Hit Dem Folks

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Two dancers "hitting dem folks" Hitdemfolks.png
Two dancers "hitting dem folks"

Hit Dem Folks is an American hip-hop dance trend popularized in 2015. [1] The move is characterized by a sequence of arm movements, including crossing the arms twice, raising them in a 'U' shape, and bending them inwards. The gesture became a cultural phenomenon, particularly through its dissemination on video-sharing platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Vine, and Dubsmash. The dance move, often performed to specific hip-hop tracks, has been embraced by dancers, athletes, celebrities, and other public figures, contributing to its viral spread and cultural significance. [2] [3] Hit Dem Folks is one of many dance trends to originate from Southern rap culture, with the dance duo, Ayo and Teo, having played a major role in popularizing the move.

Contents

Origin

The dance is thought to have originated in Columbus, Georgia, in the early 2010s. A YouTube video filmed in 2011, and uploaded in 2015, features a man nicknamed "JacRabbit," showing off an earlier version of the move, hinting at a potential role in the creation of the trend. [4] Initially popularized among local dancers, Hit Dem Folks spread to the broader Atlanta street dance scene, a hub for Southern rap and hip-hop culture, where it gained significant traction. The dance's popularity was further amplified by its association with the 2015 track "Walked In" by Atlanta-based rapper Bankroll Fresh, which became the first widely recognized song to accompany the dance. [5]

Dance Description

Hit Dem Folks consists of a brief sequence of arm movements rather than a fully choreographed routine. The dance involves a series of arm crosses followed by the signature "hit," where the performer raises their arms, bends them inward toward the center of the body, and often lifts one leg. [6] Typically performed to hip-hop or trap music, the "hit" is synchronized with a specific beat in the track, resembling a flexing pose.

Cultural Impact and Spread

Hit Dem Folks became a viral sensation in 2015, driven by its adoption on social media platforms, where dancers showcased the move in challenges and group dance videos. Hit Dem Folks influenced the development of a distinct format of dance videos that featured groups of dancers each taking turns performing their own, largely improvised, routines, rather than synchronized choreography. [7] These routines initially only featured variations of Hit Dem Folks arm movements; over time, the sequences would come to involve pantomiming of song lyrics, usage of other dance trends, and elements of Memphis Jookin. Atlanta-based dance duo Meechie and Toosi were early adopters and contributed to the growth of dance circle-style videos. [8]

The dance's dynamic arm movements and accessibility made it a staple in social media dance challenges, reflecting the broader influence of Southern rap culture on global hip-hop dance trends. [9] To date, Hit Dem Folks and its associated group dance style have achieved global influence and continue to be featured on modern video-sharing platforms such as TikTok.

Other Black dance trends include:

References

  1. "How To Do The Hit Dem Folks | Dance Tutorial | STEEZY Blog". www.steezy.co. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  2. "Andre Drummond Hits Off-Balance Shot, Does 'Hit Dem Folks' to Fan's Delight". Bleacher Report .
  3. "Russell Westbrook demonstrates how to properly 'Hit Dem Folks' before Nuggets game". For The Win. 2015-12-28. Retrieved 2021-11-25.
  4. Markees Money (2015-01-24). The Creator of "Hit'em Up" (JacRabbit) #ColumbusGa . Retrieved 2025-07-20 via YouTube.
  5. "Hip-Hop Dance Forms". Beginning Hip-Hop Dance: 71. 2019. doi:10.5040/9781718203471.ch-007.
  6. "How To Do The Hit Dem Folks | Dance Tutorial | STEEZY Blog". www.steezy.co. Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  7. MTV (2017-11-09). Ayo & Teo on Atlanta’s Dance Scene | LIT! | Exclusive Digital Pilot | MTV . Retrieved 2025-07-20 via YouTube.
  8. "Meet Meechie And Toosi, The Dancers Bringing The Joy Of Atlanta To The Entire World". The FADER. Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  9. Walker, Victoria M. (2016-05-07). "As 'Crank That' turns 9, here are 6 of the most popular dances of the 2000s". The Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved 2025-07-20.