Skip to main content

How Buddha Stretch Changed Hip-Hop Dance Forever | I Was A '90s Dancer

BETNetworksBETNetworks·1,843 views·Jul 16, 2026

Score and analysis

Summary

Buddha Stretch, a pioneer in hip-hop choreography, details his transformative journey from early influences like Soul Train and block parties to becoming a globally recognized dancer and choreographer.

He recounts his experiences working with iconic artists and crews, highlighting the creation of the 'Mop Top' mantra as a guiding principle for precision and performance.

The video concludes with Stretch's reflections on the cultural significance of dance and his transition to teaching, emphasizing its lasting impact beyond the artist.

BS
Buddha Stretch
Dancer · Choreographer · Teacher
7.3
VIDSCORE

Breakdown

The video delves into the foundational elements of hip-hop dance, tracing its evolution through Buddha Stretch's personal journey from early influences to professional choreography.

It explores the cultural context, the development of crews, and the transition of dance from street performance to mainstream music videos and tours.

Buddha Stretch uses compelling storytelling to recount his career, weaving personal anecdotes with historical context.

His narrative style, filled with specific moments and reflections on his influences and collaborations, keeps the viewer engaged throughout the long duration.

The content is presented as a personal narrative from Buddha Stretch, focusing on his experiences and perspective.

While he shares his journey and acknowledges others, the primary focus remains on his contributions and interpretations of events.

Buddha Stretch provides a detailed account of his journey, connecting his upbringing and early influences like Soul Train to his professional career.

He articulates how specific moments, like block parties and battles, directly shaped his approach to dance and choreography, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of hip-hop dance.

The narrative relies heavily on Buddha Stretch's personal experiences and recollections, serving as primary evidence for his career trajectory.

While specific dates and events are mentioned, the evidence is largely anecdotal, focusing on his direct involvement and observations.

The video features a mix of interview segments and archival footage.

The lighting in the interview segments is generally good, and the archival clips, while varied in quality, are appropriate for the historical context.

Buddha Stretch concludes by reflecting on his transition to teaching and theater dance, emphasizing the focus on the art form itself rather than the artist.

He asserts the lasting impact and cultural significance of hip-hop dance, stating it is 'not debatable' and 'facts, no cap. '

Click any metric to see why it scored this way

Related videos

More videos we scored on the same topics.

The Choreographer Behind Yo-Yo, New Edition & BBD's Biggest Moments | Leon Lee | I was a 90s Dancer
6.5
10:20
BETNetworks

The Choreographer Behind Yo-Yo, New Edition & BBD's Biggest Moments | Leon Lee | I was a 90s Dancer

BETNetworks
From Yo! MTV Raps to Nelson Mandela: The Untold Legacy of the Soul Brothers | I Was A 90s Dancer
5.3
12:28
BETNetworks

From Yo! MTV Raps to Nelson Mandela: The Untold Legacy of the Soul Brothers | I Was A 90s Dancer

BETNetworks
Christian Bale Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ
6.3
23:01
GQ

Christian Bale Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

GQ
Christian Bale
Actors Roundtable: Austin Butler, Brendan Fraser, Ke Huy Quan, Adam Sandler & More
8.6
59:00
The Hollywood Reporter

Actors Roundtable: Austin Butler, Brendan Fraser, Ke Huy Quan, Adam Sandler & More

The Hollywood Reporter
Colin FarrellBrendan FraserJeremy PopeAdam SandlerAustin ButlerKe Huy Quan
Full Actors Roundtable: Robert Downey Jr., Paul Giamatti, Mark Ruffalo, Colman Domingo & More
8.4
57:45
The Hollywood Reporter

Full Actors Roundtable: Robert Downey Jr., Paul Giamatti, Mark Ruffalo, Colman Domingo & More

The Hollywood Reporter
Paul GiamattiRobert PattinsonColman DomingoYvonne OrjiJeffrey Wright
Full Songwriters Roundtable: Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Cynthia Erivo & More
8.4
58:46
The Hollywood Reporter

Full Songwriters Roundtable: Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Cynthia Erivo & More

The Hollywood Reporter
Julia MichaelsCynthia ErivoBillie EilishDua LipaYvonne OrjiJon BatisteOlivia Rodrigo
Actors Roundtable: Chadwick Boseman, Timothée Chalamet, Mahershala Ali, Viggo Mortensen | Close Up
8.4
1:08:47
The Hollywood Reporter

Actors Roundtable: Chadwick Boseman, Timothée Chalamet, Mahershala Ali, Viggo Mortensen | Close Up

The Hollywood Reporter
Timothée ChalametMahershala AliRichard E. GrantViggo MortensenHugh Jackman
Peter Dinklage & Kit Harington | Actors on Actors
8.2
51:56
Variety

Peter Dinklage & Kit Harington | Actors on Actors

Variety
THR Full Oscar Director's Roundtable: Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Damien Chazelle, & More
8.0
1:07:26
The Hollywood Reporter

THR Full Oscar Director's Roundtable: Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Damien Chazelle, & More

The Hollywood Reporter
Matthew BelloniMira NairDamien ChazelleBarry JenkinsOliver StoneDenzel Washington
The Odyssey Cast Talk Starring in Christopher Nolan's Blockbuster and Share Stories from Filming
7.0
12:40
Late Night with Seth Meyers

The Odyssey Cast Talk Starring in Christopher Nolan's Blockbuster and Share Stories from Filming

Late Night with Seth Meyers
Seth MeyersAnne HathawayMatt Damon
Arsenio Hall on Impact of His Talk Show, Meeting Richard Pryor and Michael Jackson & New Memoir
6.8
20:49
Jimmy Kimmel Live

Arsenio Hall on Impact of His Talk Show, Meeting Richard Pryor and Michael Jackson & New Memoir

Jimmy Kimmel Live
Colman DomingoArsenio Hall
Adam Sandler, Dwayne Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan & More at the THR Actor Roundtable
6.6
57:11
The Hollywood Reporter

Adam Sandler, Dwayne Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan & More at the THR Actor Roundtable

The Hollywood Reporter
Jeremy Allen WhiteAdam SandlerDwayne JohnsonJacob ElordiMichael B. JordanMark Hamill