Famous performances that brought the dance to global attention
Snoop Dogg's iconic Crip Walk performance at the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show marked a historic moment for the dance, bringing it to over 100 million viewers worldwide. Performing alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, Snoop showcased the dance as part of a celebration of West Coast hip-hop culture.
As a Long Beach native and one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, Snoop has been instrumental in transforming the Crip Walk from its gang-affiliated origins into a mainstream dance phenomenon. His performances throughout the 1990s and early 2000s helped popularize the dance in music videos, concerts, and television appearances.
The Super Bowl performance represented a full-circle moment for both Snoop and the Crip Walk itself. What began as a territorial dance in South Central Los Angeles neighborhoods in the 1970s has evolved into a globally recognized dance form, largely due to Snoop's influence and cultural impact.
Serena Williams has brought the Crip Walk to some of sports' biggest stages. Her first notable performance came after winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics, sparking widespread media coverage and debate about the dance's appropriateness in such a setting.
More recently, Williams made a surprise appearance during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, performing the Crip Walk during Kendrick Lamar's performance of "Not Like Us." This brief but impactful moment reignited discussions about the dance's cultural significance and evolution from gang-affiliated origins to mainstream acceptance.
As a Compton native like Lamar, Williams' performance represented a powerful cultural statement that resonated with audiences worldwide and generated significant social media buzz.
Read More
Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl halftime show performance marked a significant moment for the Crip Walk in mainstream culture. As the headliner, Lamar incorporated the dance into his set while performing his Grammy-winning track "Not Like Us."
The performance gained additional attention when Serena Williams made a surprise appearance, performing the Crip Walk alongside Lamar. This collaboration between two Compton natives highlighted the dance's deep roots in West Coast culture and its evolution into a globally recognized art form.
Lamar's showcase of the Crip Walk on one of entertainment's biggest stages further cemented the dance's place in contemporary hip-hop culture while sparking conversations about cultural expression and authenticity.
Read More
As one of the early pioneers in West Coast hip-hop, Ice-T played a significant role in bringing the Crip Walk to wider audiences during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His authentic connection to Los Angeles street culture lent credibility to his performances of the dance.
Through music videos, live shows, and television appearances, Ice-T helped introduce the Crip Walk to audiences outside of South Central Los Angeles, contributing to its evolution from a localized gang dance to a recognized element of hip-hop culture.
His influence helped pave the way for later artists like Snoop Dogg and WC to further popularize the dance in mainstream entertainment.
Read More
Celebrities have played a crucial role in transforming the Crip Walk from a gang-associated dance to a mainstream cultural phenomenon. Through music videos, live performances, and social media, high-profile figures have introduced the dance to global audiences and helped reshape its cultural context.
While maintaining the core footwork and style, celebrity performances have often modified the dance to make it more accessible and less explicitly tied to gang symbolism. This evolution has allowed the Crip Walk to be appreciated for its technical skill and cultural significance within hip-hop, rather than solely for its controversial origins.
The media attention surrounding celebrity performances has also sparked important conversations about cultural appropriation, the commercialization of street culture, and the complex relationship between art and its origins.
"When celebrities perform the Crip Walk on global stages, they're not just showcasing a dance move – they're participating in a complex cultural exchange that transforms the meaning of the dance itself."
Dr. James Peterson, Cultural Critic and Hip-Hop Scholar
ESPN's coverage of Serena Williams' Olympic celebration highlighted the divided public reaction, with some praising her cultural expression while others criticized the dance's gang associations.
Read Article
February 14, 2022
Rolling Stone's analysis of Snoop Dogg's Super Bowl performance examined how the mainstream acceptance of the Crip Walk reflects broader changes in how America engages with hip-hop culture.
Read Article
April 18, 2017
Complex's coverage of Kendrick Lamar's Coachella performance explored how his incorporation of the Crip Walk represented a reclaiming of West Coast cultural heritage.
Read Article
Madison Square Garden, New York
Snoop Dogg's upcoming performance is expected to include his signature Crip Walk moves as part of a celebration of West Coast hip-hop culture.
Event DetailsVenice Beach, Los Angeles
This annual dance festival will feature demonstrations of various street dance styles, including the Crip Walk, performed by professional dancers and celebrity guests.
Event DetailsTCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood
This new documentary explores the evolution of street dances, featuring interviews with celebrities who have helped popularize the Crip Walk.
Event Details