Early Years

At 10 years old, Jamel took great interest in the Hip Hop culture and started learning Electric Boogie. A New York style derivative of a dance style called popping from California that influenced this Bronx offshoot style. He also learned Breaking and Locking. After being introduced by friends, he eventually became a member of the street dance crew called, The Float Committee. With strong passion, devotion, hard work good tutelage under other members he quickly became recognized for his talent in the crew. In 1983, Jamel, along with Robert Steele formed the Fantastic Duo where he captivated audiences with his mesmerizing skills by winning numerous talent shows and breakdance competitions between the ages of 12 and 13. As a founding member of Fantastic Duo, he and Robert won 2nd prize in the finals of the 92 KTU Big Breakdance Contest. An event that was held at the famous Roxy’s Roller skating Rink and was also the location of the movie “Beat Street” which the Fantastic Duo were a featured crew. He also toured with the Fresh Festival Rap Tour around the United States with the days biggest artists. During the same period, Jamel was exposed to Kung Fu at an even earlier age and used to mimic the moves from the films. Then at 14, he sought out Master Cheung Wah and began learning Kung Fu under him. A young Jamel noticed that training in Kung Fu further developed his abilities as a dancer. At 16, Jamel got heavily involved in the club scene and went to dance at the popular Latin Quarters, and Union Square nightclubs. He also joined Mr. Wiggles as a member of the Rhythm Technicians and performed at a few events before uniting with old friends and dancing at clubs several nights a week.

Golden Era

Hip Hop music has always influenced dance and during this golden era, Jamel was apart of the birth of Hip Hop Freestyle. Owed to his unique style of dance that combines various street dance styles, flexibility, finesse and charismatic action, he became known as Loose Joint. Having built an strong chemistry with Buddha Stretch and Link while dancing and working together with numerous artist aschoreographers in music videos, world tours, and televised performances, they founded the crew, Elite Force on the set of Michael Jackson’s video, “Remember The Time.” Doing videos with the likes of Mariah Carey, Will Smith, Jay-Z and other afforded him the reputation amongst the most respected of hip hop dancers from New York.

Hip Hop and Kung Fu

Maintaining his interest in martial arts, in 95’, Loose became a student of a famous 34th generation Shaolin Temple Monk named, Shi Guolin. Loose is a 1st generation disciple of Shi Guolin and an accomplished practitioner and teacher in Shaolin Kung Fu. His life reflects the union of both Hip Hop and Kung Fu. Today, a shinning example of a dancer living his dreams he tirelessly teaching internationally, judging and performing as a true pioneer in the Hip Hop culture.