MC Squared is an internationally renowned beatboxer from New Jersey. After winning all four rounds of Harlem's world famouse Apollo Theater Amateur Night Competition, he clenched the distinguished first-place title of 2002 Apollo Theatre Super Top Dog. He has been featured several times on the internationally televised productions "Showtime at the Apollo" and "Best of Showtime at the Apollo." He has performed with other beatboxers including Doug E. Fresh, Kenny Muhammad, Afra, Taylor McFerrin, Matisyahu, Kid Lucky, Baba and many more. He has also shared the stage with many other artists including Xzibit, Blackalicious & Lateef, J-Live, Sage Francis, Mr. Complex, Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, Living Legends, Anticon, Zion I, Murs, Jin tha MC, Atmosphere, DJ Kentaro, DJ Mitsu the Beats, The Oddjobs and many more. He continues to perform in countries all over the world. A boom click and he don't quit.

The first clip to grace our eyes is Squared performing on TV's "Showtime at the Apollo" and I'm not sure it is possible for a crowd could have loved a beatboxer more than the Apollo's studio audience. The DVD oozes from one performance to the next, seemlessly switching between venues and routines whilst crossing over genres and exploring sounds. I loved watching Squared standing behind decks and mixer, pretending to use them to the bemusement of stunned crowds. His popping/click sound is also a winner and the way he intricately weaves it between kicks and snares is something to behold.

Squared's repertoire of sounds is truly extraordinary, and they range from seering bass sounds through to filtered snares and exquisite sound effects. You can't help but smile at some of the humour-injected routines whilst letting your mouth drop at the delivery of some of the beat patterns. Something that stands out is Squared's ability to take a crowd with him, and beatboxers wanting to learn stage craft could do worse than to treat this DVD as a 45 minute performance tutorial.

The quality of the recorded audio and camera-work isn't always professional, but this DVD isn't about an edited studio production, it's about capturing raw, un-cut beatboxing talent at its best. How many beatboxing DVDs show a performance of beatbox and koto?

MC Squared is an entertainer. If you want to be entertained with 45 minutes of live footage then this DVD is for you. I guarantee that you'll be re-playing some of these clips over and over again.

Sources/references/links

MC Squared homepage