Krump is a hyper-kinetic, emotionally explosive dance style that erupted from South Central Los Angeles around 2000-2001. Characterized by sharp, ballistic movements—chest pops, jabs, and stomps delivered with combative precision—Krump transforms raw emotion into a distinctive visual vocabulary that has captivated dancers worldwide.
What Is Krump?
At its core, Krump is a physical exorcism. Dancers channel aggression, joy, pain, and triumph through rapid-fire isolations, explosive full-body movements, and intentional facial contortions known as "buck face" or "krump face"—growling, eye-widening, teeth-baring expressions that externalize internal intensity.
Unlike choreographed performance styles, Krump thrives in spontaneous "sessions" and "battles," where dancers take turns in a circle (called the "session") to showcase their individuality. The atmosphere is simultaneously competitive and communal: opponents push each other to greater heights while the crowd's energy fuels the exchange.
From Clowning to Krump: A Brief History
Krump didn't emerge in isolation—it evolved directly from "clowning," a dance style created by Tommy the Clown in the 1990s. Tommy organized dance crews for birthday parties and community events, developing a bouncy, colorful style that kept youth engaged and away from gang culture.
In the late 1990s, Ceasare "Tight Eyez" Willis and Jo'Artis "Big Mijo" Ratti—then members of Tommy's crew—began pushing the style in a darker, more aggressive direction. They stripped away the bright costumes and playful energy, replacing them with street clothes and unfiltered emotional intensity. The result was Krump: Kingdom Radically Uplifted Mighty Praise (though dancers also acknowledge the onomatopoeic connection to the sound of bodies hitting the floor).
The 2005 documentary Rize, directed by David LaChapelle, catapulted Krump from underground sessions to global consciousness. Suddenly, dancers from Tokyo to Paris were studying YouTube clips of Tight Eyez and Miss Prissy, attempting to replicate the style's feral authenticity.
Essential Moves and Techniques
Chest Pops
Sharp, isolated contractions of the pectoral muscles on the beat, often alternating sides to create rhythmic staccato. The shoulders remain relaxed to emphasize the chest isolation. Mastering the pop's timing—hitting the snare with surgical precision—separates beginners from developing dancers.
Arm Swings (Wreckless)
Exaggerated, full-range circular motions originating from the shoulder, often building momentum for directional changes or transitions into stances. The movement should appear uncontrolled ("wreckless") while maintaining core stability.
Stomps and Marches
Grounded, percussive footwork that establishes your rhythmic foundation. Stomps drive energy downward; marches create forward propulsion. Together, they build the "buck"—Krump's signature aggressive stance.
Jabs
Quick, straight-arm strikes thrown from the shoulder, often directed at invisible opponents or the ground. Jabs demonstrate control and intent, punctuating the freestyle flow with moments of sharp definition.
Locks and Grooves
Momentary freezes that contrast with Krump's typical speed. A well-timed lock creates dramatic tension; releasing into a groove shows musicality and control.
Buck Face
The face is not incidental—it's instrumental. Practice snarling, widening your eyes, and baring teeth in the mirror until the expression feels authentic rather than performative. The face should reflect whatever emotion the movement demands.
How to Start Your Krump Journey
Find a Session, Not Just a Class
While formal classes provide technical foundations, Krump's heart beats in sessions—underground or studio-based gatherings where dancers "lab" (practice) together. Search for "Krump sessions" in your city, or connect with local street dance communities through social media. The culture prioritizes authentic presence over polished technique.
Study the Architects
YouTube offers extensive archives, but be selective. Start with foundational footage: Tight Eyez and Big Mijo's early battles, Rize documentary clips, and documentation of original sessions. Contemporary dancers like Slum, Konkrete, and Daisy maintain the style's evolution while honoring its roots.
Lab Regularly
"Labbin'" means dedicated practice—often alone, sometimes with one partner, drilling fundamentals until they become muscle memory. Krump's intensity demands physical conditioning: plyometrics for explosive power, core work for stability, and flexibility training to prevent injury.
Learn the Culture, Not Just the Moves
Krump terminology carries meaning: "battles" test skill and resilience; "the kill-off" ends a round definitively;
