What is krump?
Krump is a raw, expressive street style of stomps, chest pops, arm swings and jabs, performed with intense emotion in sessions and battles. It is often described as a way to release anger and frustration through dance.
History
Krump grew out of clowning, the style created by Tommy the Clown in Los Angeles in the 1990s. Dancers including Tight Eyez and Big Mijo developed krump in the early 2000s, and David LaChapelle's documentary Rize (2005) brought it to a global audience.
Basic technique
- Stomps, chest pops and arm swings
- Jabs and buck hops
- Character and storytelling in sessions
Music & tempo
Hip-hop beats with heavy bass, often 80–110 BPM.
Songs for krump
| Song | Artist | BPM | Key | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liebe ist Krieg | Manuellsen | 80 | A minor | 2014 |
| Super Saucy | Baby Bash feat. Avant | 80 | A minor | 2005 |
| Very Special | Big Daddy Kane feat. Spinderella, Laree Williams and Karen Anderson | 80 | G# minor | 1993 |
| Der Eierdieb | Fünf Sterne deluxe | 80 | D minor | 1998 |
| Hot Boyz (DJ Tomekk radio mix) | DJ Tomekk feat. Missy Elliott | 81 | F minor | 2001 |
| Shinin' Yall | 9th Wonder & Buckshot feat. Arafat Yates & Big Chops | 83 | A# major | 2008 |
| Man Listen (Cause Ummm) | 9th Wonder & Buckshot feat. Carlitta Durand | 84 | C minor | 2008 |
| Can’t Make It Home | Devin the Dude | 84 | F minor | 2008 |
| Eight Y Cinco | Chinese Man | 85 | A# minor | 2007 |
| Pa' mí (remix) | Dalex feat. Rafa Pabón, Khea, Sech, Feid, Cazzu & Lenny Tavárez | 85 | D major | 2019 |
BPM as measured by audio analysis; some tracks read at half or double the danced tempo.
What to wear
Sneakers and loose clothes.
How to get started
Krump sessions are community-led; workshops at street dance events are a good entry.
Recent research
- Neurocognitive control in dance perception and performance. — Acta psychologica, 2012
- Dance for neuroplasticity: A descriptive systematic review. — Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 2019
- Hip Hop Party Dance: Cardiorespiratory Profile and Responses to a Predefined Sequence. — Journal of dance medicine & science : official publication of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, 2023
- Dance and sexuality: many moves. — Journal of sex research, 2010
- Athletic training in dance medicine and science. — Journal of dance medicine & science : official publication of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, 2010
Books about krump
- Rock your body by Jamie King (2007)
- Drumming up character by Lindsay Rust (2008)
- Foundation by Joseph Glenn Schloss (2008)
- Hip-hop by Jim Mack (2008)
- Hip-hop dancing by Kathryn Clay (2010)
- Street dance by Emma Torrington (2011)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between krump and clowning?
Clowning came first and is playful; krump evolved from it with a more aggressive, raw energy.
What BPM is Krump?
Krump is usually danced to music between 80 and 110 beats per minute. Browse 154 songs that fit on our Krump music page.
How many calories does krump burn?
About 720 calories per hour for a 155-lb (70 kg) person, based on a MET value of 9.8 from the Compendium of Physical Activities. See calories burned krump for every body weight.
Related styles
Hip-Hop Dance
The Bronx, New York, and California funk styles
Street & Club DanceBreaking (Breakdance)
The Bronx, New York
Street & Club DancePopping
Fresno and the San Francisco Bay Area, California
Street & Club DanceLocking
Los Angeles
Street & Club DanceHouse Dance
Chicago and New York City clubs
Street & Club DanceWaacking
Los Angeles LGBTQ+ disco clubs
Street & Club DanceVoguing
Harlem ballroom scene
Street & Club DanceK-Pop Dance
South Korea
Last reviewed October 2026 · Editorial policy