CRIP WALK
A winning bet would be that most who Cripwalk (or C/B/G-walk, because Bloods and Cholos have their own variations) probably don’t even know what they are doing or from where it came. The stutter-stepped dance that has everyone from [R&B group] 112 to people in Idaho and Pullman doing it, is being adopted like orphans at the turn of the century. The Cripwalk has become a commodity, or made into a material possession that has lost meaning, by people who are unaware of what it is and the significance of doing it.
Most who risk doing the dance outside of the gang capital of the world may have learned of the Cripwalk by watching gang affiliates Ice Cube, WC and others do what they call the “Boogie.” Why Boogie? “Because gangstas don’t dance,” says Dangerous Dame of San Diego’s Southeast neighborhood. And that’s a common response – gangstas don’t dance and the Cripwalk, although it may appear cool and catchy when Lil’ Bow Wow and other upstarts do it, the Cripwalk is much more than a dance.
Organized gangs and their cultures have been in Los Angeles for over eight decades. From the Cholos representing East Los and Zoot suits in the 40s, all the way to 2001 with what appears to be the largely popularized Cripwalk. However, many do not understand the culture of gangs, especially their deep roots in L.A. and the significance of their gestures. “It (the cripwalk) is part of the Crip culture,” says Tacoma based Locsta and MC Mr. Cix. “All these cats…even Bloods…Bloods used to B-walk – are Cripwalkin’ and that’s disrespectful to the Gs, ‘cause they blendin’ in with the bustaz.” Other L.A. based affiliates like WC have made similar comments about those biting off the culture of the world’s largest gang - founded by Raymond Washington in late 60s L.A.
Doing the Cripwalk is Crip culture. It’s held in high esteem with Crips and can be equated to the routines of the elite historically Black Greeks and their attitudes and dignity when “strollin’” and “stepping.’” And contrary to naivety it’s not all based on violence, but it definitely makes a statement. For some, it is who you are. “First of all when you’re Cripwalkin’, you’re spelling your name and it’s distinct. It allows others who know in the club - to know ‘I’m in the club’ you gotta respect me. As in recognize my set and I’m lettin’ it be known who I am,” says Dame, who grew up in a predominantly Blood section of Southeast Diego.
The Cripwalk is a celebratory way for Crips to brag and clown while just having fun, and even though some (like the writer) still honor the 1992 Peace Treaty between Crips, Bloods and Cholos from L.A., that doesn’t mean that everyone does. That being said, many affiliates are extremely offended by those biting the style of the Gs and consider it very disrespectful. “My homies are out here dyin’ and been dyin’- it’s do or die city,” says Watts affiliate and emcee, Skanless. “It’s not a toy to be played with. Do that around my peoples and you might get’cha jaw ate.”
And being a disrespectful biter could be the least of a non-affiliate’s concerns. Unlike most places, gang culture is a part of life – an institution - in Los Angeles. Many places in the U.S. had experiments and flares of gang activity in the early to mid-90s, and that was a fad during the pinnacle of what many call the “Gangsta Rap” era. But to many gang members and affiliates entrenched in the culture that is more familial and territorial than a fad, gangs will never go out of style and you might just get confronted by someone if your out there at the club C-walkin’. “Some people might get labeled an affiliate and get dealt with,” says Cix.
On a less confrontational note Cix adds that the education a non-affiliate receives could be far less painful…if they’re lucky. “A positive could be that maybe a Crip could enlighten these cats about gang culture. ‘Cause most people don’t know about it.”
So from Spokane to your land, when you’re in the club about to throw up a dub (knowin’ you ain’t from the L.A. town) or about to get’cha walk on…think – “is this worth jeopardizing my health?” As funny as that sounds, too many have found out that it is not a laughing matter at all.
By Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. (Peace and Love)
