Charles “Poppin chuck “Bledsoe Charles Bledsoe better known throughout the Los Angeles hip-hop community as “Poppin Chuck”, a remarkable dance and visual artist who exemplifies the definition of a true school innovator. In the last decade , Charles has produced an abundance of graffiti art pieces and public murals . His art has blessed the walls of the California African American Museum, The Latino American Museum of Los Angeles, and the Rico Gallery in Santa Monica. Chuck’s natural talent for Locking and Popping has also earned him great respect amongst LA’s prominent street dance community. Poppin Chuck has danced in many circles along side the L.A. Breakers, Electric Boogaloos, L.A. Boppin Crew, LA’s Airforce crew and the Pomona City Wavers. Charles was born and raised in the heart of LA’s south central community. His first exposure to dance was by way of television. “I fell in Love with the music and dances of the 70’s.”he explains. Chuck’s musical influences include soul and funk artist such a Sly and the Family stone , James Brown,Rick James, and George Clinton. “I was amazed by the Lockers dancing on Soul Train and soon after, I started hanging out the neighborhood parties.” expresses Chuck. His dance training began in the early 80’s at popular stomping grounds. “ All breaking , Locking, and Popping Crews would come out and represent at The Radio, world on wheels, Hollywood and Highland, Uncle Jams Army,and at the Ultra Wave Parties,” says Chuck. Around the same time, Chuck developed a fascination with Graffiti art. Having watched the movie “Beat street” and reading through subway art a history and collection of graffiti art on the east coast, chuck knew graffiti would help develop his natural drawing abilities. I discovered drawing at a very young age and learned basic visual art techniques in high school, he adds. After rocking graffiti pieces in the R.T.A yard on Jefferson and La Brea, Chuck was later commissioned to do murals with organizations such as S.P.AR.C, DADA, The California African American Museum, and the world famous “ Our contribution piece on the Crenshaw Wall. In 1993 he joined In Creative Unity (ICU), a collective of graffiti artist ( directed by Stash Maleski) who exhibit their work through gallery shows and community events. ICU has also secured contracts for their artist to work in music video set and stage design. Chuck has helped to create artwork for superstars Mya, Bow Wow, KRS- One, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. In 1997, Chuck formed his own Locking and Poppin Crew, Geo-Matrix with dance partner A.K. Geo-Matrix has performed with rapper Medusa&the feline Science for various Smoke out and spit kicker hip-hop tours. Poppin chuck Presently resides in Chicago where he performs with group Robot M.A.F.I.A,T.A.F, and teaches with prominent arts organizations such as Kuumba Lynx, After school Matters, Urban gateways, and Sol Arts Collective. He currently produces and exhibits visual artworks through The National Hip hop congress and Rumble Arts. "Hip-Hop has influenced my life greatly. It has provided an outlet for truly tapping into my creative strengths and talents. I am hip-hop", He Proudly states. Located at ID Gym 2727 N Lincoln . Red line to Belmont transfer to brown line, exit Diversey. Walk west about 3 blocks to Lincoln, make a left on Lincoln and walk 1/2 block. 76 Diversey bus and 11 Lincoln bus will take you there as well. View map to the below. |
