The dance move known as the “dab” has gained significant popularity in recent years, with athletes, musicians, and even politicians showcasing their skills on the dance floor. But who exactly is responsible for inventing this infectious dance move?
Contrary to popular belief, the dab did not originate from the hip-hop scene in Atlanta, as many might think. In fact, the dab can be traced back to the sports world, particularly to the NFL and the Carolina Panthers.
The man credited with popularizing the dab is none other than Cam Newton, the former quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. It was during the 2015 NFL season that Newton introduced the dab to the world, showcasing his dance moves after scoring touchdowns.
But where did Newton get the inspiration for this unique dance move? The answer lies in the Clemson Tigers, specifically their head coach, Dabo Swinney. Newton, who played college football for Auburn University, had a friendly relationship with Swinney and was inspired by his celebratory dance moves.
During a game against the Tennessee Titans in November 2015, Newton scored a two-yard rushing touchdown and unleashed a series of dance moves, including what would later become known as the dab. In a post-game interview, Newton explained that the dance move was a tribute to Swinney, whom he called “Dab-o.”
From that moment on, the dab took off, spreading like wildfire across the sports world. Athletes from various sports began incorporating the dance move into their celebrations, and it quickly became a symbol of swagger and dominance.
But it wasn’t just athletes who embraced the dab. Musicians, particularly in the hip-hop and rap community, started incorporating the dance move into their performances and music videos. Artists such as Migos, who released a song titled “Emmitt Smith” that referenced the dab, further popularized the dance move.
The dab’s influence even extended to the political realm. During the 2016 presidential election, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton attempted to connect with younger voters by dabbing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, although her execution of the dance move was met with mixed reviews.
The dab may have its roots in the sports world, specifically with Cam Newton and his tribute to Dabo Swinney. However, its popularity quickly spread to other industries, including music and politics. Today, the dab remains a recognizable and widely used dance move, showcasing one’s confidence and swagger.
Where Did The Dab Come From?
The dab, an expressive sneezing gesture that showcases one’s swagger and dominance over haters, originated from the Atlanta hip-hop scene. This move gained popularity through various artists and influencers, particularly during the mid-2010s. The exact origins of the dab can be traced back to the dance moves of the Atlanta rap group Migos, who featured the dab in their music videos and performances. However, it was the American football player Cam Newton who brought the dab into the mainstream public eye during the 2015 NFL season. Newton’s celebratory dabs after scoring touchdowns became widely noticed and imitated by fans and other athletes alike. Soon, the dab transcended its initial hip-hop roots and became a cultural phenomenon, spreading across different genres and even reaching international popularity. The dab is characterized by a quick sneezing-like motion, where one extends their dominant arm straight out while tucking their face into the crook of the opposite arm. It is often accompanied by confident facial expressions and a sense of self-assuredness. The dab’s popularity has since waned, but it remains a recognizable symbol of hip-hop culture and a testament to the influence of Atlanta’s music scene.
What Song Started The Dab?
The song that is often credited with popularizing the dance move known as the dab is “Look at My Dab” by the hip-hop group Migos. The song was released in 2015 as part of their mixtape “Back to the Bando.” It quickly gained attention and became a viral hit, with its catchy beat and repetitive lyrics. The dab, which involves tucking one’s head into the crook of the elbow while extending the other arm, became synonymous with the song and its accompanying dance. The popularity of “Look at My Dab” and the dab dance move spread rapidly through social media, particularly on platforms like Vine and Instagram. The song’s success helped to propel Migos further into the mainstream, solidifying their status as influential figures in the hip-hop and trap music scenes.
Who Started The Dab In Soccer?
The dab dance in soccer was popularized by Jesse Lingard, a professional footballer who played for Manchester United at the time. He brought the dab dance craze to the British public consciousness when he scored a goal in Manchester United’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle in January. Lingard’s celebration after scoring the goal involved him performing the dab dance move, which involves tucking one’s head into the crook of the elbow while extending the opposite arm diagonally. The dab dance originated in hip-hop culture in the United States and gained widespread popularity through social media. It was later adopted by athletes and sports stars as a celebratory gesture. Since Lingard’s dab dance celebration, many other soccer players have also incorporated the move into their goal celebrations, further popularizing it in the sport.
Who Named The Dab?
The dance move known as “The Dab” was not actually named after Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, as mentioned in the news affiliate’s report. The correct origin of the name “The Dab” can be attributed to the hip-hop group Migos, specifically member Quavo. In an interview, Quavo stated that the dance move was already popular in their hometown of Atlanta and they simply popularized it further with their song “Look at My Dab.” Therefore, the credit for naming the dance move goes to Quavo and the Migos, not Coach Swinney.
Conclusion
The exact origins of the dab dance move are somewhat debated, but it is generally agreed that it emerged out of the Atlanta hip-hop scene in the early 2010s. The dance gained widespread popularity through social media platforms and was further popularized by sports stars such as Cam Newton and Jesse Lingard. While some attribute the invention of the dab to Migos member Quavo, he himself claims that it wasn’t even called dab when they first introduced it. Regardless of its exact origins, the dab has become a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of swagger dominance in the world of dance and celebration.
