Ghost-riding
Ghost-riding, frequently used in the context of "ghost-riding the whip" (a "whip" being a vehicle) or simply ghostin', is when a person exits their moving vehicle, and dances beside, and around it. Ghost riding is another term for car surfing.[1]
Ghost riding is an activity that has been practiced in the Bay Area for many years during what are called sydeshows. The popularization of ghost riding the whip is a byproduct of popular Bay Area music, and hyphy subculture in general. The term "ghost ride the whip" was given nationwide exposure in E-40's 2006 song "Tell Me When to Go".[2] Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B.'s hit song "Ghost Ride It", further popularized the term due to the song's consistent playtime on radio and television stations throughout the United States. The song references actor Patrick Swayze, lead star in the 1990 film Ghost,[3] sparking internet references to ghost riding as "going (Patrick) Swayze". "Ghostride the Whip" is also a featured song on the band Family Force 5's album Dance or Die with a Vengeance. Finally, ghost riding is a minigame in the hip-hop-culture-centered video game Pimp My Ride.[4]
As with car surfing, ghost riding can be dangerous and has resulted in between two, and eight deaths in North America.[5] Ghost riding is often featured in similarly risky urban sideshows, which also originated in Oakland, California.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Flambosting the hyphy nation. Steve Jones, USAToday.com. April 13, 2006. Last accessed January 6, 2007.
- ^ Ghost-riding: Another bad idea from California. Paul Farhi, Washington Post. January 8, 2007. Last accessed January 10, 2007.
- ^ a b Farhi, Paul. "Ghost-Riding: Brake-Dancing With Zip Under the Hood", The Washington Post, December 27, 2006, p. C01. Accessed October 18, 2007.
- ^ Pimp My Ride GameSpot Review. December 18, 2006. Last accessed January 6, 2007.
- ^ "Hip-Hop Car Stunt Leaves 2 Dead", Associated Press, Dec 29, 2006
