Snoop Dogg has joined Fortnite’s new season, Remix Chapter 2, bringing his character and iconic dance, Snoop’s Walk, into the game. While the season revives elements from Chapter 2 and introduces new features, concerns have arisen regarding the dance’s ties to gang culture, particularly its roots in Crip Walking. American players worry about the implications of such a dance in a popular game, highlighting the ethical considerations for Epic Games as they navigate this sensitive topic.
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Snoop Dogg Joins the Fortnite Universe!
If you’re an avid player of Fortnite, you’ll be excited to learn that a brand new season has just launched! On November 2nd, Epic Games concluded the 4th season of Chapter 5, which was themed around Marvel and notably featured Doctor Doom. The new season is called Remix Chapter 2, and as the title suggests, it aims to revive the beloved map and ambiance of Chapter 2, while introducing a host of exciting new features. Among these enhancements is a fresh Battle Pass brimming with skins, including the legendary rapper Snoop Dogg.
Snoop Dogg, whose fame has surged following the Paris Olympic Games, is now making waves in one of the world’s most popular video games. His character plays a pivotal role in the game’s storyline, taking charge of the Agency, which has been aptly renamed Doggpound for this season. Alongside Snoop Dogg, players will also encounter Ice Spice and Eminem, the latter uniquely equipped with a machine gun that fires lyrics at the speed of his delivery. It’s a stroke of genius!
The Controversial Snoop’s Walk Dance in Fortnite
With the launch of the new season, players can also enjoy a variety of new emotes. One of the highlights is the Snoop’s Walk dance, specifically tied to the iconic rapper. However, this new addition has raised concerns among many in the United States. From a French perspective, the dance may seem harmless, but it carries a significant cultural context rooted in the history of gang culture in America. The “Snoop’s Walk” dance is actually derived from Crip Walking, a dance associated with the notorious Crips gang that became prominent in California during the 1990s.
The implications of this dance extend beyond mere entertainment; it could pose serious risks if performed in the wrong setting. Numerous American players, particularly those who grew up in neighborhoods affected by gang violence, have shared their concerns online. They recall warnings from their youth against performing this dance, as doing so in territories claimed by rival gangs like the Bloods could result in grave consequences.
Considering that Fortnite’s dances often become trendy among younger players (think Floss, Take the L, Orange Justice…), introducing a dance reminiscent of Crip Walking could potentially endanger certain individuals. On a reassuring note, some Californians today have indicated that gang conflicts are not as prevalent in 2024 as they were in the past. Nonetheless, the ethical implications of incorporating a dance that has ties to real-life gang violence into a game like Fortnite cannot be overlooked, especially given the popularity of these dances within the community. Notably, when Snoop Dogg released his hit “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” the MTV network even banned its music video due to the presence of Crip Walking. It remains to be seen how Epic Games will address this sensitive issue moving forward.