With the official opening of the Vivamusic Hub on Monday 4th September, a line up of various events before the launch signaled the big bang which was going to take place two days after. Saturday afternoon seemed one of the least likely time to enjoy a round of hip hop and tech-house music from renowned Dj Andrew Chow and the Infuser, not to mention some B-Boying from the Radikal Force.

First up was Andrew Chow with his signature old skool/trip-hop mixes and excellent scratching. The two-time DMC/Technics championship winner (1998 and 1999), dressed casually in a blue checkered shirt, jeans and a red cap, spun a range of sounds from electronic to progressive, all the while remaining true to his hip hop roots. Thirteen years of spinning has not made him any prouder; his experience and modesty shone through the interview even as he spoke about his work and life as a DJ.

The maestro, who practices his art for at least five hours everyday, intends to help boost the club and hip hop scene in Singapore. "Singapore's (DJ) scene is still young, there is potential...more room to improve. If we were to compare the world standard to ours, I think we have a lot to learn still." This is an area, Andrew feels, is where Heart 91.3FM, which has stated its intention to gear its direction to being a dance station, can help. "Having (Local DJ) Jason is not enough, we should bring in more DJs with different styles", adding that it would raise the awareness for music less known in these parts compared to countries like the U.K.

Even if he is not spinning ten years down the road, do not be surprised to see Andrew backing any of the up and coming DJs, giving him inspiration and guidance in this minute industry. Even as we speak (or read), Andrew is supporting other local hip hop acts, one of them being Radikal Force, a b-boy outfit which has been asked to perform their unique moves for many an event.

East, Farhan. Hata. Sheikh and Felix, who form Radikal Force, share a common passion for old skool vibes., the boys displayed a stunning array of spins and twists as they contorted their bodies into intricate shapes in beat with Andrew's set.

Describing themselves as 'outrageous, fantastic, extreme and entertaining' the boys do not give up their passion even amidst job and family commitment. They first met when B-Boying was the rage in 1984, as they were dancing to old skool and hip-hop mixes in a club, and for them the fire has not died out since. Or not ever, for as long as they can carry on as Radikal Force, at least.

So if you think old and new skool and B-Boying has died out, think again. With such talented people like Andrew Chow and Radikal Force in the hip hop scene, let's hope there will be more people who come out to chip in this growing industry bursting with potential.

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