The dance becomes a vital part of who they are.
A chronicle that reveals a groundbreaking dance phenomenon that’s exploding on the streets of South Central, Los Angeles; it is a revolutionary form of artistic expression borne from oppression. The dance, aggressive and visually stunning, modernizes moves indigenous to African tribal rituals and features mind-blowing, athletic movement sped up to impossible speeds.
We meet Tommy Johnson (Tommy the Clown), who first created the style as a response to the 1992 Rodney King riots and named it “Clowning”, as well as the kids who developed the movement into what they now call Krumping.
The kids use dance as an alternative to gangs and hustling: they form their own troupe and paint their faces like warriors, meeting to out-perform rival gangs of dancers or just to hone their skills. For the dancers, Krumping becomes a way of life–and, because it’s authentic expression (in complete opposition to the bling-bling hip-hop culture), the dance becomes a vital part of who they are.
The production consisted of a small crew of no more than five people. All film locations were in the Clowners and Krumpers own neighborhoods, schools and homes. This allowed the filmmakers to gain more personal insight and commitment in order to give an authentic voice to these kids and their underground dance movement. It also created unique friendships by breaking down stereotypes and cultural differences.
About the Music
Red Ronin Productions is the creative collaboration of five; Richmond & Tone Talauega, Anwar “Flii” Burton, Jose Cancela, and Kevin Richardson. Based on a brotherhood, these five took their friendship and joined together to venture into the world of music.
Red Ronin’s creation of the music for “Krumped” involved the producing talents of Bloezart, rappers Flii Stylz, Dap Daniels, and Lil’ C. Joining the team for the feature “Rize” was Atlanta Producer, ID4 Winbz, Walt Liquor Barrell and Tenashus. The producers sought to create a vibe of music that was a true artistic reflection of the energy present during these “dance sessions” (or krump sessions) – a mixture of spiritual African dancing; chaotic mosh pit/ underground fight club moves integrated with the syncopated moves done to a Hiphop back beat.
Most interesting was that the kids creating this dance movement were not trained dancers – the movement was involuntary and came completely natural to them – an extension of who they were and what they were feeling and experiencing in their lives. The Talauega Bros. (also producers of the film) were truly integrated into the shooting and production of the films – their first hand experience of the live and uncut talent and emotions of the performers inspired them artistically and has been directly reflected into the music for the films.
About the Dancers
Thomas “Tommy the Clown” Johnson, as one who was raised in South Central, Los Angeles, spent his early adulthood finding himself in and out of trouble and on a road to nowhere. Little did he know that a desperate phone call from a friend in 1992 to provide entertainment for her child’s birthday party would lead him on a successful life-changing journey.
Known these days as the “Father of Krumping” – a style of dance that is best described as a raw and natural form of self-expressive freestyle dancing – Tommy the Clown has successfully found a way to relate to today’s youth on their level and in their language. Realizing Tommy had become a positive role model for the kids in South Central, he created the Battle Zone to provide an alternative outlet for the kids in the community to battle it out on the dance floor instead of on the streets.
In 2003, Tommy the Clown’s Battle Zone hosted a sold-out performance at the Los Angeles Forum. Tommy continues the battles every third Saturday of every month at Debbie Allen Dance Academy – a nonprofit dance studio where kids from the community can learn all forms of dance training.
Tommy the Clown emerged as a community icon and was asked to be a spokesperson for Governor Gray Davis’ Census Campaign which involved outreach to schools, neighborhood questionnaire assistance centers and statewide agencies which succeeded with the highest mail-in response rates in four decades. He formed strategic partnerships with counties and cities, all while delivering smiles and laughter.
Tommy’s movement is the subject of David LaChappelle’s short film, KRUMPED and long-form feature film, RIZE slated for release in June 2005. Already, Tommy has been sought out for international radio and magazine interviews and live performances. Truly an entertainer for all ages, Tommy the Clown’s mission is to reach out to communities across the world that are in need of a positive alternative lifestyle.
Lil “C” is 22 years of age, born January 31, 1983 in California. He was reared in a single parent household by his full-time working mother, Mildred Williams, along with his sister Keisha and his two brothers, Robert Davre and Ronaldo. Through great sacrifices by his mother, Lil “C” was schooled solely in both private and religious schools. He graduated from South Bay Lutheran High School in 2001.
Although his private schooling provided him with a safe haven, on the other hand, he still had to return home daily to the dangerous crime ridden neighborhood of South Central. He never succumbed to joining street gangs, drugs, or the rampant crime statistics of his neighborhood. He was taught early to dream, work hard, study, reach and believe in himself.
Lil “C” has always loved music, dancing, speaking and people. At the age of 3, he stood out as both a talented child dancer and speaker. At the age of 8, he won an essay contest sponsored by Magic Johnson and 92.3 FM The Beat (now 100.3 FM The Beat). As a result, he won the opportunity to not only play one-on-one with the basketball superstar, but receive a personally signed jersey from Johnson. He was sought out to be a speaker for Tom Bradley (first black mayor of the Los Angeles) at community forums; he also spoke annually on the NAACP Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday honor celebrations.
He was the main speaker for the Los Angeles county supervisor, Yvonne Burke when Denzel Washington was honored for the naming of a pediatric wing at Martin Luther King, Jr. General Hospital. Crowds never fazed him–the larger the crowd, the more enthusiasm he showed. Lil “C” is loved by people of all ages and economic status. He is a rare uncut gem of talent and compassion and a great communicator. He is a talented dancer, and a hungry, hard worker He has appeared in many videos, with such artists like Eve, Gwen Stefani, blink 182, and Young Romeo. He’s performed on the Soul Train Awards with Usher, on the Grammy’s with Eve and Gwen Stefani, Regis & Kelly, and 106th and Park with Brooke Valentine.
He has choreographed for such artists like Christina Milian, Omarion, Brooke Valentine, Nelly, The Game, Ciara, and Missy Elliott. His personal life is riddled with death of personal family members through both disease, violence, and suicide. Lil “C” raps, acts and is an aspiring choreographer, who hopes to further his career as such by spreading the gift of “Krump” (which was created by Lil “C” and Tight Eyez) throughout the world.
Dragon was born Jason Green in Frankfurt on November 2, 1981. A military baby, he spent his initial years living throughout Germany, his very first in a hospital, the result of being born prematurely. His family eventually moved to California and settled in Compton. Dragon first crossed paths with Tommy the Clown while dancing for Platinum Clowns, a rival clown group, in competition.
Dancing since the age of 19, Dragon has appeared in such music videos as Blink 182’s “I’m Feelin’ It,” and in various awards shows including the Choreographer Awards and the 2005 NAACP Awards. Outside of the Clowning world, Dragon is also an accomplished artist whose experience spans across fashion design, the graphic arts, multi-media, airbrushing, and comic book art.
Now residing in Carson, CA, Dragon is currently studying to be a minister. He rediscovered the church after years of distancing himself from it, only to realize how truly unhappy he was with his life. Dragon now believes that the principles our nation was established upon – religion, principle, respect – have been compromised by our drive for material things which have no true value. Through the church, he hopes to someday help others find their own spiritual foundation for a happy life.
Ms. Prissy, born Marquisa Gardner, is a native of South Central Los Angeles, the daughter of Belizean parents. Ms. Prissy first started dancing at the age of four, when her father had given her dancing lessons for her birthday. Her first professional dance gig was in a television commercial for the ATT Go Phone. A spot in a Sprite Remix commercial soon followed.
Among her music video credits are Ludacris’ “Stand Up” and lead dancer in Formula One’s “Gotta Roll,” produced by gospel legend Mario Winans. She is currently on tour with The Game, a protégé of rap legend Dr. Dre. Ms. Prissy first met Tommy the Clown at age 19. She taught ballet and modern dance, before being recruited by Tommy, and moving over to the Cartoons, where together they pioneered the “krump” dance style. The First Lady of Krumping, Ms. Prissy considers herself a Renaissance Woman who also sings R&B / Pop, plays piano and raps.
She hopes to continue to work professionally in the entertainment world, in which she usesthe stage name Phoenix, and looks to Oscar winner Angela Bassett for inspiration. Ms. Prissy resides in South Central Los Angeles, where she lives with her mother.
Tight Eyez, real name Ceasare Willis, is one of the founders of Krumping. He created the Krump movement in 2000 with his brothers and Lil C and Mijo. While living in New York, Tight Eyez dreamed of launching a dance that would get everyone “hyped up.” He soon moved to Los Angeles and founded Clown dancing, which thereafter evolved into Krumping. He went on to perform with many clown groups before finally meeting and joining creative forces with Tommy the Clown.
Tight Eyez has turned his life over to God and changed his life through Jesus. He uses the Krump movement to help young people in faith to change their lives. His goal is to establish his own Krump Organization, of which he would be the CEO, and hopes to open schools for youth to dance, exercise their talent and utilize their inner gifts. Hopefully, by the age of 23…
Christian Jones, a/k/a Baby Tight Eyez, was born and raised in the Church. His grandfather was the founder of the Christian Tabernacle of Love, Faith and Deliverance, and his Aunt is now Pastor of Christian Tabernacle Ministries. After his grandfather passed on in 1998, he took up the organ, which he plays at services. Baby Tight Eyez learned how to Krump dance at the heels of Tight Eyez, Lil C, Mijo, and Dragon, and considers them among his closest friends in the Krump movement.
When he is not dancing, he loves to hang with his homies. His goal is to launch a big dance studio whereeveryone could Krump for free. He would also like to buy his pastors a new church. He hopes to give back to those who do not have, to give back to his neighborhood, to give those who are as he once was.
Rize (2005)
Directed by: David LaChapelle
Starring: Tommy the Clown, Lil Tommy, Larry, Lil C, Dragon, Tight Eyez, Baby Tight Eyez, Miss Prissy, Jassy Marie, Kevin Scott Richardson, Christopher Toler
Production Design by: Jeff Higinbotham
Cinematography by: Morgan Susser
Film Editing by: Fernando Villena
Makeup Department: Gregory Arlt
Music by: Amy Marie Beauchamp, Jose Cancela
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for suggestive content, drug references, language.
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Release Date: July 8, 2005
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