The Jump Off Beat Battle: Champions Edition

Lansing’s premier producer “Beat Battle” returns March 26th!

This year, The Jump Off will feature returning champions for the first ever Top 8 Champions Edition Tournament!

All of the Above Hip Hop Academy has been giving beat makers a platform for over a decade! The longest running community event has literally been the “jump off” for some of the most exciting producer careers in Michigan.

On March 26th, 8 of the best to do it will go head-to-head competing for $1,000 and heavy bragging rights!

This year’s The Jump Off event will offer both an in-person and virtual experience live via Facebook. Attendees, in-person and virtual, are a part of the experience. Everyone watching has the opportunity to vote for their favorite producer during the event.

With 4 professional judges in the room, the 5th vote will be the collective voice of the crowd. This will add an incredible dynamic to the experience, and in some cases, the outcome of the round.

Tune in live either at The Record Lounge in REO Town, or on Twitch (twitch.tv/aotahiphop) March 26th from 3-6pm!

Mark your calendars for this free event.

It’s The Jump Off! | AOTA

Breaking 101: Lovin’ It

One of the beauties of breaking is how it permeates the heart. Once people try it, actively or as a spectator and supporter, they begin to embrace the art from a genuine place in their spirit.

A great example of this is watching a cypher.

The breaker performing in the middle is loving what they’re doing and accepting the love they’re getting for doing it while returning gratitude through their moves.

Everyone surrounding that breaker is loving what they’re seeing and encouraging them with supportive love.

All that love filters out to everyone watching outside the cypher. It’s good vibes, positive energy, and warmed hearts! | AOTA - Photos by Yo Joe Photo

Breaking 101: Hey, Mr. DJ

“I am ready to call my friends so we can boogie down; where’s the party?”

It’s at Foster Community Center during our Breaking 101 classes and cyphers!

Music is key element of our classes. It energizes our impressionable young breakers, the instructors, and everyone within earshot.

We’re grateful to have Ozay Moore provide an upbeat soundtrack for our breakers to rock to, but it also draws in passersby, turning them into curious spectators who can’t help wanting to move to the beats too.

“Here is something that’s going to make you move and groove.” | AOTA - Photos by Yo Joe Photo

Breaking 101: Warm It Up (Get Ready Remix)

Before breakers get busy, they must first get ready. And not everyone prepares the same.

Some huddle together to share ideas and encouragement, some might sit and vibe to the music, and some meditate alone in the moment.

Others, like our breaking instructor Tabor aka Flava Vitz, observe the room; watching and waiting to share wisdom, guidance, and inspiration where needed. | AOTA - Photo by Yo Joe Photo

Breaking 101: Get Ready

Breaking 101 classes at Foster Community Center welcomed lots of new and excited enrollees.

While our intermediate students continue their growth in class across the hall, our new breakers take advantage of open floor until their session begins.

Here they can warm up and learn from veterans like the MSU Breakers who also take advantage of the space.

Breaking is a community and we’re endlessly thrilled to grow it. |AOTA - Photos by Yo Joe Photo

Breaking 101: Leaders of the New School

After a memorable run at REACH Studio Art Center, our Breaking 101 classes have a new home at Foster Community Center!

The new location brought new eager youngsters excited to learn breaking. Our instructor Young and our established students made the fresh faces feel welcome.

It was rewarding seeing the smiles on their faces and the faces of their parents. It was a fun experience.

Breaking is a community and we’re endlessly thrilled to grow it. |AOTA

Above & Beyond: 2014 ‘til Infinity

Here’s a mixtape we put together in 2014 featuring AOTA Creative!

These are some of the folks we had helping to build the foundation we stand on today.

Salute to Rafa’el, Ess Be, Sound Addict, Sareem Poems, and Ozay Moore. Big shout out to DJ Puerto Rock on the mix!

We think it’s about time for another one.

Until then, enjoy this audible time capsule showcasing some AOTA history. |AOTA

Above & Beyond: Jaylon Ford

Jaylon Ford is a J.W. Sexton High School graduate, talented rapper, and vocalist.

As a creative with fresh ideas, a dope voice, the intellect and the dedication to see his gifts forge a bright future for himself, Jaylon is a light within the AOTA community.

We’re honored to have been a part of his growth through B.A.R.S. It’s exciting to imagine all the good coming his way in 2022!

Take a moment and salute this gem of a human being! |AOTA