Dive into the definitive, play-by-play timeline of New Zealand’s Krump community. Join us as we break down every key decade, every legendary event, and every figure that put Aotearoa on the Krump world map.
In this loaded episode, you’ll hear about:
Global Origins and First NZ Ripples (Pre-2010)
- The birth of Krump in 1990s California, pioneered by Thomas “Tommy the Clown” Johnson’s “Clowning” (1992) in Compton.
- The world-changing contributions of Ceasare “Tight Eyez” Willis, Marquisa “Miss Prissy” Gardner, Christopher “Lil’ C” Toler, and Jo’Artis “Big Mijo” Ratti.
- How the documentary "Rize" (2005) and DVDs like "Breakin’ vs Krumpin’" made waves in New Zealand.
- May 2007: Tommy the Clown tours Auckland schools (thanks to John Tamihere), sparking Krump interest nationwide.
- Early online momentum: TaroPower and MaJiK111 YouTube channels; sessions with Israel Adesanya (Black Majik), Manu, Ben, Yash, Olo, Jack and early IBCC Krump Sessions.
- Joash Fahitua launches NZ’s first Krump competitions (2008–2009).
- Early shoutouts to the Brotherhood, Greedies, and Underground Kings crews.
Building Blocks and Early Battles (2010–2014)
- Wellington’s "Cap City" sessions: home to Big Raw, Omen, Shock Proof, and escalating competitive showdowns.
- Momentum from events like "Heart of Krump NZ," "Troublegrounds" (with Asylum & Ricochet), and "West AKC caging."
- NZ Krump Nationals (SK Session) are born (2011), rapidly scaling the scene.
- YouTube’s Krump Aotearoa (launched July 2012) becomes an archival cornerstone.
- "Troubled Grounds 2012": epic Last Man Standing battles—Kid West Mayhem vs Blackout; Prince Maestro vs Jdashomen Aktive; Tag Team and Call Outs.
- Cap City Prelims and AKC Prelims 2012: battles like Groove vs Masta, Alien vs Testament; Jr Crossbearer vs Light Saber, Alien vs Milz.
- Charity-driven “For the Love Battle” (2013), pitting Example Krump Fam’s Chris Teava against Black Majik (Israel Adesanya) & Big Masta.
- Treason 2013 with international guest Ruin (Tha Legion Killa of Tha Lawd Squad, USA).
Unforgettable Events, Crews, Legends (2014–2019)
- KN14, The Pirates Global (with Shutdown), and the rise of Hype Rush Empire, WatchMIN, Saber Fam.
- Iconic battles at King of The Pirates (Paniq vs Smilekilla), Hold Your Style (Jedi vs Chris C), and Clash Nation (Lady Maddawg vs Lady Red vs Mama K).
- EBS 2016 features Cap City Treason and Fix Your Face highlight Smilekilla, Brocky, Shutdown, Ladyshutdown, Girl Paniq.
- BeatDown NZ and BeatDownSix Nation channels flood the internet (2017).
- Highlight battles: Kid Drill vs Redhood; Lightsaber vs Boy Omen.
- 16man KO Tourney: grand finale J Bad Rillah vs 12; NZKC Haka for Wave (Kid Tight Eyez); Palmerston North vs Wellington Rep Yo City Finals.
- KN17 brings international and national stars—Shutdown vs Milz, alongside Fam Clash & BNC Finals, 72KO, Exhibition Battles.
- Ken Vaega (Lightsaber) becomes NZ’s first Krump World Champ (2018)
- Documentary/filming at Treason (Wellington), The Graveyard (Palmerston North)
- Krump Club of Ōtara founded under Lighthouse fam—nurtures new talent.
- KN19’s headline battles: Hype Rush Empire vs Saber Fam, Watchlight vs Girl Matters, 12AF vs EXCBS, 7.2.Kill Off & 8Bucks Krumpire Qualifiers.
- Treason 2019: Lightsaber shines.
Adaptation, Growth, and Focused Community (2020–Present)
- NZ Krump Aotearoa’s YouTube marks a decade online (2020).
- The BEATDOWN 2020 Kidz Edition keep the fires burning.
- Labyrinth NZ 2022 showcases BabyWatch, Mining Queen Trespass, and high-octane Prelim/Top 8/Top 4 battles.
- 2023: BeatDown Championship (mega event—All Styles & Krump), KOB NZ Qualifier (King of Buck), and NZ Krump Panel Discussions with Aktive, Erupt, 12AF.
- BD Rookies & Youth, BeatDown Heavy Hitters, Labyrinth NZ sessions, Lock It In Locking: a never-ending calendar of battles, showcases, and cyphers.
- 2024: World of Watch:MIN theatre show, Projekt Feel Good, Pring It On by Strictly Brown, BEATDOWN Rookies & Youth Qualifiers, Krumpfest (Ladies/Labyrinth & Rhythm & Buck), KOB NZ Qualifier, SET IT OFF Vol 1, BEATDOWN CHAMPIONSHIPS.
- Show notes
