Lil Dicky

Biography

Charles "Lil Buck" Riley, born May 25, 1988 in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, is a renowned movement artist celebrated for bringing Memphis Jookin—a freestyle street dance characterized by intricate footwork and fluid motion—to international prominence. Buck was introduced to Jookin around age 14 and quickly rose through the ranks of the local dance scene, blending his street dance roots with two years of formal ballet training on scholarship[3][4]. This unique combination enabled him to develop a signature style noted for its gravity-defying glides and expressive storytelling.

Lil Buck's career gained widespread attention in 2011 when he performed with cellist Yo-Yo Ma to Saint-Saëns’ "The Swan." The performance, captured and shared online by director Spike Jonze, went viral and established Buck as a global ambassador for Jookin[3][4]. Since then, he has collaborated with Cirque du Soleil’s "Michael Jackson: One," choreographed for Janelle Monáe, toured with Madonna, and danced alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov in Rag & Bone’s fashion campaign. His artistry extends beyond dance into activism and fashion, including co-founding MOVEMENT ART IS, an organization using movement to inspire social change, and designing for Versace[3][4].

Lil Buck's innovative fusion of street and classical dance has influenced both the dance and fashion worlds, making him a sought-after performer and collaborator. His legacy is marked by his ability to bridge cultural and artistic divides, inspiring a new generation of dancers to explore interdisciplinary movement and social impact through art[3][4].

Fun Facts

• Lil Buck first arrived in Los Angeles with only $20 in his pocket after paying unexpected luggage fees[2].
• His viral performance with Yo-Yo Ma was filmed by Spike Jonze, whose video helped launch Buck’s international career[3][4].
• He designed a line of shoes and shirts for Versace, merging his dance influence with high fashion[3][4].
• Buck starred as the Mouse King in Disney’s 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' (2018)[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Katie Smythe - Director of New Ballet Ensemble & School; encouraged Buck to blend ballet and Jookin, facilitating his scholarship and creative development. (New Ballet Ensemble outreach performances) [2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Yo-Yo Ma - Collaborated on viral performance of 'The Swan,' blending classical cello and Jookin. (Saint-Saëns’ 'The Swan' (2011)) [2011]
• Janelle Monáe - Co-choreographed music video and performed together. (Janelle Monáe music video) [2010s]
• Madonna - Toured as a dancer on two world tours. (Madonna world tours) [2010s]
• Mikhail Baryshnikov - Danced together in Rag & Bone’s Fall/Winter campaign. (Rag & Bone campaign (2015)) [2015]
• Jon Boogz - Co-founded MOVEMENT ART IS and collaborated on social impact projects. ("Color of Reality" short film) [2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Dancers in Memphis Jookin community - Inspired local and international dancers to blend street and classical styles. (Ongoing workshops and outreach) [2010s-present]
• Movement Art Is artists - Mentored and collaborated with emerging movement artists through his organization. (MOVEMENT ART IS projects) [2010s-present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Freaky Friday (feat. Chris Brown) (Freaky Friday (feat. Chris Brown))
2. Molly (feat. Brendon Urie of Panic at the Disco) (Professional Rapper)
3. $ave Dat Money (feat. Fetty Wap & Rich Homie Quan) (Professional Rapper)
4. Earth (Earth)
5. Professional Rapper (feat. Snoop Dogg) (Professional Rapper)
6. Running Over (feat. Lil Dicky) (Changes)
7. Lemme Freak (Professional Rapper)
8. Pillow Talking (feat. Brain) (Professional Rapper)
9. Bruh... (Professional Rapper)
10. Just A Lil' Thick (She Juicy) (feat. Mystikal & Lil Dicky) (Just A Lil' Thick (She Juicy) (feat. Mystikal & Lil Dicky))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia