Ghost-riding

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For other uses, see Ghost Rider.

Ghost-riding, frequently used in the context of "ghost-riding the whip" (a "whip" being a vehicle) or simply ghostin', is when a person puts the car in drive or allows it to idle and then the driver (and passengers) of a vehicle exit while it is still rolling and dance beside it or on the hood or roof.[1]

Ghost riding is one of the latest trends to be popularized by hyphy culture, which originated in Oakland, California. 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. further popularized the term with his hit song "Ghost Ride It", which held playtime on radio and television stations throughout the United States. The video became a subject of much criticism due to its directions on how to ghost ride, as well as its use of the Ghostbusters' car without the express approval from Viacom. The rapper says the "Ghost" in "Ghost ride" is for Ghosttown, the tough Oakland west side neighborhood where he speculates the practice developed.[3] The song references actor Patrick Swayze, lead star in the 1990 film Ghost,[3] sparking internet references to ghost riding as "going (Patrick) Swayze". 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 two known deaths in North America.[5] Ghost riding is often featured in similarly risky urban sideshows, which also originated in the Bay Area.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Flambosting the hyphy nation. Steve Jones, USAToday.com. April 13, 2006. Last accessed January 6, 2007.
  2. ^ Ghost-riding: Another bad idea from California. Paul Farhi, Washington Post. January 8, 2007. Last accessed January 10, 2007.
  3. ^ a b c Farhi, Paul. "Ghost-Riding: Brake-Dancing With Zip Under the Hood", The Washington Post, December 27, 2006, p. C01. Accessed October 18, 2007.
  4. ^ Pimp My Ride GameSpot Review. December 18, 2006. Last accessed January 6, 2007.
  5. ^ "Hip-Hop Car Stunt Leaves 2 Dead"
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