Thomas Johnson, also known as
Tommy the Clown, is an
American dancer best known as the inventor of the "clowning" style of dance, which evolved into
krumping. Johnson invented the style in 1992 to enhance birthday party
clown acts, thereby creating the concept of "
hip-hop clowns". Johnson and his followers have performed at birthday parties ranging from inner city communities to celebrities like
Madonna,
Pamela Anderson, and
Cedric the Entertainer. He achieved international acclaim as focus of
David LaChapelle's 2005 documentary
Rize. Tommy the Clown also danced with Ray Ray, of
Mindless Behavior fame.