and the art of replicating percussion sounds with one's voice is thought to be conceived in India several thousands years ago, and the Chinese developed Kouji which was one kind of vocal percussion performing arts. These had little relation with hip hop, however, and are not related to modern Western beatboxing. This kind of sound-simulating technique is called humming and chanting. Beatboxing is currently experiencing a second wind, thanks in part to the likes of artists like Rahzel and Kenny Muhammad, who have carried the artform across the world. In 2002, the documentary Breath Control: The History of the Human Beatbox premiered. It is a history of the art form that includes interviews with Doug E. Fresh, Emanon, Biz Markie, Marie Daulne of Zap Mama, and others.

Beatboxing's early pioneers include Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, and Buffy from the Fat Boys. Doug E. Fresh is credited for being the first "human beatbox,"[1] and Barry B for coining the term [2] along with Buffy perfecting the art. The term "beatboxing" is derived from the mimicry of the first generation of drum machines, then known as beatboxes.

Vocal percussionists

Throughout a series of concerts in 1969, most notably at The Fillmore East in NYC, John Mayer (formerly the frontman for "The Bluesbreakers") with a new band introduced an acoustic style of the Blues. Sans drums and, for the most part electric guitars, Mayall and the band included a tune called "Room to Move" which included a middle section of pure beatboxing predating and outdoing almost every other future attempt at this style short of Bobby McFerrin's "Don't worry, be happy" almost twenty years later. The Mayall concerts were recorded on an album called "Turning Point".

In 1970, British band Mungo Jerry released In the Summertime, eventually selling 23 million copies worldwide. An interesting quirk of the track is that no traditional percussion is used, with all rhythmic and incidental percussion generated by the vocalist(s).

Viv Fisher, a frustrated amateur British musician and sound engineer released a 7" vinyl single of multivocal work in 1978, entitled "Blaze Away," performing as "Me, Myself and Me Again," on which he performed all parts of a brass band, additionally using multitracking techniques to satisfy his desire for an accurate portrayal of the many instruments and depth of sound in a real brass band.

Mbube is a style of close harmony choral singing, originating in Africa. One of its components is the vocal representation of percussion and bass sounds by one or more members of a choir. Ladysmith Black Mambazo are a well known group performing in this style and have been releasing music in this genre since 1973.

The early eighties

The art form enjoyed a strong presence in the 1980s. Many people's introduction to the art form came when Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick released "La Di Da Di." However, the Fat Boys "Stick Em" and the album on which it appeared, "The Fat Boys," was released in January 1984, one year before the "La Di Da Di" single, which appeared as a B-side to "The Show" in 1985. (The rap community and beyond celebrated Buffy's heavy-breathing style on "Stick Em.") Even today, when people make fun of beatboxing, they imitate the deceased Buffy by huffing and puffing into their hands. The Fat Boys' movies (such as Disorderlies) introduced the art form to a wider audience as well.

The 90s

In many ways, beatboxing fell off the radar along with breakdancing in the late '80s; it almost slipped even deeper than the underground. Though many people kept the art form alive on the streets, in ciphers, within B-boy circles, and in showers, it didn't re-emerge until Rahzel "the Godfather of Noyze" released "Make the Music 2000," which is the first album focused primarily on beatboxing. The title is a reference to "Make the Music With Your Mouth," one of the first recorded beatboxing tracks by the hip hop sensation Biz Markie. (Markie also achieved moderate success with his single "Just A Friend.")

In the mid-'90s, Rahzel proved a versatile entertainer. He was formerly the vocal DJ for The Roots, a group that contributed to the popularity of live instrumentation in hip hop. Not only did he help put beatboxing back onto the stage, he introduced its modern form, an impressive if not awe-inspiring combination of polyrhythms, vocal scratching, and simultaneous lines of melody, rhythm, and singing. Rahzel himself acknowledges that he combined his influences of pioneer Doug E. Fresh, jazz vocalist Bobby McFerrin, and sound effect master Michael Winslow (of Police Academy fame) to give rise to his modern format.

On "If Your Mother Only Knew," a beatboxing sample of Rahzel, he wows an audience by singing and beatboxing simultaneously—a feat now considered easy by the growing young beatboxing community. On several tracks, he introduced the idea of simulating turntable scratches with his throat, something even underground beatboxers upholding the art form through the lean years hadn't even heard until the album's release.

Using his commercial appeal, Rahzel paved the way for beatboxing's migration to the center of the stage, both literally and metaphorically. In its beginning, beatboxing was relegated to a supporting role or gimmick, like a side show. With beatboxing's increased popularity, Rahzel began touring the country doing solo shows.

Many amateur beatboxers express frustration with Rahzel receiving most of the attention and being known as the best beatboxer in the world. Though many well-practiced amateur and professional beatboxers possess different levels of skill, each one brings something different to the form. As Carlo Aguirre (also known as Infinite), a beatboxer and MC from San Francisco's famed Felonious says, "Each person has a different instrument."

Other well-known, seminal beatboxers whose work is well known throughout the international beatboxing community include Queens's Kenny Muhammad (also known as Kenny X, The Human Orchestra); Philadelphia's Scratch, beatboxer for the Roots; Killa Kela, one of Europe's finest; Click Tha Supah Latin, an MC and beatboxer located in Los Angeles; Shlomo, who has collaborated with Björk; MC Squared, an internationally renowned 5-time winner of Showtime at the Apollo; RoxorLoops from Beatoxic Crew; Each who is a key organiser with the Vowel Movement located in California; "mouthdrummer" Wes Carroll of The House Jacks, also located in California; and Canada's own scratch pioneer Poizunus.

The Four Elements

The last track on Rahzel's CD 'Make The Music 2000' is a track with his famous 'If Your Mother Only Knew' routine. But it contains a hidden bonus track, which is a 'Man vs. Machine' which he and Kenny Muhammad (Human Orchastra) vs. turntablists DJ Skribble and DJ Slinky. The song is widly referred to by most beatboxers as The Four Elements.

• The first element is Earth (performed by Rahzel), using basic beatboxing techniques with a dry 'taste,' in a fairly simple beat pattern.
• The second element is Wind (performed by Kenny Muhammad), a complex and fast beat with words in it said in a very low voice. It has a stormy character. Wind is probably the most popular beatbox routine. It is a cover of the song 'Nummern' (Numbers) by the German group Kraftwerk.
• The third element is Fire (performed by Rahzel). It is the only element containing sounds that were not produced by the human mouth. Fire is a cover of 'Rock The Bells' by LL Cool J.
• The fourth and last element is Water (performed by Kenny Muhammad). It is one of the most popular amongst beatboxers after the wind. The sounds are punchy and fast. Water is a cover of a tune called 'Funky Drummer' by James Brown.

Increasingly, The Four Elements is becoming a very popular concept within the beatboxing community.

Major centers

New York City

New York City is the birthplace of the art and still home to many of the world's most original and impressive beatboxers. These include Buffy of The Fat Boys, Doug E. Fresh, Rahzel, Kenny Muhammad, MC Squared, Matisyahu, DOA ,Masai Electro Baba Israel, Yo-yo Beats, D-Cross and many others. In 2002 Kid Lucky created Beatboxer Entertainment, an organization to unite NYC's beatboxers, which has since grown to include beatboxers nationally and internationally. New York City is arguably an epicenter for beatboxing culture as the New York scene continues to produce some of the best talents in the world. Quite notable are Adam Matta, Shockwave (Chris Sullivan) and Chesney Snow. Adam Matta who is currently an "Artist in Residence" at Cornell University, is noted for his vocal instrumentals including brass, beats, vocal scratches/turntablism, and mechanical sound effects, Matta references blues, rock, rap, heavy metal, drum-and-bass, freestyle jazz, and Middle Eastern styles of music. Chris Sullivan better known as Shockwave attained critical acclaim for his work in the hit theatrical show "Freestyle Love Supreme" including "Shockwave bowls the audience over with his breakneck beatboxing ability" AOL City Guide just to cite one. Chesney Snow featured on the MTV Unplugged Series with Polish superstar Kayah in 2006 which has since become a bestseller. His live beatboxing sound is captivating and unique for it's realism to an actual drum machine.

United Kingdom

Beatboxing began to gain visibility in the United Kingdom in early 2002, thanks in part to the founding of UK-specific beatboxing communities. While Killa Kela is often considered to be the most famous UK beatboxer, others such as Shlomo, Lianhart, Faith SFX, Master Apps, Ginge-FX and BeardyMan are gaining their own followings.

The King of the Jam beatbox picnic created by Mark Splinter was the first beatboxer gathering held in the United Kingdom. Beginning with a meeting of four beatboxers, one MC, some sandwiches and a video camera at St. James' Park in London, the event grew sharply in popularity, drawing 80 artists to the 2004 Tournament. Though Splinter has since relocated to Lithuania he continues to arrange the meetings at the same park bianually, and a World Tour is planned.

The first Human Beatbox Convention was held in London in 2003, bringing together 100 beatboxers from around the world.

Other beatboxer events in the UK include Bristol's 'Make Some Noise' in May and the UK Beatbox Championships, which are held in various cities during the months of February, June, and July. The 2006 UK Beat Boxing Champion is BeardyMan.

San Francisco Bay area

The Bowel Movement (previously 'Vowel'), created by Bryan Neuberg (also known as Process), Kid Beyond, and Tim Barsky, is a collaborative San Francisco Bay area community that supports the art of beatboxing. It features regular showcases that emphasize sharing and inclusivity amongst its practitioners, bringing the art form to a diverse audience, and pushing the boundaries beyond the classification of hip hop.

Australia

Australian beatboxer Joel Turner (founder of 'Beatbox Alliance') first came to fame after appearing on the Australian Idol competition, and then went on to become the first solo World Beatbox Champion by winning the Hip Hop World Challenge in Germany, 2005. Additionally, Joel and fellow Beatbox Alliance member Tom Thumb placed first in the team battle event.

In 2005 BeatboxAustralia.com was created, founded by Australian beatboxer MadMastaC. Beatbox Australia is the first company in Australia dedicated to the 5th element: it is a beatbox agency and also a community for beatboxers to chat and gather. In 2006 Beatbox Australia started organising events and beatbox jams around Australia and promoting Australian beatboxing.

November 2006 saw the appearance of A-Town Entertainment, Adelaide's very own beatbox specialist hip hop agency. With regular appearances on local radios hiphop shows, monthly jams, regular city cyphers and performing around Adelaide, A-Town is quickly becoming a force within the hip hop scene.

Toronto, Canada

Canadian beatboxer Poizunus first entered the spotlight after a Much-On-Demand beatbox battle that aired nationally on MuchMusic across Canada. Since then he has starred and provided beats for two MuchMusic commercials alongside Toronto MC Divo and also freestyled on MTV Live with World Record Freestyle Champ D.O. He has also placed top 4 at the Hip Hop World Challenge, has toured the UK, and performed live with UK Legend Killa Kela and US DMC Champ DJ Craze at WMC 2006. Poizunus is currently set to release his first EP which is tentatively titled "The PreP", which is scheduled for a spring/summer 2007 release.

Other notable Canadian beatboxers are:

Sean Maxim Mauricette, a.k.a. Subliminal is a jack-of-all-trades (part beatboxer, DJ, lyricist and producer). In 1998 Subliminal toured Canada and Western Europe as well as performed in the 1999 MuchMusic Video Awards and opened up for such recording artists as D12, Arrested Development and Jagged Edge to name a few. Currently a member of ACTRA, Subliminal also has his eyes on acting. Working alongside actor Kevin Bacon and singer Jill Scott, Subliminal has also been cast for primary roles in CitrusTV's hit series After Hours with Kenny Robinson, playing dual roles as both the show's DJ and co-host. As of December 1999, Subliminal has produced, directed and performed in numerous television and radio commercials for Sony Music Canada, Sprite, McDonald's and Kellogg's (Pop-tarts).

'Jugular' is known as "Toronto's best-known beatboxer". Born and raised in Toronto, Jugular has stunned crowds with his unique style of vocal percussion. He is noted for his accurate imitation of sounds from musical instruments to turntable scratches, and can also sing and rap. Jugular regularly performs in cities across North America including Toronto, Calgary, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Oakland, and New York City.

'Eddy Da Original One' is also a multi-talented beatboxer (a poet, graphic designer, sound engineer/producer, and technical coordinator for corporate, theatre and special events, as well). A distinctive writer, he is recently featured in “T-dot Griots: An Anthology of Toronto’s Black Storytellers” and “Erotica” (both published by Up From The Roots Press). In 2005 he became a member of the newly formed band D’bi Young and the Dubbin Revolushun Gang-Stars as a beatboxer/backup vocalist . He has appeared on TV, movies and radio. When he is not on stage across the country, he does poetry or beatboxes behind some amazing performance artists (e.g. Dwele). He is also does production for other artists, as well as producing (human vocal percussion) tracks for commercials, bands and film projects.

Montreal, Canada

Abra, of Montreal's Kops Crew, has been beatboxing since the 90s, and is known for the Abra Scratch. Abra is also a member of New York's Beatboxer Entertainment and helped to organize the Human Beatbox Conference in 2004. He has performed all over Canada with partner X-WAM.

'X-WAM' has been on Muqic Plus, became Montreal's Beatbox champ. of 1999, preformed in The Montreal Jazz Festival of 2004 and appeared on Canada's Popstars: The One (15th place). X-WAM also has tagged up with Poizunus to open for Kardinal Offishall in Toronto.

Dublin, Ireland

Irish human beatbox White Noise is a hardworking beatboxer who regularly performs in Ireland with 300+ live shows under his belt since 2001. He's also represented Ireland at beatbox battles in Leeds and the World Championship in Leipzig, 2005. Sometimes performs with fellow Irish beatboxer Hemlock. Has also used delay effects and live looping in his shows. Bigger gigs include performances at the Irish DMCs, ITFs, and at the Oxegen music festival, 2006. check http://www.whitenoise.ie / http://www.myspace.com/mouthdrummer

Scandinavian countries

The most known beatboxers in Scandinavia are Felix Zenger and Rey. Rey has been working with many worldwide drum and bass and hip hop artists. Beatboxing battle arranger and beatboxer is Bloodycut who has also writing a book about beatboxing (Bloodycut edited this himself).

American Idol

In 2007, American Idol runner-up Blake Lewis brought beatboxing into the mainstream spotlight by performing it in several of his songs during the competition. Some of the songs that he performed in which he incorporated beatboxing elements were Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity", 311's "All Mixed Up", Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name", and Maroon 5's "This Love".

In the competition's finale he performed an impressive beatboxing routine with Doug E. Fresh.

See also

• List of beatboxers
• Hip hop music

External links

• HUMANBEATBOX.COM Online Beatboxing Community
• Beatbox Battle® International Beatbox Magazine, Founder of the Beatbox World Championship and BBBTV
• mic(ism)^® - sported and supported by beatboxers worldwide^®
• The International Beatbox Association (IBA)
• Australian Beatboxing Resource
• Sonorosapiens.com, Spanish beat box community
• Micflow official page
• beatboxing.com - north american beatboxing community
• Eachbox official page
• Poizunus official page
• Finnish Human Beatboxing Community