Spring Break
Detroit native's 'Obama hustle' gains popularity
Leah Johnson
Issue date: 12/9/08 Section: Features
An older African American man who may have had his share of Jack Daniels recorded himself on Youtube singing these words to no particular tune: "You fooled me once with Bush! Shame on you! You fooled me twice again with Bush! Shame on me! You fooled me thrice with McCain and Palin!...I don't think so, Republicans you got to go!"
These made up lyrics along with the dance that follows it, is just one of many recordings that people have put on Youtube in hopes of becoming the person who coined the Obama hustle.
No matter how many renditions of this hustle may appear on Youtube, the title of creating and demonstrating the Obama Hustle belong to Crystal Smith of Detroit.
According to an interview Smith did with the Free Press, the Obama hustle had its beginnings four months ago in Smith's bedroom, and it took her two hours to create the dance. The hustle is done to Stevie Wonder's hit "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" which was played at many of Obama's campaign stops.
With the use of certain steps from 300 different hustles and the famous Temptation Walk, Smith was able to blend these moves to create the Obama hustle, which amounts to 26 steps.
The dance is basic enough for those who may have two left feet, but entertaining enough for those who effortlessly glide across the dance floor.
"It's old school," says Smith. "Because I wanted to do something that everyone could relate to."
As with other versions of the hustle, this dance has become popular in states such as Kentucky and Delaware.
"It's like 'Wow!'" said Smith, 48, of the reaction to the hustle.
This hustle has been performed at many clubs in Detroit, and is now becoming an interest of students on University of Michigan  - Dearborn's campus.
"I had no idea that there was an Obama Hustle," said junior Brittany Moore. "Now that I know, I'd like to learn how to do it at a party,"
"This is more than just a dance. I think it's a way for all, especially African Americans, to celebrate this moment in history," said Junior Alex Haynes.
These made up lyrics along with the dance that follows it, is just one of many recordings that people have put on Youtube in hopes of becoming the person who coined the Obama hustle.
No matter how many renditions of this hustle may appear on Youtube, the title of creating and demonstrating the Obama Hustle belong to Crystal Smith of Detroit.
According to an interview Smith did with the Free Press, the Obama hustle had its beginnings four months ago in Smith's bedroom, and it took her two hours to create the dance. The hustle is done to Stevie Wonder's hit "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" which was played at many of Obama's campaign stops.
With the use of certain steps from 300 different hustles and the famous Temptation Walk, Smith was able to blend these moves to create the Obama hustle, which amounts to 26 steps.
The dance is basic enough for those who may have two left feet, but entertaining enough for those who effortlessly glide across the dance floor.
"It's old school," says Smith. "Because I wanted to do something that everyone could relate to."
As with other versions of the hustle, this dance has become popular in states such as Kentucky and Delaware.
"It's like 'Wow!'" said Smith, 48, of the reaction to the hustle.
This hustle has been performed at many clubs in Detroit, and is now becoming an interest of students on University of Michigan  - Dearborn's campus.
"I had no idea that there was an Obama Hustle," said junior Brittany Moore. "Now that I know, I'd like to learn how to do it at a party,"
"This is more than just a dance. I think it's a way for all, especially African Americans, to celebrate this moment in history," said Junior Alex Haynes.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
ronnie
posted 12/10/08 @ 10:59 AM EST
great article leah, now i want to learn how to do the dance, it doenst' seem that difficult
bUDGet vAnlINes mOverS
posted 1/02/09 @ 3:41 PM EST
The dance is basic enough for those who may have two left feet, but entertaining enough for those who effortlessly glide across the dance floor.
Tony
posted 1/31/09 @ 7:12 AM EST
We do the Obama Hustle in Germany too! :-)
Look at:
http://www.stampede-line-dancers.de/Obama_Hustle/obama_hustle.html
Regards
Tony
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