We’ve had a week to digest what went down on September 2nd in Paris, and we were treated to the deepest field ever in the World Final. So, what did we learn?
1. Rubix and Kuty finally deliver on the hype.
As young members of the super-popular Criminalz crew, the Les Twins and Waydi comparisons followed Rubix and Kuty in droves. After a stunning loss in the Paris preselections, they were invited to replace another team and were immediately tipped as top favorites to win. They produced two of the most exciting Clash rounds in the competition and easily made it through the pools. Both advanced to the Last 8, but their run ended once Rubix lost in the Last 4. Although I find them over-reliant on beatkills and sometimes repetitive, their energy and style made them fan-favorites, and dangerous contenders, throughout. Their results indicate a step towards a big win in the future, and they’ll be back to take the World Final soon enough.
Watch: Rubix & Kuty vs Liza & ET
2. Rubix and Kuty arrived, but Joris is the future.
It was Joris and Kartoon who upset Rubix and Kuty in the Paris preselections, yet the upstart Frenchmen somehow flew under the radar heading into the event.
They dominated the Clash against Grichka and Ace 974, where Joris produced one of the top rounds of the tournament. He was electric in the pools and won 2 battles, but unfortunately was injured and unable to compete in the Last 8. His combination of energy and creativity makes him one of the most exciting battlers out there, and it’s worth wondering if he could have battled his way to the final without that injury. He’s a deadly contender for the future, and his running mate Kartoon is no slouch either.
Watch: Joris & Kartoon vs Ace 974 & Grichka
3. The Krumpers can’t get it done.
Boy Mijo and Baby Snoop had no business being in the pools: they were completely outmatched in the Clash by Kaio and Lord Finesse and were somehow gifted the win. Perhaps the expectation was that the krumpers would show out and dominate the pools as they typically do. However, they only managed a single win each, and Baby Snoop should have lost to Mels to make it only one between them both.
I’m still salty about their Clash result knowing that we never got to see Lord Finesse do his damage in the pools. In the end, the krump duo produced more controversy than excitement.
Watch: Lord Finesse & Kaio vs Baby Snoop & Boy Mijo
4. Sylencer is dope
When the litefeet duo of Jayy Black and Sylencer was announced as the first guest team, it was Jayy Black who garnered the lion’s share of attention. When it was all said and done, it was Sylencer who impressed the most. Most litefeet dancers prefer to go fast and cram in as many hat tricks and shoe tricks as possible. However, Sylencer is slow and controlled, infusing some animation in his freestyle to set up his big shoe tricks. It was entrancing and cool, and it was nearly enough to get him to the Last 8.
5. Candyman surprises us all… again.
Last year, Candyman arrived to Fusion Concept with Ness as one of the “weaker” guest teams. His Cinderella run to the Last 4 shocked us all, taking out established stars Sadeck and Diablo along the way.
He returned in 2018 as a challenger with new teammate Mels. Seen by some as potential Clash casualties, Candyman again rose to the occasion and battled deep into the competition. His pool battle against Marvin and his stunning win over Rubix highlighted an even more impressive run by the locking sensation. He eventually lost to Greenteck and Slim Boogie in the finals, where he finally ran out of gas and inventive moves. Thanks to Candyman’s amazing performance, he brought Mels to the finals where she became the first woman ever to reach that stage.
6. Slim Boogie dominated Fusion Concept from start to finish.
Slim Boogie and Greenteck were the top favorites to win, and they delivered. Greenteck is fantastic in his own right, but Slim Boogie was a stratosphere above everybody else in this event. His slower, hypnotic popping style is an amazing contrast to the traditional fast and furious popping that’s dominated the scene since it’s inception. Every time this guy stepped on the floor, he produced a breathtaking and creative performance. Kefton was spectacular against Slim in the Last 8 yet it still didn’t feel close. Many of us thought that Skitzo would return to Fusion Concept to become its first American winner. Instead, it was the smooth virtuoso Slim Boogie who dominated the floor with astounding ease.
As a final note, 2019 will be the 10th edition of Fusion Concept (the 7th in the 2v2 format). Ghetto Style has announced that they have some big plans for next year’s event, so the speculation should start building in the next few months. Until then, let’s enjoy what went down here in 2018.
All rounds from the 2018 edition, except for Candyman vs Rubix, can be found on the TvGhettoStyle YouTube page. All images from Ghetto Style and Fusion Concept.
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