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.
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]
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.
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: