Ghost-riding

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. [ [http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2006-04-13-hyphy-side_x.htm Flambosting the hyphy nation] . Steve Jones, USAToday.com. April 13, 2006. Last accessed January 6, 2007.]

Ghost riding is an activity that has been practiced in the Bay Area for many years during what are called sydeshows. The popularization of "ghost riding the whip" is a byproduct of the popularity of Bay Area music and hyphy culture in general. The term "ghost ride the whip" was given nationwide exposure in E-40's 2006 song "Tell Me When to Go". [ [http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/529966.html Ghost-riding: Another bad idea from California] . Paul Farhi, Washington Post. January 8, 2007. Last accessed January 10, 2007.] Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B.'s hit song "Ghost Ride It", further popularized the term due to the song's consistent 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.Farhi, Paul. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/26/AR2006122600994_pf.html "Ghost-Riding: Brake-Dancing With Zip Under the Hood"] , "The Washington Post", December 27, 2006, p. C01. Accessed October 18, 2007.] The song references actor Patrick Swayze, lead star in the 1990 film "Ghost", 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". [ [http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/pimpmyride/review.html Pimp My Ride GameSpot Review] . December 18, 2006. Last accessed January 6, 2007.]

As with car surfing, ghost riding can be dangerous and has resulted in two known deaths in North America. [ [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8MAMLF00&show_article=1 "Hip-Hop Car Stunt Leaves 2 Dead"] ] Ghost riding is often featured in similarly risky urban sideshows, which also originated in the Bay Area.

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