Interview: French B-boy Lilou Talks About the Breaking Scene in Paris and Red Bull BC One 2014

Get to know one of the b-boys who's competing in the Red Bull BC One 2014 finals in Paris.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Breaking competition Red Bull BC One lands in Paris this Saturday, November 29, bringing the world's top b-boys together for intense one-on-one competition. French b-boy Lilou is known for many things—being only one of two b-boys to win BC One twice (in 2005 and 2009), founding the Pockemon Crew, being a black belt Kung Fu master, and being a dancer and choreographer for Madonna's MDNA tour.

On top of it all, he's also become a mentor and role model for the younger generation of b-boys, and he previously served as a judge for BC One in 2008. This year, he's on home turf in Paris and will compete to become the global winner of BC One 2014 once again. We caught up with Lilou to see where his head's at leading up to the competition.

You've won Red Bull BC One twice (in 2005 and 2009). What do you want to bring to the competition this year? 

This year I want to bring my personal style, my craziness, and my French-Arab touch!

What defines your style of breaking compared to anyone else? Would you say you're more technical than other b-boys? 

My charisma plays a key role in my style of breaking. I may not be more technical than other b-boys, but I am more experienced. 

How did you discover and learn to break? 

When I was very young, in the 1990s, I watched breaking on TV, and it made me want to learn it! Then I met dancers who became my friends and taught me how to dance.

How are you a part of the Pockemon Crew?

I am one of the founding members of the Pockemon Crew, so I was one of its first dancers! I founded it in 1999.

Do you prefer to compete in groups or one-on-one? Why? 

I love both! It is completely different, but both are really pleasant. In group battles, you are with your friends, and you do your crazy things together. In one-on-one battles, you are on your own. You are focused as one. I really like both, and I would never stop doing one or the other.

What is the breaking scene like in France compared to elsewhere? Would you say Paris has the most aggressive breakers in the world? 

In France there has been a very big breaking scene for many years. It's the country where there are the most international breaking events in the world. It's true that French breakers have a reputation for being aggressive, but it always depends!

What do you think it means to have the BC One World Finals in Paris this year?

Well, Paris is a big hip-hop city, so to me it is normal that the World Final is hosted here.

What music are you listening to these days?

These days I'm listening to French rap!

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