Movie critics often say sequels are never as good as the original—but Oakland To All’s Hella Hyphy Ball was proof the rule doesn’t apply to outdoor ballroom vogue. The event, a follow up to last year’s Back with a Vengeance Ball, returned to to Lake Merritt on Saturday, September 10, just before Oakland Pride. Vogueing categories included Butch Realness, Sex Siren, Thizzle Dance (vogueing to hyphy music), and Tag Team Performance, all for $10,000 in total cash prizes. Click through our slideshow for a recap of the fashion, music, and surprise guests.
Keak da Sneak and Oakland Turfers. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Keak da Sneak and Oakland Turfers. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Keak da Sneak and Oakland Turfers. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
“Face” category contestant. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
“Face” category contestant. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
“Sagging” denim on denim category. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Sex Siren category. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
“Thizzle Dance” category. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
“Thizzle Dance” category. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
“Thizzle Dance” category. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Legendary Overall Father Renaldo Alpha Omega and Rome Ebony. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
‘The Legend and the understudy” category. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
“Pixar” category contestant. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
The crowd at Hella Hyphy Ball. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Culture Shock performs at Hella Hyphy Ball 
Culture Shock performs at Hella Hyphy Ball 
Culture Shock performs at Hella Hyphy Ball 
A dance party breaks out. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Dashaun Wesley of “Legendary” performs. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Dashaun Wesley of “Legendary” performs. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Dashaun Wesley of “Legendary” performs. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
DJ Spider at Hella Hyphy Ball. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
DJ Spider at Hella Hyphy Ball. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
International commentator Snookie West. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Karma 007 competes. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Keak da Sneak performs. Photo by Estefany Gonzales 
Dancers compete in the Virgin Vogue “Krumping” category 
Oakland to All organizers Leo Gorgeous Gucci, Guerrilla Pump, Ashlee Basquiat, Shea 007 
The organizers hype things up. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
Pu Tang Clan performs. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
The crowd at Hella Hyphy Ball. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
The crowd at Hella Hyphy Ball. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez 
The crowd at Hella Hyphy Ball. Photo by Estefany Gonzalez
