The Origins of Dabbing: Where Did Dabbing Come From?

Many people recognize the dab as a popular dance move or celebratory gesture, but not everyone knows its origins. Questions like “where did dabbing come from” continue to spark curiosity among fans of music, sports, and culture.

The rise of the dab wasn’t just about dancing; it carried deeper roots in hip-hop and even connections to cannabis culture.

The dab’s journey began in Atlanta’s vibrant hip-hop scene before gaining global attention through sports and entertainment. This blog explores how rap artists pioneered the movement, how athletes made it mainstream, and why the term "dabbing" holds different meanings today.

Keep reading to uncover all there is to know about this cultural phenomenon!

The Origins of Dabbing

The dab dance originated within the vibrant hip-hop culture of Atlanta, Georgia. Influential rap artists brought this celebratory gesture into the spotlight, shaping it as both a trend and cultural statement.

The Atlanta Hip-Hop Scene

Atlanta hip-hop played a major role in shaping the culture of dabbing. Known for its innovative sound and fresh dance trends, the Atlanta music scene thrived during the early 2010s.

Southern hip-hop artists regularly introduced new moves that became viral sensations, with dabbing being one of their most impactful creations.

Rap groups like Migos embraced this trend and used it to define their unique style. The city’s energy gave rise to urban music movements that influenced fans worldwide. As an epicenter of modern hip-hop, Atlanta proved once again how deeply it drives popular culture.

Atlanta is where art turns into trends—dabbing proves just that.

The Role of Migos and Other Artists

Migos played a major role in popularizing the dab through their music. The group released "Look at My Dab" in fall 2015, which instantly caught attention and spread the dance craze further into popular culture.

Their energetic promotion of the move helped cement it as a defining part of hip-hop and youth culture during that time.

Other artists from Atlanta like OG Maco, Skippa Da Flippa, and Rich The Kid also contributed to its rise. Each brought unique styles to expand its reach within the rap community. These trendsetters turned dabbing into more than just a dance—it became an influential symbol in music and entertainment globally.

Dabbing in Pop Culture

The dab quickly broke into mainstream pop culture through music and sports. Influential figures helped transform it from a dance move to an iconic celebratory gesture.

Early Adoption in the NFL

Professional football players brought dabbing into sports culture in August 2015. It gained traction as a trendy celebratory gesture during NFL games. On September 13, 2015, Jeremy Hill dabbed after scoring against the Oakland Raiders.

This moment helped push dabbing further into mainstream sports and pop culture.

By mid-September 2015, fans across the league started noticing these innovative gestures on the field. Players used the dab to set new trends in football celebrations. This influence of professional athletes shows how easily cultural movements spread through sports entertainment platforms.

Cam Newton’s role only expanded this movement further.

Cam Newton’s Influence on the Dab

NFL player Cam Newton made "the dab" a signature touchdown celebration during his 2015 season. His energetic moves on the field captured fans' attention and quickly spread across the sports world.

The quarterback’s celebratory dab became iconic, blending dance with athletic triumph.

Newton's influence didn’t stop at football. His performances helped push the trend into mainstream pop culture and entertainment. Fans imitated his movements in stadiums, living rooms, and viral videos.

By popularizing the dab, he cemented its place as more than just a dance—it became a cultural movement tied to victory and style.

The Dab in Mainstream Sports and Entertainment

Athletes turned the dab into a cultural phenomenon. LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and D’Angelo Russell from the Los Angeles Lakers embraced it on the court, showcasing its rising impact.

In January 2016, European footballers adopted the trendy dance move, spreading it globally. Sports events became platforms where fans could see dabbing during celebrations and victories.

The entertainment industry amplified its popularity with celebrity participation. Jay-Z grabbed attention by dabbing at a Tidal concert in October 2015, while Rihanna brought energy to the stage with her dab at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.

Social media exploded with these moments, turning this popular gesture into a viral sensation embraced by millions worldwide.

Key Moments in Dab History

The rise of dabbing in sports and entertainment marked a cultural milestone. Iconic performances and viral moments amplified its global appeal.

First Recorded Dab in Sports

On September 13, 2015, Jeremy Hill brought the dab to football fans during a game against the Oakland Raiders. The Cincinnati Bengals running back celebrated his touchdown by performing the popular dance move.

This simple celebration became one of sports' most memorable moments. By mid-September 2015, athletes across leagues started mimicking the gesture. It quickly turned into an iconic trend in football games and beyond.

The Dab’s Appearance in Major Events

Jay-Z brought the dab to a massive audience during his October 2015 Tidal concert. This iconic moment tied the dance move to both hip-hop and mainstream entertainment, making it an instant cultural sensation.

It showcased how quickly trends from music could cross into larger events.

Rihanna amplified its popularity by performing the dab at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. Her playful execution on such a grand stage solidified the dance as more than just a passing trend in pop culture.

These appearances highlighted how celebrities used major platforms to push viral movements forward.

Viral Moments and Celebrity Dabbers

In 2015, dabbing exploded into viral fame as celebrities and athletes embraced this influential dance move. At a Tidal concert in October that year, Jay-Z showcased the dab to his audience, cementing its place in hip hop culture.

Shortly after, Cam Newton brought it to mainstream sports by celebrating touchdowns with the gesture during his NFL games.

Rihanna amplified the trend at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards by dabbing on stage. Around the same time, rapper 2 Chainz capitalized on its popularity through his ‘Dabbin Santa’ sweaters.

These sold nearly $2 million worth of merch in December 2015 alone. Social media turned these moments into instant sensations, keeping dabbing right at the center of pop culture trends.

Dabbing Beyond Dance

Dabbing extends beyond the dance floor, connecting to cannabis culture through innovative methods of consuming concentrates—learn how this shift shaped its meaning.

The Cannabis Connection to Dabbing

The term "dabbing" connects closely to cannabis culture and consumption. Since at least 2012, it has described the act of heating concentrated THC extracts and inhaling their vapor.

Cannabis dabbing gained popularity for delivering stronger effects than traditional smoking methods. Focused on marijuana concentrates like wax, shatter, or budder, this method appeals to users seeking a potent experience.

Some link the physical gesture of dabbing in dance to coughing caused by THC vapor inhalation. While debated, such associations highlight cannabis rituals tied to this practice. Vaporizing THC extracts became a trend among enthusiasts drawn by its efficiency and intensity compared to other forms of marijuana consumption.

Evolution of the Term "Dab"

Dabbing grew beyond cannabis and dance, gaining new meanings in urban culture. By July 2015, Urban Dictionary described "dab" as Atlanta slang for displaying confidence with style or swagger.

This definition rooted itself in the city’s hip-hop scene, reflecting a cultural phenomenon tied to self-assured expression.

Since 2012, "dabbing" has held multiple interpretations. It first referred to dabs of cannabis concentrate but later symbolized a viral dance move and attitude. These shifts highlight how slang evolves across music, trends, and communities over time.

Dabbing Equipment and Accessories

Dabbing equipment has evolved with unique tools and rigs that suit every user’s needs—explore how these enhance the experience.

Introduction to Dab Rigs and Their Varieties

Dab rigs, also called concentrate rigs or oil rigs, are specialized devices designed for consuming cannabis concentrates. Unlike traditional smoking methods, dab rigs provide a smoother and more potent experience by vaporizing concentrates instead of combusting plant material.

These unique tools often feature water filtration systems to cool the vapor, making them a favorite among seasoned users.

Varieties include electric dab rigs for convenience and mini dab rigs for portability. Glass options remain popular due to their durability and style, while silicone hybrid models offer flexibility and resilience.

Portable options cater to users on-the-go, offering discretion without sacrificing quality. Each type pairs with essential dabbing tools like quartz bangers or titanium nails to ensure efficiency during sessions.

The Role of Electric, Mini, Glass, Silicone, Hybrid, and Portable Dab Rigs

Dabbing rigs play a crucial role in concentrate consumption. Each type offers unique benefits, providing options for all user preferences.

1. Electric dab rigs provide accurate temperature regulation, giving users better control over their dabbing experience. They also offer convenience by eliminating the need for torches.
2. Mini dab rigs are compact and ideal for discreet use or traveling. Their size ensures easy handling without compromising performance.
3. Glass rigs remain popular due to their clean taste and visual appeal. They are versatile and preferred by users who enjoy traditional setups in dabbing equipment and accessories.
4. Silicone rigs stand out for their durability and flexibility, making them resistant to breakages during use or transport. Cleaning is easier compared to other materials, adding convenience for daily users.
5. Hybrid rigs combine features of glass, silicone, or other materials to meet diverse needs. This material combination balances durability with performance effectively.
6. Portable dab rigs allow on-the-go dabbing while maintaining quality concentrate consumption experiences in various settings.

Users can enhance versatility and durability with these different tools based on specific preferences or habits while exploring THC concentrates efficiently.

Exploring Dab Rig Accessories: Bangers, Torches, Carb Caps, Cleaning Tools

Dab rigs gain versatility with the right accessories. These tools enhance the experience and maintain the rig for long-term use.

1. Bangers hold concentrate during heating and are often made of quartz for durability. They provide even heat distribution to preserve flavor profiles.
2. Torches heat bangers to the ideal temperature for vaporization. Butane torches are common because they allow precise control.
3. Carb caps cover the banger, trapping heat and creating better airflow. This ensures efficient vaporization at lower temperatures.
4. Cleaning tools like brushes or wipes remove residue after each session. Keeping accessories clean maintains flavor quality and extends their lifespan.

The Importance of Dab Pads, Dishes & Dabber Sets, Enails, and Nectar Collectors

Dab pads, dishes, and dabber sets simplify handling concentrated THC extracts. Dab pads provide a clean, non-stick surface to avoid spills or damage to surfaces. Dishes hold concentrates securely during use, while dabber tools allow precise application of the extract onto heated surfaces.

These accessories enhance the dabbing process by keeping sessions efficient and mess-free.

Enails deliver consistent heating for optimal vaporization of concentrates. They ensure precise temperature control without needing a torch, making them user-friendly. Nectar collectors make portable dabbing convenient by allowing direct inhalation from concentrated oils at the source.

Together, these tools refine the experience for both beginners and seasoned users, ensuring quality with every session.

Next is exploring other essential dabbing equipment like bangers and torches to complete the setup.

The Decline of the Dab

The dab's popularity started to fade as new trends emerged in music and pop culture. Shifts in public interest and overuse led to its decline from the mainstream spotlight.

When Did the Dab Lose Popularity?

The dab saw its peak in 2016, driven by viral moments and mainstream adoption in sports and pop culture. Rihanna’s iconic dab at the MTV Video Music Awards marked one of its high points.

By mid-2017, the trend began to lose steam as new dance crazes emerged.

Shifts in music styles and social trends contributed to its decline. Athletes and celebrities moved on from the fad, reducing its presence in media. Social media users also gravitated toward fresh content, leaving the once-popular dance move behind.

How the Trend Faded Over Time

Shifts in cultural interests caused dabbing to fade over time. As social media trends evolved, new dances and memes pushed the dab out of the spotlight. Fans moved on as younger audiences embraced fresh, viral movements.

Mainstream oversaturation also played a role in its decline. Once major celebrities and companies adopted the dab, it lost its edge with core fans. The public began associating it with outdated pop culture rather than innovation, leading to waning popularity across communities.

Conclusion

The origins of dabbing show its journey from Atlanta’s hip-hop roots to global fame. Artists and athletes turned a simple move into a cultural symbol. Though its popularity has faded, the dab left an undeniable mark on music, sports, and trends.

Understanding its history highlights how art forms can evolve and inspire movements worldwide. Dabbing remains a fascinating blend of creativity and expression.

FAQs

1. What is dabbing, and where did it come from?

Dabbing is a popular dance move that originated in the hip-hop scene. It first gained attention in Atlanta, Georgia, during the early 2010s.

2. Who made dabbing famous?

The Migos, an Atlanta-based rap group, helped make dabbing famous through their music and performances. Other artists also contributed to its rise.

3. Is there more to dabbing than just a dance move?

Yes, beyond being a dance trend, some associate dabbing with confidence or celebration in pop culture.

4. How did dabbing spread worldwide?

Social media platforms and celebrity endorsements played a big role in spreading dabbing globally, making it part of mainstream entertainment.