Gangsta Walking, also known as G-Walk, Buckin', Tickin', Jookin', and Choppin', is an African American street dance that began among African-American communities in Memphis, Tennessee [1] in the 1980s. [2] [3]
Gangsta Walking, also known as G-Walk, Buckin', Tickin', Jookin', and Choppin', is an African American street dance that began among African-American communities in Memphis, Tennessee [1] in the 1980s. [2] [3]
In the 1980s, [3] the Bovan Crime Family created a dance in Memphis, Tennessee known as the Bovan Walk, from which Gangsta Walking later derived. [4] Prior to its growth in local popularity when the song "Gangsta Walk" debuted, Gangsta Walking was frequently done when songs, such as Triggaman, were played by DJ Spanish Fly at Club Expo and Club No Name. [4] [3] Gangsta Walking was earliest characterized in the song, "Gangsta Walk," by DJ Spanish Fly [1] in the late 1980s. [2] Memphis-style Gangsta Walking ultimately developed from New Orleans-style Buck Dancing and Bounce music via the Buck Jump, which includes stylized chanting and a high-energy crunk style; it adopted the motions of Buck Jumping, such as arm swinging and heavy stepping, and contributed an additional march in circles onto the dance floor. [1] The Gangsta Walk was showcased nationally in the 1993 music video, "Gangsta", by the group G-Style, [3] whose members were Romeo, Wolf, and Hurricane. Three 6 Mafia later performed Gangsta Walking as well. [1]
Regarding the early stages in the development of Gangsta Walking at local Memphis clubs, DJ Spanish Fly stated: "And then when it was known that it was time to do the buck jump when I come on, that's when it was on because everybody was organised. I came up and you’d just see 'em. A good 300 people could fit on the dance floor, no problem. And they'd go in a big circle, a big wide circle. You could feel the air hit you and shit when they was goin' around buckin'." [2]
In the 1993 music video, "Gangsta", by the group G-Style, G-Style member Romeo states: "We feel that getting buck can release frustration, have fun, and be cool all at the same time." [4]
There are variations of styles for the Gangsta Walk:
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