Dance trends are a cornerstone of TikTok culture, constantly evolving and captivating users worldwide. From Tyla’s Water dance to the Rollie Rollie trend, the platform is a breeding ground for viral movement challenges. One dance, in particular, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, capturing the attention of a new wave of TikTokers: the Slickback Dance.
Originally known as the Jubi Slide, the dance first gained traction in 2022 thanks to TikTok creator Jubi2fye (@jubi2fye). His mesmerizing gliding steps, initially set to Kia’s “Jersey Anniversary” – a remix of Tony! Toni! Toné!’s classic “Anniversary” – quickly resonated with viewers. The dance involves a unique sliding motion, creating the captivating illusion of effortlessly stepping on air.
The sound associated with the original Jubi Slide, credited to Malcolm B (@malcolmbceo), fueled the trend, amassing over 197,000 videos of users trying their hand at the smooth moves. Now, the dance is back with a vengeance, rebranded as the Slickback, and set to a fresh, infectious sound.
What’s in a Name? From Jubi Slide to Slickback
The dance’s transformation from Jubi Slide to Slickback is largely due to its new sonic backdrop. TikTokers are now primarily performing the dance to a mashup of Crystal Waters’ iconic “Gypsy Woman” and a memorable sound bite from the character A Pimp Named Slickback, voiced by Katt Williams in Adult Swim’s animated series “The Boondocks.” This audio blend, popularized on TikTok by Joseph (@beaneetv) but originally crafted by Lakim (@lakimisalive), has given the dance a fresh identity and propelled it back into the viral spotlight.
The Slickback’s renewed popularity has seen it extend its reach beyond the typical TikTok dance community, even infiltrating the world of sports with athletes incorporating it into touchdown celebrations. This wider adoption speaks to the dance’s infectious appeal and ease of adaptation.
Mastering the Glide: How to Do the Slickback Dance
The magic of the Slickback lies in its illusion of effortless floating. When executed correctly, dancers appear to glide smoothly sideways, defying gravity with each step. Atlanta-based content creator Trey Wavy (@tr3ywavy) provided a helpful four-step tutorial, breaking down the seemingly complex moves into manageable components.
Wavy highlights a key distinction between the Slickback and the original Jubi Slide. The crucial third step involves lifting your toe upwards, ensuring it doesn’t touch the ground. This subtle adjustment is what truly sells the “floating” effect and sets the Slickback apart.
Despite tutorials, many viewers still express bewilderment at the dance’s seemingly effortless execution. One commenter, @h20bro59, jokingly remarked, “First step: be a wizard,” capturing the almost magical appearance of a perfectly performed Slickback.
The Slickback dance’s resurgence demonstrates the cyclical nature of online trends and the power of music and creative adaptation in revitalizing viral content. Whether you’re drawn to the catchy “Gypsy Woman” remix or the challenge of mastering the gliding steps, the Slickback is poised to remain a prominent fixture on TikTok dance feeds for the foreseeable future.
