History
We started out as B-boys, Breaking in the local parks. As we got deeper into Hip-hop culture, we started organizing local events and soon decided to start doing a weekly event called Catalyst. We opened our doors on September 8, 2001 and have met consistently every Saturday night since opening, missing only 2 nights due to hurricanes. We evolved from being just a b-boy event to encompassing all four elements of Hip-hop, graffiti, MCíng & DJíng & break dancing.
Close to three years ago we added on 2 other nights: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Tuesdays...
Tuesdays are our practice/cypher nights, where b-boys/b-girls can come and practice & writers can get down on the wall or just come out to lounge.
Thursdays...
Thursdays we get together for open discussions on faith/life issues and pizza.
Saturdays...
The first Saturday of every month (unless other local jams are taking place) we have a B-boy battle with a five dollar entry. The second and last Saturdays are our Saturday Mic Live (MC nights). (See calendar page)
Saturday Mic Live...
Saturday Mic Live is an event organized for MC's to cypher,perform and battle. While this is going on b-boys/b-gilrs are also breaking in another room and writers are getting down on an 80 foot legal wall.
B-boy/B-girl Battles...
B-boy battles vary from being 1-on-1, 2-on-2 and crew battles. We also do specialty battles such as power, footwork, uprock & Brooklyn rock battles.
Mission
Catalyst is a true Christ-centered organization that exists for the purpose of unifying and bringing peace to the Hip-Hop culture. It is also a community where people from all walks of life with different worldviews can come together for an open dialogue regarding the life, mission and message of Jesus Christ. We respect all points of view and don't force our opinions and beliefs on anyone- ALL are welcome.
Vision
To provide a place for the true culture of Hip-hop to grow and prosper, while challenging it to grow Spiritually and mature holistically.
Who we are
My name is Joel Stigale. I was born & raised in Miami and I've been involved in Hip-Hop culture all of my life. I came up as a B-boy and have had the opportunity to meet and have meaningful conversations with the original founders of all four of the cultures of Hip-Hop. I have a great respect for the art, culture and creativity of true Hip-Hop. The two great passions of my life are Christ first, then Hip-Hop. It was natural for me to put them together and Catalyst is the result.
