Watch Dem Franchize Boyz teach a whale to 'Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It'

Dem Franchize Boyz have taught plenty of fans how to "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It" over the years. Now, they can add a whale to that list.

The Atlanta rap group shared a video on Instagram showing members demonstrating the dance made famous by their 2005 hit while standing beside a whale at SeaWorld San Diego. The playful interaction followed the group's performance at SeaWorld San Diego's Bayside Amphitheater as part of the park's Summer Spectacular Concert Series.

Known for hits including "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It," "White Tee" and "I Think They Like Me," Dem Franchize Boyz helped millions of young Americans dance in the mid-2000s. More than two decades later, the group's moves are still finding new audiences, including one very large marine mammal.

See Dem Franchize Boyz teach a whale how to 'Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It'

Dem Franchize Boyz recently performed at SeaWorld San Diego

The June 20 show featuring Bow Wow and Dem Franchize Boyz brought together two acts that helped define the sound and culture of the early 2000s, drawing fans eager for a dose of Y2K-era nostalgia.

The appearance came during a busy period for Dem Franchize Boyz, who recently joined Bow Wow, B2K, Amerie, Yung Joc, Crime Mob and Pretty Ricky on the "Boys 4 Life" reunion tour. Speaking to The Cincinnati Enquirer earlier this year, group member Parlae reflected on the group's longevity, saying that continuing to tour more than 20 years after breaking through "speaks well to our résumé and what we mean to the music industry and to the culture."

Dem Franchize Boyz were among the pioneers of Atlanta's snap music movement. Their influence stretched beyond music into fashion, dance trends and slang, and as member Pimpin' noted, fans are still doing the group's signature dance more than two decades later, something a SeaWorld whale recently proved.

What's next in SeaWorld's 2026 concert lineup?

SeaWorld San Diego's Summer Spectacular Concert Series continues with a lineup that includes the Pop 2000 Tour on June 27, E-40 on July 11, Soulja Boy and Paul Wall on July 25, Jordin Sparks on Aug. 1 and Too Short and Warren G on Aug. 8. Additional performances are also scheduled as part of the park's Bayside Bands, Brews & BBQ series later in August.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on X @athompsonUSAT