Krump emerged in South Los Angeles in the 1990s as an evolution of Clowning, created by Ceasare "Tight Eyez" Willis and Jo'Artis "Big Mijo" Ratti. More than a dance style, Krump was designed as an emotional release and positive alternative to gang culture—characterized by aggressive, full-body "bucking" movements that channel raw energy into artistic expression.
If you're new to Krump, mastering these foundational moves will give you the building blocks to develop your own style. Practice them during "lab" sessions (Krump terminology for dedicated practice), and remember: Krump is about authenticity, not perfection.
1. The Chest Pop
The chest pop creates that signature staccato hit that defines Krump's aggressive aesthetic. Unlike smooth pops in other styles, Krump chest pops are sharp, sudden, and often paired with a stomp for maximum impact.
How to execute:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed at your sides
- Exhale sharply as you tuck your elbows tight to your ribs, hands rising to chest level
- Drive your chest forward on the beat, then immediately release
- Pro tip: Coordinate with a downward stomp to create a "buck"—the core mechanic of Krump
Practice single hits first, then progress to double-time pops. Breathe out on every hit; tension in your breath creates tension in your movement.
2. The Hip Buck (Not Just a Roll)
While many beginners learn hip rolls, Krump demands something sharper: the hip buck. This isn't fluid motion—it's a weaponized isolation that punctuates your musicality.
How to execute:
- Take a wide stance, knees deeply bent (lower than you think)
- Shift weight to your left leg, engaging your core to lock your upper body
- Drive your right hip sharply outward, then snap it back
- Alternate sides, keeping your shoulders and chest completely still
The contrast between your frozen upper body and explosive lower body creates that jarring, aggressive quality judges look for in battles.
3. The Krump Walk (The "Dig")
What the article calls a "Krump walk" is actually a misunderstood concept. Real Krump movement across the floor involves digging—a weighted, rhythmic stomp-walk that grounds your presence.
How to execute:
- Begin in a low, athletic stance
- Step forward with your right foot, landing heel-first with deliberate weight
- As the foot rolls to the ball, drop your center of gravity sharply (the "dig")
- Simultaneously throw your left arm forward with loose, whip-like energy while your right arm pulls back
- Let your shoulders rotate naturally with the arm swing—don't force it
This isn't walking. It's declaring territory with every step.
4. The Knee Lift (Floor-Ready Positioning)
The "kick" described in beginner tutorials is actually a knee lift—a transitional move that prepares you for floor work or sudden level changes. Advanced Krumpers use this to set up drops, jabs, or power moves.
How to execute:
- From your stance, drive your right knee upward and slightly outward
- Keep the foot flexed (not pointed) and toes pulled back—this protects your joints and creates angular lines
- As the knee rises, sink deeper into your standing leg, loading it like a spring
- Land softly on the ball of your foot, immediately ready for your next move
The real technique? Never let this lift become decorative. It should always telegraph your next intention—whether that's rising up or crashing down.
5. The Stomp (Rhythmic Punctuation)
In Krump, stomps aren't just noise—they're rhythmic conversation. A well-placed stomp can answer another dancer, mark a beat switch, or reset your entire phrase.
How to execute:
- Raise your right foot only slightly—exaggerated height telegraphs the move and kills the surprise
- Drive the heel down with your full body weight behind it, rolling immediately to the ball
- Time it with an exhale and a chest contraction for unified impact
- Vary your patterns: single stomps for emphasis, double stomps for urgency, syncopated stomps for musical complexity
Taking It Further: From Moves to Bucking
These five elements aren't meant to be performed as isolated tricks. The advanced application—the actual advanced technique—is learning to "get buck": stringing these hits together with seamless transitions, layering arm jabs and chest pops simultaneously, and eventually freestyling in the round (cypher) format.
Start slow. Film yourself. Lab with others when possible. Krump is a language, and these moves are your alphabet—fluency comes from speaking them until they become your own.
Safety note: Krump is
