Crank That

Dance Central Dance Central

Unpacking the Dance Phenomenon of 'Crank That'

The song 'Crank That' by Soulja Boy, often associated with the artist Dance Central due to its popularity in dance games, became a cultural phenomenon upon its release. The lyrics of the song are relatively simple and repetitive, focusing on the dance moves that accompany the music. The phrase 'Crank That' refers to the specific dance created by Soulja Boy, which involves a series of steps and arm movements that became widely mimicked in clubs and on social media.

The song's repetitive nature and the instructions for the dance moves, such as 'Watch me crank it, watch me roll,' and 'Superman that hoe,' are indicative of the call-and-response style often found in dance tracks, designed to get listeners to participate. The term 'Superman' became a slang term for a specific dance move, which, like the song itself, went viral. The lyrics also touch on themes of braggadocio and self-promotion, common in hip-hop, with Soulja Boy boasting about his dancing skills, his attractiveness to women, and his material possessions, like Bathing Ape clothing.

Despite its simplicity, 'Crank That' captured the essence of a cultural moment, where dance crazes could spread rapidly through the internet. The song's beat and catchy hook made it an instant hit, while the dance moves associated with it helped to cement its place in pop culture. The song is less about the lyrical content and more about the experience it creates, encouraging everyone to join in the dance and feel the music.

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