Count Jimmy Luis”Taboo” Gomez among the millions eagerly anticipating the live presentation of the Pro Breaking Tour’s (PBT) “The 2024 Silverback Invitational” as part of “ESPN8: The Ocho” (Friday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
The six-time Grammy-winning cofounder of the hip-hop band The Black Eyed Peas (BEP) is an original B-boy with an estimated more than 10,000 hours of practicing and dance competition under his belt. He provides expert perspective in a pre-taped Pro Breaking Tour: Taboo Feature Show segment that precedes the “Silverback” live breaking showdowns beginning at 10:15 p.m.
As Taboo says in the excerpt of the interview embedded above – which includes vintage video of him breaking – “before any success, I started as a dancer. It helped me gain strength, gain confidence, find my tribe.”
If BEP were not in the midst of a busy touring schedule – they are performing in Canada this week – Taboo would be in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to watch The Ocho breaking in person, he says.
BEP’s hits such as “Where is the Love?,” “Boom Boom Pow,” and “I Gotta A Feeling” are 21st century anthems and are just three of their 10 Billboard Top 10 singles. Even this week, their party jam “Pump It” has been used as the soundtrack for a viral video depicting Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina competing in the Summer Olympics.
Still for Taboo, who toured Europe this spring and summer with fellow original bandmates will.i.am and apl.de.ap, working with ESPN has profound meaning.
In 2014, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and was told he needed immediate, aggressive treatment.
As he endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, he found that ESPN’s storytelling – in particular late SportsCenter anchor Stuart Scott’s candor about his battle with cancer – was both healing and inspiring.
“Stuart Scott’s testimony inspired my fight in the ultimate battle against ‘The Big C,'” Taboo, who on June 24 celebrated his 10th anniversary of cancer survivorship, told Front Row. “He shared his story and his love for his daughters and life to keep on fighting and never give up; in B-boy terms, I continued to bring the ‘power moves,’ and I won every single round I faced! Thank you, Stuart Scott, for your powerful words of encouragement to fight.”
When he and BEP are not touring, Taboo is a regular presence at breaking competitions, particularly in his native Los Angeles. He discussed working with PBT, breaking’s inclusion as an Olympic sport in Paris this summer, working with Marvel, and why performing at the Super Bowl provided “the scariest moment” of his career, with Front Row.
What intrigued you about working with ESPN and PBT on The Ocho?
First of all, as a fan of anything and everything ESPN, I was honored even to be considered to be part of the ESPN family in some capacity, and as a B-boy myself growing up in Los Angeles, I spent most of my early teenage years battling or competing against other dancers and staying connected to the B-boy community, especially with my good friend Cros 1 at his jam called Freestyle Session. So, it was a natural organic fight to be part of the Pro Breaking Tour.
What was the experience working with PBT like?
Working the Pro Breaking Tour, especially with each of the individuals who were part of the interview, was like working with grandmasters, teachers, and students of our game. I love learning and educating the younger generation about our history and foundation.
What difference does breakdancing make in your life?
Breaking or dancing is a form of healing. It’s good medicine for the soul! Especially in my younger years, when I was actively training and battling, it helped me stay away from any negative frequencies and distractions. Breaking was the foundation I started with, and then I evolved into creating my own style through years of practice — over 10,000 hours!
Beyond the competition Friday on The Ocho, how much are you looking forward to the breaking competitions in the 2024 Paris Olympics this month?
I’m so hyped for one of our valued elements in hip-hop culture to be showcased on the world stage. All the contests have put it down for the culture, and I’m honored that some of our USA contestants I have personally had the honor of working with. Unfortunately, I heard breaking will not be in my city, Los Angeles, in 2028, which is such a disappointment. [Note: Los Angeles is the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympics]
What ESPN shows are favorites of yours?
The Ocho; First Take; 30 for 30; NBA on ESPN and NBA Countdown.
What memory from the Peas’ Super Bowl XLV halftime performance in Arlington, Texas – the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers – stands out the most and why?
Propelling down into the stadium 300 feet above from the huge Jumbotron! That was the scariest moment of my career!
What’s next for you and your work with Marvel?
I hope I will continue to build my catalog with Marvel and one day create my IP [Intellectual Property] superhero or villain.
For more information on The Ocho, visit ESPN Press Room
@mvmtofculture @otherpeopleschildren shot by anthony@weqreopc.com provided video footage from Taboo’s interview
-
-
-
-
