B-Boys

The article by Schloss, entitled Like Old Folk Songs Handed Down From Generation to Generation: History, Canon, and Community in B-Boy Culture, in my opinion is mostly about the details of b-boy culture. It describes the technical aspects of the dance, terminology, development, and other aspects. One of the most interesting arguments I found is how modern hip hop culture is straying away from the complete four elements: MC, DJ, b-boy, and graffiti. Modern rap/hip hop songs are too slow for break dancing and the rapper is becoming the most esteemed element, with the DJ a distant second. Schloss argues that the emphasis on the MC leads to a superficial hip hop. He maintains that only with the dance element can it be called true hip hop.

Discussion:
Is break dancing as necessary a part of hip hop culture as it used to be? Can hip hop truly be called so without it?