Jesse “Smiley” Rutland, Co-Creator Of The Harlem Shake Murdered
Co-Creator Of The Harlem Shake Murdered
Source: Mario Tama / Getty
The Harlem Shake is a popular dance that went viral years ago. According to VIBE, the co-creator of the dance, Jesse “Smiley” Rutland was murdered. He was shot in his Brooklyn home and his children were in the apartment during this incident.
Rutland was apart of the Crazy Boyz Dance Crew that helped put life behind the famous dance again in the early 2000’s. Fans of the dance watched it in music videos for Chris Brown, Eve and Diddy. To many that love The Harlem Shake, they say, “It’s not a dance, it’s a movement.”
Rutland made a statement about the dance in 2013 saying, “We’re just using whatever recognition we have to reach the youth so they can feel bigger than themselves and think, ‘I am somebody.” The group made an announcement about Rutland and mentioned his 6-year-old son tried to revive him. Police arrested the suspect, Kumar Reid. He was charged with second-degree murder as well as weapons possession.
RELATED: Two Dancers Pay Tribute To Diana Ross In The Most Incredible Way [VIDEO]
RELATED: Father & Daughter Dance To Mary Mary [VIDEO]
RELATED: Wendy Williams Calls Ashanti An Exotic Dancer: “Nobody Cares About Your Music” [VIDEO]
The Latest:
- Mary Sheffield Makes History As 1st Woman Mayor Of Detroit
- Venus Williams’ Comeback Continues As She Earns Auckland Classic Wildcard At Age 45
- 5 Ways to Support Veterans’ Mental Health Beyond Veterans Day
- Several States File Lawsuit Over Rule Change To Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Mary J. Blige, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Ludacris & Countless Celebs Sizzled & Slayed ONE MusicFest 2025, Black Music Excellence Ensued [Exclusive]
- Doja Cat Salutes Phonte’s Little Brother’s Verse On ‘Whatever You Say’ As The Best In Rap History
- ‘Love Island’ Bombshells JaNa, Serena, Olandria & Chelley Magically Melanate The 2025 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards
- Very Special Virginians Pusha T & Malice Celebrate Hennessy’s ‘Made For More’ Campaign At ONE Musicfest, Extend 2025 Winning Streak
- Blue Wave News: California Republican Party Announces Lawsuit After Prop 50 Passes, Allowing New Voting Map
- ‘All’s Fair’ Fracas: Kim Kardashian’s New Hulu Series Gets Gavel Banged By Copious Critics—’Worst TV Drama Ever’
- The 50 Hottest, Flyest & Sexiest Looks from Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour
- US Embassy Official Told Trump’s South African Refugee Program Is For White People Only, New Report Says
- Urban One Radiothon For St. Jude Kids Raises $1.6 Million
- Celebs Who Turn 50 This Year
- Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025
