When I discovered beatbox in 2007, I really had no idea what it was.
I remember I’d just got ADSL (“high-speed” internet connection at the time) when I came across my first beatbox video.
I watched it over and over again, without really understanding how it was possible to sing and make a rhythm at the same time!
So I thought It required a gift or a superpower to be able to make music with my mouth.
A few days later, I met up with a friend with whom I’d lost touch.
He told me he was learning beatboxing through workshops with L.O.S, the first French champion (in 2006).
So I asked him to give me a demo and he showed me:
… P t K t P t P K t …
It was even more impressive than the video even if he was just starting out!
Above all, I realised that anyone can learn to beatbox and that all it takes is a bit of practice.
I’ve been beatboxing for 17 years now, but if it were up to me, I really wish I’d discovered it sooner 😉
Today, I’m sharing with you my TOP 5 videos that make you want to learn to beatbox:
#5: Rahzel – If your mother only knew
Rahzel, aka “The Godfather of Noise”.
A true precursor of human beatbox, he made a name for himself in the 2000s with his beatbox-only cover of Aaliyah’s song “If your mother only knew”.
Rahzel Live “If Your Mother Only Knew”
What is most impressive is his ability to create vocal percussion while simultaneously singing the text.
In fact, he uses percussive elements (the beat) to punctuate the syllables of the lyrics.
Once this technique has been mastered, the sequence of sounds is so fast that the auditory illusion is perfect.
#4: Kenny Muhammad in the Human Chamber Orchestra
Like Rahzel, Kenny Muhammad aka “The Human Orchestra” is a true pioneer of Human Beatbox.
In the 2000s, when the Internet was still relatively inaccessible and beatbox learning even less so, Kenny Muhammad arrived with his own style, distinguished by his percussive sounds and revolutionary rhythms.
Kenny Muhammad in the Human Chamber Orchestra
Like a real drummer, he popularised the inward K snare, an inspired beatbox sound that allows you to catch your breath.
#3: 4 minutes Hip Hop History by Eklips
As well as being an excellent beatboxer, Eklips is also an outstanding imitator.
Able to cover the vocals of virtually any American or French rapper, Eklips has made a major contribution to raising the profile of beatboxing in France.
In a video medley, he has fun covering hip-hop classics in beatbox, adding quality transitions just like a DJ!
4 minutes Hip Hop History by Eklips
A very effective talent when it comes to impressing those around him!
Needless to say, with a loop pedal (Loop Station) to record his rhythms, his talent is multiplied tenfold.
#2: Joseph de la nouvelle star aka Poolpo
It was the buzz video that personally launched me into beatboxing in 2007.
What a surprise it was to see this beatboxer appear on a programme initially dedicated to singers.
After a perfectly ordinary entrance, he offered to do a beatbox piece before singing, and then the magic happened…
Joseph de la nouvelle star a.k.a. Poolpo
Once again, it’s mainly his mastery of humming (a technique that involves humming while beatboxing at the same time) and his covers of super-famous songs that win over all the judges and spectators.
#1: BERYWAM – Audition Tu Si Que Vales (Beatbox)
Who else but BERYWAM could have topped this chart?
Originally made up of four beatboxers with a unique style: BEatness, RYthmind, WAwad and MB14, later replaced by Beasty (BERYWAM).
These unrivalled artists honed their skills in the French championships and other artistic projects, before going on to form the most iconic beatbox group of our generation.
Their growing success has seen them perform on TV in numerous countries: France, Italy, USA, etc., and they have become the most followed French group on TikTok at the time of writing.
Here’s one of their performances that broke all viewing records.
BERYWAM – Audition Tu Si Que Vales (Beatbox)
These performances have impressed millions of people, both in France and abroad.
They also inspired some beatbox fans (like me) to learn.
Personally, I was lucky enough to be able to attend introductory workshops in my town afterwards, but not everyone is in the same situation.
That’s why we founded LYREBIRD, so you can learn beatbox online from the best!
And what about you? What videos made you want to learn beatbox?
I’m curious to know if you know of any others, so please reply in the comments if you’d like to share them with us 🙂
In the meantime, thank you for reading and I’ll see you soon for more content to help you learn and progress in beatbox!
DùJ’, beatbox fan for 17 years.
Special mentions to: Bobby Mcferrin, Beardyman, Tom Thum, Dub FX, Felix Zenger, Saïan Supa Crew, Killa Kela, Doug E. Fresh, Michael Winslow, Equipe d’Art-Hifis …
Note: This ranking is based solely on my personal experience and opinion and is in no way an official ranking. If your opinion is different, share it with us in the comments and explain why. We look forward to hearing from you!
