A look inside the realm of hip-hop’s newest dance empire and the krump king who rules.
“Technical dancers have no creativity…They all do the same thing.”—Lil C
Ballet. Ballroom. Tap. Modern. Reggaeton. Krump.
A style of dance all its own, krumping has gyrated from the tough streets of South Central, LA to mainstream America. Characterized by the popping of limbs and spasm-like movements, krump dancing closely resembles older styles such as pop-locking or break dancing. However, krumping has defined itself, demanded the attention of people across the nation, and become its own genre. But this phenomenon may still be only stomping the streets of LA had it not been for krumping’s king, Lil C. It all began nearly 20 years ago. Thomas Johnson, from Los Angeles, emerged from the shadows of a 5 year incarceration. He was motivated and determined to live a life contrary to norm of violence and crime. In 1992, after taking a decent office job, a co-worker asked him to be a clown at her child’s birthday party. Johnson accepted the offer and Tommy the Clown was born. When faced with the question of how to entertain, he did what he knew to do—dance. Since that single act of donning a rainbow afro wig and clown makeup, Johnson has spawned a highly energetic and even more inspiring dance movement called “clowning.”
Tommy the Clown’s hip-hop performances captivated not just the children at the parties, but other young dancers who wanted to join the act. In response, Johnson created hip-hop clowns and recruited youth from the inner cities to fill the role. One of these dancers was a young man named Chris “Lil C” Toler. He performed with Tommy the Clown and other hip-hop clowns. Lil C describes the shows as street parties with entertainment such as magic shows, face painting, and of course dancing all set to the beat of hip-hop music. After performing with Tommy the Clown for about 2 years Lil C says he outgrew dancing for kids’ parties and “needed something different.” Lil C joined partner Tight Eyez and began dancing to more aggressive underground hip-hop. The style of dance was very similar to what Lil C did as a hip-hop clown but subsequently, the dance also became more aggressive. It was from clown dancing that the krump style evolved. Lil C realized that urban hip-hop was one of the few music genres that didn’t have its own style of dance.
“We didn’t know it at the time…but we were creating a therapeutic alternative for young adolescents to deal with the stereotypes, statistics, and oppression…that they incur everyday growing up in an urban community,” Lil C reflects.
Already having a following from dancing with Tommy the Clown, Lil C’s popularity only grew while dancing with Tight Eyez. They caught the attention of accomplished photographer and video music director, David LaChapelle as well as choreographers and producers, the Taluegua brothers. LaChapelle was fascinated by this freestyled reflexive response to the music. Compelled to bring krump center stage, LaChapelle interviewed Lil C and his crew. With their story, LaChapelle collaborated with the Taluegua brothers and created “RIZE,” LaChapelle’s first feature documentary. Capturing the high-octane vibrancy of krump, “RIZE” takes the viewer inside the vulnerable and erratic world of Lil C, Tight Eyez, and other inner-city youth who dance to stay out of trouble; dance to stay alive. With “RIZE” we learn krump isn’t just dancing; it’s a means to survive. Lil C revealed that life wasn’t so picturesque growing up in South Central, LA. Coming from a single parent home, he is grateful for the strength his mother possessed while rearing him. All Lil C shared of his father was that he “was around” until he committed suicide when Lil C was a teen. He credits his mother with having the wisdom to let him “breathe” and grow into his own person. As a result, he rebelled less and was able to stay out of the trouble most of his peers found themselves a victim of.
His mother’s free parenting style may have allowed Lil C’s spiritual autonomy. Raised Christian, he no longer places himself in a denominational box. He believes that from Christianity to Buddhism to Islam, “none of the religions are different in any way” and all share the common theme of giving people a higher power to believe in. When asked if he believes in that higher power he says, yes. “Some people may call it Jesus, some people may call it Buddha…but at the end of the day [no matter what it’s called] it’s what governs and holds sovereignty over the universe.” It’s evident that this higher power has blessed Lil C with his ability to dance. Never once studying dance nor dancing professionally until the release of “RIZE,” Lil C’s rhythmic control of his body comes naturally. In fact, he prides himself on never having been taught to dance. He confidently states that, “technical dancers have no creativity… [With technique] the rhythmical gene is deactivated.” Comparing trained dancers to an army of people who all do the same thing, Lil C feels they have nothing that sets them apart and as an unfortunate result, become a surplus.
After paralleling a cultivated dancer with a self-taught or freestyle dancer “from the streets,” Lil C explains that the latter is at an advantage because they aren’t anchored to a foundation and have the capacity to create. Although some could argue that 1980s hip-hop culture films like Beat Street and Breakin’ laid the foundation for freestyle hip-hop dancers today, Lil C denounces that theory. “Kids these days aren’t locking or doing any of the dance styles that were in [those films].” He attributes the innovation of today’s dance styles to a desire for something new, “everybody is bored.” Lil C further explains that once the innate and creative ability to dance is coupled with cultivation, then you have a dancer to be reckoned with. As for the future and evolution of krump, there is no ceiling. “Krumping is changing every day,” says Lil C and he is committed to promoting the dance style. With the title of professional dancer now under his belt, he has had the opportunity to work with many artists such as Chris Brown, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Missy. Lil C has also appeared in several music videos and films such as Stomp the Yard and Center Stage: Turn It Up. Choreographer is another title he’s earned, having choreographed for the films Be Cool and Bring It On Yet Again and numerous television dance performances including FOX's BONES, the 2008 BET Awards, the 2007 Teen Choice Awards, and the 2007 NAACP Image Awards. However, he is probably best known for his role as choreographer and judge for FOX’s dance reality show and competition So You Think You Can Dance.
With plans for a future album (hip-hop and pop music), a series of books, a fashion line, and energy drink just to name a few, Lil C shows no sign of slowing down. When asked about his tenacity, he says that he’s uncomfortable with his current success. “If progression isn’t perpetual then I’m unhappy.” His advice for other young people to achieve their dreams is to not be discouraged if the answer or goal isn’t immediately visible. “It’s all about your work ethic, your persistence and your diligence.” And coming from a pioneer and one of the most influential figures in krumping today, that’s advice any young man or woman can appreciate.
For more news, info, and to contact Lil C visit the following sites:
facebook.com/KING.OF.KRUMP
twitter.com/kingofkrump
youtube.com/therealkok
myspace.com/kng_of_krmp |
