After an amazing trip to Santa Barbara where he taught three classes for our students at Santa Barbara High School, one master class for UCSBreakin at UCSB, and judged the I Need a Break Volume III Battle, Creative Netwerk Board Member, YNot, reflected on the week of connection, community, and creativity.

1. Can you share a little bit about your role for Creative Netwerk? 

I was asked to be a board member last year - I like to use my understanding of the artistry to contribute to decisions. I have a lot of ideas on how we can get the world out artistically and bring people together. To me it’s all about how to get people into a space excited and talking. 

2. What was your experience like teaching the classes at Santa Barbara High school? 

I had an awesome time at SBHS, I love teaching. I have taught at Texas Tech for three years now, and I always have an interest in seeing other places and other schools and the different dynamics. I learn a lot from going into these new spaces about different communities, different levels, seeing what people pick up on and how they process the info differently. It’s a younger generation now, so I like to challenge their expectations of what hip hop is.

3. What did you enjoy most about your class at UCSB with Ucsbreakin and the I Need A Break Event? 

We had an amazing turnout for both the class and the event. During the class we spent a lot of time building and talking which was a nice treat. The students were super engaged and I had a great time connecting with them more. Everything went pretty smoothly at the event, the battles were pretty intense and everyone really showed out. My favorite part was the 7 to Smoke, everyone really rallied to support the students who stepped in and brought an awesome energy. 

4. What goals do you have for Creative Netwerk in the future? 

I think it would be great to hold a national event where we can culminate and bring together as many people as possible from all of our chapters. We spend so much time doing work and holding events in each individual chapter, it would be great to have something that brings us all together.