Cars
Fact-checked

At WikiMotors, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Ghost Riding the Whip?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

In 2006, a rapper named E-40 released a song called "Tell Me When to Go," which included the first mainstream reference to a driving stunt called "ghost riding the whip." In hip-hop parlance, a car is also called a "whip," while "ghost riding" refers to a driverless car. This stunt involves putting a car in either neutral or drive and then dancing on the hood or around the vehicle as it slowly cruises down the street. Ideally, a driver will jump into the car before it becomes a hazard to others.

"Ghost riding the whip" actually began before the release of E-40's song. A subculture of hip-hop called hyphy, or hyphe, started in the San Francisco Bay area of California during the early 2000s, with rappers such as Mac Dre first suggesting the dangerous driving stunt in their lyrics. It became popular among fans who sought the greatest thrills in hyphy culture, namely a practice called "going dumb." Participants understand how risky the stunt can be, but the risk is also part of the thrill.

Woman wearing a tank top shirt
Woman wearing a tank top shirt

When the conditions are right, a driver will crank up the volume of his car's sound system to deafening levels and all the passengers exit the car quickly. The driver will then put the car in either neutral or drive and allow it to continue rolling down the street. The occupants begin to "ghost ride the whip" by dancing on the roof, hood, or area surrounding the car. Some participants will also videotape their experiences and upload the results to popular video-sharing websites. When either the music or the car comes to a sudden stop, the adventure is over.

Although the practice of "ghost riding the whip" is considered illegal in most cities, enforcement can be difficult. Participants are usually quite aware of their surroundings, so they tend to choose locations and times when local patrols are few and far between. The stunt is the modern equivalent of car surfing, a dangerous practice in which passengers stand on the roof of a moving car as if they were riding a wave. There is also an element of a old car stunt called a Chinese fire drill, in which passengers switch positions while the car is stopped at a traffic light. "Ghost riding the whip" is a much more dangerous practice, however, and should not be attempted under any circumstances.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WikiMotors contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WikiMotors contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Chmander

@RoyalSpyder - It's not hard to imagine that people would attempt this. You'd be surprised at how many things can become fads in this day and age. I don't want to sound like I'm generalizing, but people have a habit of copying others. One event that starts off small immediately becomes the next big thing. Using fashion trends as an example, people always follow others. However, when that trend ends, people start copying others who have moved on to the latest fashions. Generally speaking, as people, we're always willing to take risks.

RoyalSpyder

Before reading this article, I had never heard of "ghost riding the whip" before. It sounds like a somewhat interesting concept, if not also a little insane. It's amazing the things that people will come up with in this day and age. I like how the article says that it shouldn't be attempted under any circumstances. Where do people get crazy ideas like these?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Woman wearing a tank top shirt
      Woman wearing a tank top shirt