"Twerk It" (stylized as "#Twerkit") is a song by American rapper Busta Rhymes featuring Nicki Minaj. Written by both performers alongside its producer Pharrell Williams, the song was intended to serve as the lead single for Busta Rhymes' tenth studio album, E.L.E.2 (Extinction Level Event 2), which was delayed from 2014 to 2020; the final album did not feature this song. "Twerk It" has been said to be Jamaican-inspired and is influenced by dancehall music.[1] A music video for the song was shot in Flatbush, New York on June 3, 2013.[2][4]
| "#Twerkit" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Busta Rhymes featuring Nicki Minaj | ||||
| from the album Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God (intended) | ||||
| Released | June 17, 2013 | |||
| Recorded | 2012 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:52 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Busta Rhymes singles chronology | ||||
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| Nicki Minaj singles chronology | ||||
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Background
editThe original version was released on May 2, 2013, online,[5] and later as a digital download on May 17.[6]
On May 31, Minaj hinted the release of a new song tweeting: "surprise, surprise...recording it tomorrow, shooting it on the 3rd...". It was later revealed that the recorded song was a remix of Busta Rhymes' "Twerk It". On June 6, Busta premiered the song on radio station Hot 97 with DJ Funkmaster Flex,[7] and later made it available online.[8]
On June 17, the remix version, which is now the official single version, was released as a digital download through iTunes.[9] The song was released to rhythmic radio stations on June 25, 2013.[10]
Music video
editA music video was shot in Flatbush at Pulse 48[2] directed by Director X.[2] Minaj came to the video shoot unaware it would have such a large setup saying "I didn't know this was a real video".[11] A behind-the-scenes video was released June 19, 2013, showing Minaj sporting a yellow and polka dot top.[4][11][12] and appearances from DJ Khaled and Pharrell. Director X commented on the video stating: "The video will have a lot of big booty judy's".[1][11]
The video was directed by Director X and premiered on July 24, 2013, on MTV2 Jams as the Jam of the Week.[13]
A behind-the-scenes video was released on June 19, 2013, by Minaj's friend and video producer Grizz Lee. In the footage, Minaj is seen recording her verse in the studio and shooting the video the next day, sporting a studded captain's hat and twerks for the camera before shooting scenes with Busta and DJ Khaled, who gets the crew laughing with his attempt at a Jamaican accent. Pharrell also stops by the set and shares a funny moment with Nicki in the parking lot.[14]
Remix
editOn August 1, 2013, Busta Rhymes revealed on RapFix Live that the official remix would feature Vybz Kartel, Ne-Yo, T.I., French Montana, and Jeremih.[15] On August 8, the remix was released featuring the mentioned artists.[16]
Chart performance
edit| Chart (2013) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Itay (Musica e dischi)[17] | 31 |
| US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (Billboard)[18] | 4 |
Release history
edit| Country | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | June 17, 2013[19] | Digital download | Cash Money, Republic |
| June 25, 2013[20] | Rhythmic contemporary radio |
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Nicki Minaj, Pharrell Williams and Busta Rhymes Unite for 'Twerk It' Sneak Peek". TheDrop.fm. June 20, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Necole Bitchie.com: Nicki Minaj & Busta Rhymes Film 'Twerk It' Video - Necole Bitchie.com". Necole Bitchie.com. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ "Busta Rhymes – "Twerk It" (Prod. By Pharrell Williams) [LISTEN]". Hip-Hop Wired. May 3, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ a b "Busta Rhymes Feat. Nicki Minaj "Twerk It (Remix) (BTS)" Video". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ Rap-Up.com: New Music: Busta Rhymes – ‘Twerk It’ Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- ^ iTunes - Music - #Twerkit - Single Busta Rhymes Retrieved June 8, 2013.
- ^ Twitter: RT @MYSTEREJONES: @funkmasterflex just went in on that @BustaRhymes joint on @HOT97 #TWERKIT!! Retrieved June 7, 2013.
- ^ DJFunkFlexApp EXCLUSIVE NEW MUSIC: @BustaRhymes Feat. @NickiMinaj – Twerk It (Remix) Retrieved June 7, 2013.
- ^ iTunes: #Twerkit (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single Busta Rhymes Retrieved June 17, 2013.
- ^ Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover > Future Releases Retrieved June 8, 2013.
- ^ a b c "Behind the Video: Busta Rhymes f/ Nicki Minaj – '#Twerkit'". Rap-Up. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ "Necole Bitchie.com: Nicki Minaj & Busta Rhymes Film 'Twerk It' Video - Necole Bitchie.com". Necole Bitchie.com. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ Twitter: #TWERKIT video WORLD PREMIERING NEXT WEEK!!! #TWERKIT RMX WORLD PREMIERING NEXT WEEK AND #ELE2 ALBUM TRAILER WORLD PREMIERING IN THE MORNING Retrieved July 17, 2013.
- ^ Rap-Up.com: Behind the Video: Busta Rhymes f/ Nicki Minaj – ‘#Twerkit’ Retrieved June 20, 2013.
- ^ "Busta Rhymes Reveals "Twerk It" All Star Remix Features - XXL". XXL. August 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ "Busta Rhymes Debuts 'Twerk It (Remix)' With Vybz Kartel, Ne-Yo, T.I, French, Jeremih". RapFix. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved May 31, 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Titolo" field, search "#Twerkit".
- ^ "Busta Rhymes – Chart History: Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - #Twerkit (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Busta Rhymes". Itunes.apple.com. June 17, 2013. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
- ^ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Retrieved July 26, 2013.