Wayne Breedlove, a prominent figure in Richmond’s entertainment and community scenes, died at age 56 on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2025. Affectionately known as “Bree” to friends and loved ones, Breedlove was a dancer, athlete, counselor and community activist whose vibrant personality and talents left a lasting impact.

Breedlove gained recognition in the 1980s and ’90s as a dancer alongside Richmond rap artists Mr. Melody (Michael Braxton) and Sam The Beast. His dynamic performances introduced him to a generation of audiences in the city and beyond.

“Bree was already an incredible club dancer when I met him,” said Braxton, whose 1989 hit “Funk Motor” propelled the group to tour the East Coast.

“When I saw his talent, I knew I had to bring him on board. Bree and Lou [Barber] together were as good as [rapper Big Daddy Kane’s dancers] Scoob and Scrap.”

Lou Barber, Breedlove’s dance partner and close friend of over 30 years, recalled their first meeting through a dance battle that blossomed into a lifelong brotherhood. “We had similar styles and builds, so it just clicked,” Barber said. “We toured with Mr. Melody, then moved on to dance with Sam The Beast, whose hit ‘Knock Some Boots’ took us across the country, from Hawaii to New York.”

 Lou Barber and the late Wayne Breedlove during their dancing days in the 1990s.
 

Beyond the stage, Breedlove’s relationships extended far deeper. “He was more than a friend; he was family,” Barber said. “He was like an uncle to my kids, and I was the same to his. We did everything together—from smoking cigars to just being there for one another. That bond started with dancing and grew into something much more.”

Kim Hunter, who shares a daughter with Breedlove, reflected on his compassionate spirit. “He had a heart of gold,” she said. “Wayne loved hard, big and often. He touched so many lives, and we’ll cherish his memory forever.”

Jerome Becton, a football teammate with the Virginia Hornets, echoed those sentiments. “Wayne was my brother. He worked passionately with special needs children and ran his own group home. He was always there for others and showed love to everyone he met.”

Braxton explained that he maintained a close relationship with Breedlove after their musical partnership ended.

“We smoked cigars together (Braxton is the founder of the Smoke & Vine Festival), and we remained brothers. He was a good father, and he left this earth working for the kids. He had his own group home, and he was always lending a helping hand.”

Breedlove is survived by his children, Chanelle, Rashelle, Dymond, Ciara, Ymani, Kamryn, Zuri, Kiya and Wayne Jr.; grandchildren, Sage, Maliyah, and Teron; mother, Florence Breedlove; siblings, Tonya (Derrick), Yasin (Erica), Jannat, Lamar and Antoine; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Breedlove. He also is survived by his fiancée, Niawasa Jackson.

Funeral services will be held at noon Jan. 24 at United Nations Church International, 214 Cowardin Ave.