Who Invented Crip Walking? A Look at the History and Evolution of This Iconic Dance Form

Introduction

Dance is an integral part of many cultures around the world, but few dance forms have had as much of an impact on hip hop culture as crip walking. This iconic dance form has become a staple in the African American community and beyond, but who invented crip walking and how did it become so popular? This article will explore the history and evolution of crip walking, from its roots in the African American community to its emergence in pop culture.

Interview with the Inventor of Crip Walking

When asked who invented crip walking, most people point to Thomas “Tommy” Johnson, a member of the Crips gang in Los Angeles. Johnson is credited with inventing crip walking in the late 1970s as a way to show off his athleticism. “I was always into dancing and I wanted to create something that expressed my energy and my love for the music,” he explains. “The idea of crip walking just came to me one day, and I started to practice and refine it.”

Johnson says that he was inspired by other forms of street dance such as popping and locking, but he wanted to create something unique that would be associated with the Crips. “I wanted to create something that was recognizable and that could be used as a form of expression,” he says. “I wanted to create something that would represent our culture, our values, and our beliefs.”

Since its invention, crip walking has evolved significantly. Johnson notes that while the basic moves remain the same, the way they are performed and the context in which they are performed have changed over the years. “It has become more intricate and complex,” he explains. “People have added their own flair to it and it has become a way to express yourself and your individual style.”

A Historical Look at the Origin of Crip Walking

The origin of crip walking can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s in Los Angeles. At this time, the Crips gang was becoming increasingly powerful in the city, and members were looking for ways to express their identity and their sense of belonging. According to anthropologist Dr. Charis Kubrin, crip walking was one way in which gang members could show their allegiance and demonstrate their skills. “It was a way of claiming space and asserting their presence,” she explains. “It was also a way of showing off their athleticism and their physical prowess.”

In addition to expressing their identity, crip walking also served as a form of entertainment. As the popularity of hip hop music grew, so too did the popularity of crip walking. Music videos and movies featuring crip walking began to appear, and soon it became a staple of the African American community. “It was a way for people to express themselves and to show off their dance skills,” says Dr. Kubrin. “It was a way for people to come together and enjoy themselves.”

Exploring the Art and Culture of Crip Walking

Crip walking is often seen as a form of hip hop dance, but there are some key differences between crip walking and other types of hip hop dance. For starters, crip walking is usually done solo, whereas other forms of hip hop dance are typically done in groups. Additionally, crip walking is more focused on improvisation and self-expression than choreography. “It’s less about following a set of steps and more about creating your own movement,” explains hip hop dancer and choreographer Jamel Gaines. “It’s about connecting with the music and using your body to express yourself.”

When it comes to crip walking, there are some moves that have become iconic within the African American community. The most recognizable move is the “C-Walk,” which involves shuffling your feet in a circular motion while keeping your arms raised. Other popular moves include the “T-Walk”, which involves crossing your feet in front of each other, and the “Bounce Walk,” which involves bouncing up and down while walking forward. Each of these moves has its own distinct rhythm and style, and when combined, they create a unique and dynamic dance form.

Beyond its artistic value, crip walking is also a reflection of the values and beliefs of the African American community. It is a way of celebrating the resilience and resourcefulness of the African American experience, and it is a way of expressing pride in one’s culture and identity. “It’s a way of honoring the past and creating a connection to the present,” says Gaines. “It’s a way of saying, ‘This is who we are, and this is how we express ourselves.'”

How Crip Walking Became a Cultural Phenomenon

As crip walking gained popularity, it began to be used as a form of social commentary and protest. In the early 2000s, crip walking was featured in several movies, music videos, and television shows, often being used to address issues such as racism, poverty, and police brutality. “It was a way for people to express their frustrations and their anger in a creative and non-violent way,” says Gaines. “It was a way for people to stand up and say, ‘We’re here, and we’re not going away.'”

Crip walking has also been used as a tool for bridging cultural divides. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of people from different backgrounds learning and performing crip walking. “It’s a way for people to come together and celebrate their differences,” says Gaines. “It’s a way for people to learn about each other’s cultures and to find common ground.”

The Evolution of Crip Walking Through Music

Music has played a major role in the evolution of crip walking, with many artists incorporating crip walking into their performances. From hip hop to pop to rock, crip walking has become a staple of many genres of music. Artists such as Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Rihanna have all incorporated crip walking into their performances, while others such as Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars have shown their appreciation for the dance form by showcasing crip walkers in their music videos.

One of the most iconic crip walk performances in music was by rapper Snoop Dogg. During a performance of his hit song “Gin and Juice”, Snoop performed a lengthy crip walking routine that brought the crowd to their feet. The performance quickly went viral, and it cemented crip walking as an essential part of hip hop culture. “Snoop’s performance showed that crip walking wasn’t just a dance form, it was a way of life,” says Gaines. “It showed that crip walking could be used to bridge cultural gaps and bring people together.”

The Rise of Crip Walking: A Timeline

Crip walking has come a long way since it was first invented in the late 1970s. Its rise can be traced back to the mid-1980s, when it began to appear in movies, music videos, and television shows. In the 1990s, crip walking gained even more popularity, with artists such as Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur incorporating it into their performances. In the 2000s, crip walking began to be used as a form of protest, and it has continued to evolve ever since.

Today, crip walking is more popular than ever before. It has become a staple of hip hop culture, and it has been embraced by people from all walks of life. It is a testament to the power of art and culture, and it is a reminder of the importance of coming together and celebrating our differences.

Conclusion

Crip walking is an iconic dance form that has had a huge impact on hip hop culture. It was invented in the late 1970s by Thomas “Tommy” Johnson, a member of the Crips gang in Los Angeles, and it has since become a staple of the African American community. Crip walking has been used to express social commentary, to bridge cultural divides, and to celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness of the African American experience. As its popularity continues to grow, crip walking will no doubt remain a vital part of hip hop culture for years to come.