Founder & Director | Ben “Boxwon” Barnes

Ben “BoxWon” Barnes is the founder of Bred2Burn, a Hip Hop education and development program dedicated to inspiring and empowering communities through dance, culture, and creativity.

Born in West Philadelphia, Ben has built an international reputation as a world-class breaker, educator, and producer. Since 2009, he has represented on the global breaking circuit, earning championships and respect as a former member of the World Champion Monster Energy Breakers .

Through Bred2Burn, Ben has shared his philosophy and teaching across the world—from Japan and Spain to France, Germany, and beyond—bridging the gap between Hip Hop culture and education. In the U.S., he has partnered with leading universities including Harvard, Princeton, Temple, Johns Hopkins, and Penn State, bringing Hip Hop into academic spaces as a tool for learning, identity, and empowerment.

In addition to his work with Bred2Burn, Ben also serves as Director of Operations at Hip Hop Fundamentals, a nationally recognized arts education organization that uses Hip Hop to educate, engage, and empower students in the public sector. His collaborations with institutions and brands such as the International Olympic Committee, NBC, FIBA, Ethik Worldwide, Monster Energy, and the Philadelphia 76ers showcase the wide impact of his artistry and vision.

Rooted in his community, Ben remains a mentor, ambassador, and cultural leader in Philadelphia, dedicated to preparing the next generation to push the culture—and themselves—further than ever before.