As many already know, social media, and influencer culture especially, is rife with cultural appropriation. The trendiest TikTok dances have been created almost entirely by POC TikTokers, and now they’re emerging from the east coast club rap scene, too, and the creators of these dance trends are receiving little or no credit. Music and dance have been particularly problematic on TikTok in the last several years, being the platform’s primary form of content. Since black TikTok creators went on strike in 2021 to bring attention to this issue, more and more people have begun to wake up to the severity of the problem and hold accountable those who continue to cause harm.
Latest Trend or Cultural Appropriation?
From the trend of so called “spa water”, a colonial rebrand of agua fresca, to white TikTok users lip syncing AAVE (African American Vernacular English), many of TikTok’s biggest trends of the last several years have been appropriated from POC cultures. This reality first reached popular attention in 2021 when Charlie D’Amelio, one of the most well known influencers on TikTok, was called out for claiming the “Renegade” dance as her own. It had actually been the creation of Jalaiah Harmon, a black teen on TikTok. While less common amongst influencers now as it was then, the appropriation of dances has unfortunately continued.
From East Coast Club Rap to TikTok Trend
Whereas before many of the newest, trendiest dances were from black TikTok users, lately they’ve been emerging from the club rap scene of Newark and Philadelphia. Dances like the “sexy walk”, the “sharp bounce”, the “Urkel bounce”, and the “KB bounce” have all originated in clubs alongside the latest rap artists like Bandmanrill and DJ Lilman. While some TikTok users might know that these dances are from the predominantly black clubs of Newark and Philadelphia, they lack the context needed to adequately and respectfully give credit. For example, the “KB Bounce” that’s become so popular on TikTok actually came from the east coast club rap scene and was created as a tribute to someone who died.
Unfortunately, the lack of appropriate credit being given isn’t unique to the average TikTok user or influencer. Recently Drake took the “Shake Dhat” move from the Philly Goats and used it in his music video for “Sticky”. However, instead of inviting the Philly Goats to collaborate with him on the video, he brought in the more popular 2Rare for a club rapper cameo. This kind of half hearted credit isn’t what indie artists or TikTok creators are looking for, it only normalizes doing only what’s convenient or looks good.
Gen Z Is Changing Things
Luckily, younger artists and TikTok users aren’t afraid of calling people out and have been working to shift the trend of appropriation towards one of respect and appreciation. Influencers who are caught stealing creative content from POC artists are slowly learning to own up to their mistakes and put in the effort in the future. Since being called out for cultural appropriation, creators like Addison Rae and Charlie D’Amelio have changed their content to give credit to the original creators and apologized to those affected.
Accountability and Appreciation
When posting something that’s not original to you, to any social media platform, it’s always best to research where it’s from and give credit to that person. If at some point you mess up, immediately own up to it and correct your mistake. Learning and working to do better is what matters. Additionally, if you as an artist come across someone copying your original work, don’t be afraid to say something. You and your work deserve your fans’ appreciation and respect, and that means giving you credit for what you’ve created and understanding the context of its origins.
A Final Note
If you ever come across someone claiming your work as their own, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Intercept Music rep. We’re here to help.