The Next Generation of Beatboxers Blowing Up Around the World

And unlike the world of hip-hop, where the goal is to outdo your opponents and declare yourself number one, beatboxing favors a more collaborative approach.

In a televised battle in Mexico City, two artists — El Akdmiko and Owner Beatz — seemingly compete against one another. But while one beatboxes, the other dances to his competitor’s flow. When one switches up the beat to make it a little bit more like reggaeton, the other follows suit. “It’s a conversation,” says Mullady, and one that she’s often had with non-English speakers.

As beatboxing popularity spawns widespread competitions, an international championship, and even a beatboxing-only television network, here are some massive talents taking it to the next level.

ALEM (France)

Current vice-world champion beatboxer. Distinct style, hella dubstep influence. From what I can tell, his beats are less melodic and more focused on speed and variation. The French-born DJ began by “copying the beats I made on the drums.”

BMG (France)

Goes by the tagline, “Human beatbox is universal.” Seamlessly balances two disparate rhythms/basslines at once. Names Jamaican dancehall as a big influence.

Mouzik the Dream Team (Taiwan)

From Taipei, Taiwan, come three young men who function like an a capella beatboxing choir — each person imitating a different instrument.

Kaila Mullady (USA)

From Long Island, NY. She’s a big presence in the beatboxing world, and among its remarkably few women. Mullady travels several times a month, plays shows across the country, and occasionally the world.

While Mullady views the obvious gender disparity in her scene as something like fodder — “it’s motivating,” she says — she faces a barrage of odd comments after each performance.

“I get off stage, and the compliment I get is such a backhanded one. It’s always like, ‘Oh my god, that’s so good for a girl!”

She also teaches beat rhyming to children. It’s “helping kids figure out, what is the music in your head?”

Who are your favorite beatboxers?