E95: Breaking Judge Explains Raygun’s Olympic Performance - w/ Kev "DJ Renegade' Gopie

DJ Renegade, co-creator of the Olympic breaking judging system, explains how breakdancing entered the 2024 Paris Olympics and addresses the controversy surrounding competitor B-Girl Ray Gun.

Guest Bio: DJ Renegade (Kevin Gopie) is a foundational figure in UK hip-hop and breaking, active since the 1980s. He is the founder and coach of the UK’s Soul Mavericks crew and co-designed the judging system used for Olympic breaking competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has judged globally and was a key figure in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.

Topics Discussed:

• The origins and structure of Olympic breaking
• How breaking was judged at the 2024 Olympics (no point system, comparative domains)
• The controversy around Australian B-Girl Ray Gun
• Misconceptions about breaking’s artistic traditions and evolution
• Media, outrage culture, and conspiracy theories
• The future of breaking in the Olympics
• Renegade’s journey from 1980s hip-hop to Olympic leadership

Top Quote:

“I think the world’s not ready for breaking—and breaking’s not ready for the world.” – DJ Renegade

📺Watch the full episode on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/oDweMWi0f1E

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