Interview with Midnight

Tags: Interviews with Poppers, Midnight

Midnight has been Popping in the Los Angeles neighborhoods since the 70s. Repping LA’s known Old School crew, the Geomatrix (Poppin Chuck, AK, Phantasm, & Midnight) he has made a comeback since the 80’s spreading his knowledge and skills with the new generation.

When did you start Popping?

Well I was already dancing the robot first, about 1974/1975, imitating different robot characters I would watch on TV (Tin man from Wizard of OZ, Giant Robot from the movie Battle of the Planets), also different cartoon characters (Bugs Bunny, gigantor, etc). I was also imitating shields and Yarnell, a lot of Charlie Chaplin, Three Stooges, Harpo Marx (there were 4 brothers: Groucho, Harpo, Chicho, Zeppo, but harpo never talked, he would use body movements and instruments to talk to people).

What got you into popping? At what age?

When I was in elementary I would go to my step cousins house in the morning. (We wall went to the same school) It was about 6 of us. The one that I was closest to was Keith. His nickname was “Sir Nose” (named after a member of the Parliament / Funkadelic Funk group, whose full name was Sir Nose Devoid of Funk). His older brother was Gene, whose nickname was Karate Gene (he followed kung fu legend master Bruce lee). We came home from school one day and he was playing 45’s (back then records were 45’s with the disk in middle). He was playing “Flashlight” from Parliament. He was doing this movement. I asked him what he was doing; he said he was trying to “Break”! (That was the original term for popping , called break or breaking. So I supposedly tried I was also watching a lot of Soul Train, (everybody watched soul train. I mean everybody!) Before you did whatever you were going to do on Saturday, you watched Soul train first. The black community supported soul train and was hooked. That’s how you kept up with the latest dances. The whites and Asians watched “American Band Stand” on Saturdays, Soul Train catered the blacks, “Amer. Bandstand” catered to the whites. Don’t get offended or take it personal but race did play a major part in dance expression. That’s just how it was. That’s where I watched the lockers and that’s when I first saw the Boogaloos, all on soul train. I also saw Captain Crunch and the Funky bunch (half locking half popping).

At the time how many people were into it?

Ok, from what I remember there were 2 different phases. The original funk phase and the electric funk/hip hop / break dance phase. From the original funk phase, I witnessed about 30% of the people into it. Of course when you went to parties or watched Soul Train, or went to a park picnic or any dance/music function, you saw people messing around, copying others, doing this and that. But the 30% I’m talking about were the ones that took popping seriously, doing it the way they could which thus created different styles, which made them earn the title “OG”. The other 70% were fans, wannabe’s or biters (that’s someone that does a move he saw someone else do, but he is trying to take credit for it).

Now when the electric funk era started to take over (Hip hop)m when the movie “Breaking” came, featuring Shabadoo, poppin Pete, Taco and Shrimp (also in the movie “Colors”, “Geraldo – The Latino Gang member Popping and Waving) along with “Breakin 2- Electric Boogaloo” and other movies, everybody was poppin, boogalooing, gliding, strutting, and tutting. All the breakin crews had a popping representative in their group. So when the breakers would battle, one would send out their popper then the other group would send out their own popper to counter. And when I mean everybody, I mean whites, latinos, Asians, everybody. And to think that this was a black originated style of dance. When people watched “Breakin” especially the part at Venice beach when Taco broke that trademark wave on Shabba-doo) it was over! And during that time Michael Jackson and Prince were at their prime.

Can you describe their styles?

Back in the day, it’s impossible to describe because it was endless possibilities and plenty of things to imitate and so much creativity: Board games, dominoes, rubber bands, strobe and trip lights, electrocuted fusions, comic teams, white and blue collar jobs, cartoon characters, sports, different animals, physics, and measurements, etc.

What kind of music were you listening to?

Ok now you have to sit down for this one, its going to take some time. In the 70’s it was early funk and disco. When I was little, my dad gave me a radio with a single cassette player. It was small enough to carry around. That’s when those radios were first getting popular. They didn’t make the big double cassette ghetto blaster yet. I didn’t have any brothers and I didn’t have many friends so I carried it a lot and listened to all kids of radio stations and all kinds of music. The black stations were AM1230 KGFJ, AM1580 KDAY, FM 103.9 K-Ace Rock, disco, pop stations were Kiss FM and others. The rock and roll was Kroq. Kiss also played rock and roll. The black music was R/B, soul early original funk –Isley brothers, Brothers Johnson, parliament, algreen, bootsy Collins, brass construction. The Disco was Foxy, Beegees, KC, and the sunshine band, rose Royce, Sylvester, Village People. Disco pretty much dominated that era. That’s probably why I love that up fast tempo style of poppin. I learned my beat and rhythm from the disco. Especially the two songs “Knock on wood” and “let dance across the floor”. If say, I was doing a showcase or was in a battle, and one of those songs came on, shit it would be over! The pop, rock and roll was old Michael Jackson, Doobie Brothers, B-52s, Jackson Brown, Rolling Stones. Oh and don’t let me forget! The whispers, blended funk with disco and really did damage! That was just the middle to late 70’s, early 80’s. When I was aware of the Poppin, “the first Era” (There were 2) was Original Funk, R/B soul up tempo, jazz funk. That’s when KGFJ and KDAY were the most popular radio stations. The funk came from : Isley brothers, parliament, cameo, dazz band, brick, Ohio players, tom brown, Zapp, Fat Back band, gap band, ray parker Jr, prince, invisible mans band, midnight starr, bill summers, and summers heat, Rick James bar. Every time anyone of these artists put out an album, you knew they brought the funk. There were others, but all of these that I named I personally kept up with. Then uncle Jams Army came (A collab of DJs featuring Egyptian Lover, Bobcat) When they came along with Afrika Bambaata and the soul sonic force, and kraftwerk (4 German guys that didn’t speak English they used their computers to translate and make their music. No instruments) In my opinion these three set the standard and originated the second phase called techno funk. The funk of the first era started from 74 till about 86, 88, 89. The techno started about 80s 81. blended with the first funk in the early to middle 80s, then took over about 85, 87. The first era took over from disco, but disco contributed to both eras.

How did you get your name?

My very first name (I kept to myself) I called myself Versatile Vibrator. Because my vibrating was my killer technique, along with my robotics. Then when I would go to a birthday party, school dance, or dance function, every time when the party would get around, 11:30, . It was at its peak of energy, crowded, hot, sweaty, the Djs were playing the most popular tunes. Everybody was at their peak and running out of steam. (you see, back then, people already show up around 8-9:00. unlike today, people don’t leave their house till around 10 or 11. Around 11:30 – 12:00 though that when I would just get started. So I figured since I’m full of energy around 12 midnight, dancing and acting a fool, I called myself a midnight dancer. And I heard of no one else using anything close, so I presented myself as the original midnight dancer. But now in the beginning of the techno funk ear, I cancelled that name and started going by the chocolate pop for 2 reasons. 1: in my neighborhood at the time, the majority of breakers with poppers were Hispanic, me being African American. It wasn’t long before as I walked down the street the youngsters would shout “what’s up Chocolate Pop” or “hey chocco pop”. Their parents would trip out it seams I could get their attention more than them. 2 everybody was using something with a popping style in their name – “Choco-pop”, boogaloo this, boogaloo that, sugar pop, struttin Steve, poppin Todd, waving wayne, etc so I figured that’s cool, but I changed for an important event.

Who are some of the dancers that made a real impact?

Personal opinion as far as individuals, to me shields and yarnell (the husband and wife robotic pantomime artists) Michael Jackson, Jeffery Daniels, Golden Robot, Boogaloo Sam, Jerry Cooper, Boppin Andre, Robot Prince, Karate Gene. I’m sure there a few others but no one can disagree with my choices. They can just add on. As far as groups, I would have to say – Unique dominoes, Royal Flush, Electric Boogaloos, Long Beach Time Bandits, La Body Control boppers, the confederates, demons of the mind, snap crackle and pop, heck and jeckle, I’m sure there were a few others.

Were you in a crew?

When we had our high school talent show in 1980, at manual arts I got in with the “Puppet Bros” (One arm Poplocker, Michael Facee, Sir Charles). But before that say 9th grade, Jerry Cooper wanted me to come to be with him, Boppin Andre, Yamo (the only known Asian to pop and he perfected 3d animation) and one more. They were called the “Confederates”. He loved my vibrating. I did it like no one has ever seen. He would bring other poppers to my house right, just to call me out and break on me. Sometimes I would be intimidated but then I would start to hit on them and vibrate. They would back off real quick. I couldn’t go with him through because my mom would let me get out to practice. She would beat my ass if I ditched school to poplock. After that period I got into “members only” Then I had later met “Popcorn” and later on came “King Night” so then we got together, created Freak Daddies of dance”. No Relation to the Freak Daddys”. My last group was Geo-Matrix (Poppin Chuck, Poppin Lady AK, Phantasm) What’s up Chuck? AK? Phantasm? What’s crackin?

Where were you from?

I was born in Detroit, but I’ve been out here since I was 3 (Los Angeles)

Was there a certain style your area was known for?

Ok, here we go and ill be honest from my experience. Now I cant speak for Compton, long beach, Inglewood, Pasadena, etc, you have to ask an OG of that city. But Ill say this, 80% of the poppers I’ve encountered and heard of during the first phase were into Robotic Bop, hitting, waves, ticks, and tuts. I barely saw any Boogalooing, if any. I didn’t see the Boogaloo Craze until the Electric Funk Phase. When everybody started going to Venice beach. That was our place to get together, similar to a bboy summit. Each crew in the first and second phases had their own unique styles. Example: LA Boppers – Bopping, Strobonics – 3D and strobing, Inglewood Boogalooers – Boogaloo, Roboters, etc.

What is the new generation missing?

To me originality and trying to do something no one has done. The names are original though.

How can we achieve this?

I say take some risks and chances, you’ll never know how a routine will be accepted if you don’t expose it.

What do you think is the difference between today’s scene and before?

No Creativity and not enough rivalries. Back in the day the tension and rivalries were on and cracking! You would say go to the mall right? Shopping and girl watching. They you would go either in or hang out around the record shop. They would play the music loud enough where you could hear it in the isles right? Then say midnight starr’s Electric City: would play right? You start hitting a little, get you a crowd, you know, attract girls. Then some other dude would look at you; figure that your weak then would break on you. You would get broke on, in front of the crowd and you would remember that. So you would go home get on the phone, tell your people and the battle and retaliation would be on! You would wait for either the next uncle jams army sponsored dance party or city wide festival. You would go 8-9 deep, dressed for war. They would come dressed and prepared for action. Word would spread quickly of a “call out”. So they were crowded, we would identify the rivals. The first one would face off, hit on each other, and then a member of each group would call out a member of the rival. It would go on until someone would run out of moves. And the crowd would determine who won the battle.

Who were some of the known poppers back then and what made them known?

Ill just name individuals so just be patient because I knew quite a bit. Besides the ones I’ve already mentioned, there was Snoopy, Robot-Ron, Tut-n-stein, Dr. Business, Sir Ticalot, the Milkman (RIP), Lizard, Rubber band man, the prince of pop, Robert Bell, Statistics, the pimp of Pop, snaking Dave, Frisco, Turbo Steve (RIP), Turbulent (RIP), Mr. Wave, Count Boppula, Smiley and Mario (Time Bandits), one arm bandit, tic tack, Boardman, Darryl stokes, Dollar Bill, Slick Dog, Mr. Animation, Scorpio, Strutt, Freak Daddy Mike and Gregg, no bones, Chuck, Danny, automatic, shit I cant remember right now but for “shout outs” ill remember.

Where were the hot spots to session/battle at? And how often did it go down?

Ok, during the first phase the hot spots were the malls (Fox hills and Hawthorne), Picnics at different parks, when DJs would set up shop on the grass using generators. The parks were Macarthur, Ladera, Centinela, Cheviot Hills, Culver City, Leruders in Compton, and Griffith Park. The funk fests at South west college. Then as the 2nd phase came, when uncle Jams army was at the LA Sports Arena, Pasedena civic Auditorium, Veteran auditorium in culver city, LA and long beach civic centers and Santa Monica civic. Every time they had a function, they brought and attracted 2 things. The funk, the females, and the poppers. Also on weekends Venice beach. That was the main get together, battle, showcase spot. And on holidays every popper would be there. Dancers came from Pomona, Riverside, the Bay Area, Pasadena, Compton, long beach, Costa mesa, etc. Oh and don’t let me forget the world wide known spot – Hollywood and Highland! Friday Saturday and Sunday nights were full of showcases and battles. And since tourists occupied that spit, poppers loved to show off that ass! And also the other main spot – The Radiotron. I’m not even going to talk about that. Ask another OG about that and see what he says. Also the LA street scene. Also school talent shows especially.

Who was your inspiration?

What inspired me was the competition. And watching others, the look on their faces ( you can look at a persons face when hes popping and tell if hes confident, scared, struggling, happy, if hes experienced, or a biter, angry or just straight on a mission. Especially if they are feeling the funk. My leader…I would say myself.

Can you still find inspiration from the new generation?

Fuck yea! Just watching these new cats and the very beginners. I see a lot of me in them when I started. Especially the fact the majority of New G;s aren’t black.

Did you hear about the poppers in the bay area before it hit LA?

Just Sam and Demons of the Mind

Who were some of the dancers that you used to hear stories of?

None, because I was in the thick of things, just like they were. So I witnessed the same history they were.

How were battles judged back then?

It depends on where. You see, in the first phase the majority of poppers were in high school. So we would compete in the schools talent shows. The best poppin act would be recognized. Some schools had taught shows that took the whole day, because it would have so many poppin acts. Some even made 2 talent shows. Once for singers, regular street dance or group acts, and the other half was strictly for the poppers. I know from when I went o manual arts, in 1980 – 1981 there were about 8 poppin acts alone. Now if you were in the street, the crowd would let you know! Period.

What do you think battles should be judged on?

Technique controlling the crowd, and how good your top moves are.

Skill level compared to back then, and now. What are the differences?

Well to me you have four different kinds of dancers. Dancers that are good for show, dancers that are technically comfortable, dancers that are all business, and dancers with heart. Show dancers are dancers that like to show off for the crowd. (example: Salah, Popcorn Chicken, Burst, Poppin Crazy, Mr.Animation) I love watching these cats. They always leave a good impression! Dancers with technicality are comfortable with that they do and they do a particular style and stick to just that style, which is just ok. Dancers that are all business , they don’t play, they look serious, they don’t smile, they have that killer instinct (example: Frantic, mike from France, Jr Boogaloo). When you get in a battle with one of these cats you better bring you’re ‘A’ game because they will bring theirs. Dancers with heart, that a dancer that either needs more practice or not technically right, but they feel the funk and just don’t care what no one says they just start doing their thing. I always make an effort to walk up to those kind, introduce myself, and make friends , give them props and encouragement and tell them to keep it up. Hell I even say if you want to work out or practice with me let me know, no problem.

Who did you want to battle back then? Now?

No one in particular. I had no enemies. I try to make friends with everybody. I just hope everyone feels the same about me. But now if someone calls me out, for the wrong reason school will be in session.

What do you feel about the internet being a big part of networking in the scene?

Good, very good. You find info faster. In the day we just had house telephone and word of mouth.

When did you get back into the scene?

During the 90’s I still had in my heart, but when my mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, I trained my nephew for a parade to keep his mind busy no on my mom. Then I told myself I was going to find 3 dudes train then, then put them in some dance contests. So I went o Hollywood, to highland and Hollywood blvd. to find some fresh faces. Then this dude (Tashombu) walked up to me and said “I know you from somewhere, you used to pop in the parade”. I told him my situation I gave him my number. He then gave it to poppin chuck. Chuck called me, we talked, had lunch , looked at footage and you know the rest.

What was the down time of poppin?

The late 80’s into the 90’s. People thought it was played out replacing it with the first hip hop, then house, then trendy style dancing.

What do you think brought poppin back?

It never 100% left, just pushed aside.

There are many debates about what people should pop to. What do you feel about the music out there?

You should pop, and robot, and boogaloo and etc to funk. Original uncut up tempo, techno, 70’s and 80’s Funk. No hip-hop. Hiphop is for hip-hop. Ballet is for classical. Modern Jazz is for pop and instrumental. Popping is for funk.

What legacy would you like to leave for the scene?

By me being the first street dance person to open the door for other troupes and acts for parade entries. That’s cool enough for me. Hopefully people will remember me as a cool friendly down to earth person. I’m just trying to make this a better place. No hate, no prejudice, everybody can get along.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get started?

Feel the music, feel the funk. Learn basics first then technique, then presence. Try to be original, don’t imitate another popper. Imitate yourself!

Any other words or shout outs?

First I have to acknowledge Poppin chuck, AK, and Phantasm. They put me up to date on who is who, where is who, etc etc. What’s up Geomatrix! Fresh and the LA breakers, Jerry Cooper for pushing my little fat ass all day. Boppin Andre, Poppin Pete, Boogaloo Sam, Shabba-doo, Boogaloo Shrimp, Mr.Don Campbellock and his entire locking crew. Sir nose, Karate Gene, original golden robot, tangerine, earthquake, sensei bop and the entire LA Boppers, Robot Prince, Scorpio, Fayzo, and the rest of the media Sirkas, snap crackle and pop, flat top, Jeckle, Mr.Animation, Chucho, Yamo, Jr Boogaloo, Bugs Bunny, Taco, Gerardo, Count Boppula, Automatic-the silver robot, unique dominoes, Royal Flush, the mechanical masters, long beach time bandits, Kool boy, slick dogg, Boardman, tempo, dollar bill, Daryl Stokes, No bones, Rubber band man, Zulu Gremlin, Robot dance, one armed bandit, poptart, frisco, Danny, Sir Tickalot, Popcorn, BurstRock, warlock, and whole funny bones crew, frantick, toxic, play boy eddie, refrain, boogie walker, preying mantis, future, tiffany, and the rest of the culture shock. Also Jetli, ms funk, Tito, bboy don, Tetris, Tin man, boogie bear, aira, lil John, Johhny-5, Blinky, Jrock, Pandora, Jsmooth, Kid Boogie, Sweet Sweeper, Nikodemus, wavomatic, Dj Rod, Will, Chadd, Ray Funk, Adverb, Salah, Mike, Awax, the Wiz Kids, etc. There are 8 people I want to holla at but im not sure of their names. But I know their faces. I want to say something about Ice Man. A lot of you guys need to give him more credit. The homeland popshop was about to be shut down twice, but he stuck his neck out just so people could have a spot. Next time you go there, holler at him and say thanks and show some love!

Now my thoughts are now going to those who aren’t here, that left their legacies behind for us to treasure. God Bless the following Souls: Skeeter Rabbit, Fossil (Gary), Tapu, The son of Jr Boogaloo, The milkman, Turbulent, Steve, Fred Barry, Papa Wiz, Poppin Chuck’s Mom, and the person that taught me how to move to the beat of the music and exposing me to all this. This person was into dance, art, treated people of all attitudes with kindness, and showed me to be your own person, had no enemies and helped people even when they didn’t deserve it: My mom.

I was judging the 2005 Top Dog Poppin Comp in Down town LA with Zulu Gremlin and Iceman. My mom was in her last days (caner). I told iceman and he said if I need help let him know. I told a few others and they had my back. My mom passed that following Saturday. I tried to reach out but no one was around. I finally caught up with iceman and was like “Fuck where is a friend when you need one.” He told me to come to homeland on Monday, we can raise some money to help burry her. So I came, the inside was closed do to repairs but people came (Frantic, Boogie Walker, Boogie Bear, Aira, Slick Dog, Tempo, Poppin Chuck, AK, The LA Boppers, Tetris, Tut Master, Bboy Don, Tiffany, Tin man, Fossil, Jetli, Waveomatic, and a few others) in the cold. Showcased and raised money for my mom. To all of you, and the ones who left messages on the internet – I thank you from my heart. Peace out!