New York City hip-hop, once synonymous with dynamic dance styles, experienced a period in the 90s where dancing took a backseat. However, the rhythm started returning to the streets, and by 2004, even songs like Terror Squad’s “Lean Back”—famously about being too cool to dance—acknowledged the shift. The momentum continued with Bobby Shmurda’s Shmoney Dance and the hit “Hot Nigga” in recent years. Now, hailing from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, artist 2 Milly has unleashed the “Milly Rock” dance and song, injecting a fresh, glitchy energy into the classic two-step.
While the Milly Rock originated in the heart of New York City, its infectious energy is rapidly spreading nationwide. The official music video has garnered over 340,000 views, and the dance has exploded across social media. People are Milly Rocking everywhere, from daring fire escape performances to stylish car interiors. Even Rihanna herself has been seen doing the Milly Rock, solidifying its viral status. The dance has become so popular that fans are even taking risks to participate, showcasing its widespread appeal. A significant milestone was reached when Travi$ Scott brought out 2 Milly and the Stack Paper collective at Hot 97’s Summer Jam, a premier hip-hop event, further cementing the Milly Rock’s place beyond just local trend. This performance underscored the Milly Rock’s growing influence and national recognition.
The Milly Rock Dance is characterized by a distinctive side-to-side two-step, with lyrics in the song providing simple instructions: “first arms up then left and right / then MJ get out my sight.” However, its true charm lies in its open invitation to creativity. Improvisation is key to truly embodying the Milly Rock, encouraging dancers to incorporate pivots and hip movements, making it uniquely their own.
Just days before their Summer Jam performance, 2 Milly and his crew were found Milly Rocking in their Bed-Stuy apartment, in the heart of their neighborhood. This tight-knit group of lifelong friends and family, about ten in number, were relaxing and enjoying the moment. Some sported du-rags, while others passionately rapped along to Fetty Wap and Jay Z tracks. Lil Ock, a friendly rapper from Stack Paper, welcomed the interviewer into their fourth-floor space, proudly displaying his crew’s name tattooed on his hand as a symbol of loyalty.
Image of Lil Ock, Lil Cee, 2 Milly, and their friends showcasing the Milly Rock spirit in their Bed-Stuy apartment.
“Milly Rock” is officially 2 Milly’s creation, but it’s evident that the song and dance are deeply intertwined with his crew of lifelong friends. 2 Milly has been making music with his crew since he was 13. While not yet nationally recognized, Stack Paper had built enough local buzz that, according to 2 Milly’s close friend Lil Cee, Juelz Santana allegedly adopted their previous name, Skull Gang, for his own group around 2008. Santana’s Skull Gang released an album in 2009, which reached number 142 on the Billboard 200. Stack Paper, however, continued to grind, eventually performing at venues like Webster Hall in Manhattan, fueled by the Milly Rock phenomenon.
2 Milly’s confidence is palpable as he moves around his apartment, cash visibly in his pocket. Conversations with 2 Milly and his crew reveal a focused ambition that goes beyond mere confidence. “Milly Rock” is just the beginning. 2 Milly is developing a project titled Welcome to Millyville, along with a collective project, all while striving to elevate themselves and their friends from their challenging environment, often referred to as “Stuyraq,” a nod to the difficulties of their Bed-Stuy neighborhood.
Noisey: How do you feel about the Milly Rock’s explosive popularity?
2 Milly: It’s incredible. But it hasn’t changed who I am. I’m still the same regular guy. You see where we live, where we come home to. My crew is right here with me. We wake up, eat, create music, and dance. We Milly Rock all day. But the recent shows, especially Webster Hall, have been eye-opening. It’s becoming something huge, you know?
Were you surprised by any of this?
2 Milly: Not really. I’ve been making music for a while, exploring different styles—from raw tracks to club anthems and songs for the ladies. With Milly Rock, I specifically focused on creating something radio-friendly. I realized the dance itself would drive the song. So, I made sure to keep the lyrics cleaner, less explicit, for broader appeal.
Lil Ock: We’ve been doing the dance, but we never had a song that really matched it. Now we do.
Image capturing Lil Ock emphasizing the importance of having a dedicated song for the Milly Rock dance.
So the dance came before the song?
Lil Ock: Absolutely. We have videos from years ago on YouTube doing the dance. We just didn’t have a signature track for it. We used to Milly Rock to other songs, even our own tracks. Now, with a song made for the dance, it all clicks.
How did you create the Milly Rock dance?
2 Milly: It’s just natural dancing, really. It comes from the classic two-step. It’s a variation of that.
What kind of music influences you?
2 Milly: I listen to everything.
Lil Ock: I’m into Future.
Lil Cee: I’m more of an R&B guy.
2 Milly: Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Jeremih—that kind of vibe. I’m definitely a ladies’ man with my music taste. I’m not too focused on the hardcore stuff.
Lil Cee: But we make the tough guys Milly Rock.
2 Milly: Exactly! What else is there to do? If you’re not Milly Rocking, you’re missing out. Nobody wants to just stand around looking out of place. Why even come out if you’re not going to join in?
Image of 2 Milly and Lil Cee discussing the inclusive nature of the Milly Rock, inviting everyone to participate.
Why “I Milly Rock on any block”?
Lil Ock: Because he does Milly Rock on any block!
2 Milly: You can Milly Rock anywhere. I don’t need to say much more.
So, there’s no place you can’t Milly Rock?
2 Milly: Check the hashtags. People are doing it in the desert, on mountains, even on motorcycles.
Lil Ock: Someone was Milly Rocking on a motorcycle, man, seriously.
2 Milly: On a motorcycle!
So people are literally risking it all to Milly Rock?
Lil Cee: Someone even wrote it on their visor.
Image of a visor with “On Any Block” highlighting the widespread “Milly Rock on any block” motto.
Have you always been in Bed-Stuy?
Lil Ock: It’s tough here.
Lil Cee: We call it Slice Drive, around here.
Lil Ock: RIP to our friend Slice. He should be here with us. RIP Slice and Lil D.
What happened?
Lil Ock: Slice was a great guy, really cool. You would’ve liked him just like you like talking to me. A good dude.
Lil Cee: He was even in the Milly Rock video… It’s crazy—in the Milly Rock video, he’s right there. This is our neighborhood, Stuyraq, you know? He had a weapon on him, police stopped him, claimed he shot at them, and they shot him. He passed away in the hospital a few weeks later.
Image capturing a somber moment as Lil Ock and Lil Cee reflect on the realities of their neighborhood and the loss of their friend Slice.
Does tragedy like this push you to want to escape?
Lil Ock: Definitely. We’ve lost friends to the streets. Slice had just come home after five years. He was only 22. Lil D was another childhood friend, killed in New Jersey after moving there with his mom, back in 2011.
There are many more of us who grew up together, went to school together, but they’re locked up or worse. A lot of people are counting on us to make it.
Image of 2 Milly and Lil Ock discussing the motivations and pressures to succeed and uplift their community through their music and dance.
Is there a conflict between staying true to your roots and wanting to move beyond the hood?
2 Milly: We are who we are because of where we’re from. We’ve always been in this neighborhood. We know what comes with any level of fame or money.
Lil Ock: Hate, envy, jealousy. Look at what happened to Chinx. I see it as they’re just targeting talent. We’re still a family. He’s making music, trying to support those who depend on him. No matter what you do, if you’re from the streets, you’ve got to be careful. Even now, we might not be able to stay in this neighborhood much longer, just for our own safety. It’s not that we want to leave; we’d love to come back and show everyone what’s possible. But some people don’t want to see that.
Anything you want to say to your new fans?
Lil Ock: Shout out to everyone who supports us. To everyone from the hood: Gates Ave., Brooklyn, Bed-Stuy, Flatbush, East New York. It’s bigger than just us here.
2 Milly: Yo, hold up everyone! Group hug! You want my shirt? Take it.
Lil Ock: We’re connecting with people.
2 Milly: I don’t think I’ll ever become fake. I can’t stand that.
Original article by Brian Josephs.
