Twerk It

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The correct title of this article is #Twerkit. The omission of the # is due to technical restrictions.
"#Twerkit"
TwerkItCoverArt.jpg
Single by Busta Rhymes featuring Nicki Minaj
ReleasedJune 17, 2013
Recorded2012
Genre
Length3:52
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Busta Rhymes singles chronology
"Take You There"
(2012) 		"#Twerkit"
(2013) 		"Thank You"
(2013)
Nicki Minaj singles chronology
"I'm Out"
(2013) 		"#Twerkit"
(2013) 		"Get Like Me"
(2013)

"Twerk It" (stylized as "#Twerkit") is a song by American hip hop recording artist Busta Rhymes featuring Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj. The song, produced by Pharrell Williams. The song was intended to be the lead single from Busta Rhymes' tenth studio album, E.L.E.2 (Extinction Level Event 2) that was delayed from 2014 to 2020. The final album did not feature this song. The song 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]

Background[]

The 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[]

A 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[]

On August 1, 2013, Busta Rhymes revealed on RapFix Live that the official remix will 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[]

Chart (2013) Peak
position
US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (Billboard)[17] 4

Release history[]

Country Date Format Label
United States June 17, 2013[18] Digital download Cash Money, Republic
June 25, 2013[19] Rhythmic contemporary radio

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Nicki Minaj, Pharrell Williams and Busta Rhymes Unite for 'Twerk It' Sneak Peek". TheDrop.fm. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Necole Bitchie.com: Nicki Minaj & Busta Rhymes Film 'Twerk It' Video - Necole Bitchie.com". Necole Bitchie.com. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  3. ^ "Busta Rhymes – "Twerk It" (Prod. By Pharrell Williams) [LISTEN]". Hip-Hop Wired. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b "Busta Rhymes Feat. Nicki Minaj "Twerk It (Remix) (BTS)" Video". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  5. ^ Rap-Up.com: New Music: Busta Rhymes – ‘Twerk It’ Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  6. ^ iTunes - Music - #Twerkit - Single Busta Rhymes Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  7. ^ Twitter: RT @MYSTEREJONES: @funkmasterflex just went in on that @BustaRhymes joint on @HOT97 #TWERKIT!! Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  8. ^ DJFunkFlexApp EXCLUSIVE NEW MUSIC: @BustaRhymes Feat. @NickiMinaj – Twerk It (Remix) Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  9. ^ iTunes: #Twerkit (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single Busta Rhymes Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  10. ^ Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover > Future Releases Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Behind the Video: Busta Rhymes f/ Nicki Minaj – '#Twerkit'". Rap-Up. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  12. ^ "Necole Bitchie.com: Nicki Minaj & Busta Rhymes Film 'Twerk It' Video - Necole Bitchie.com". Necole Bitchie.com. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ Rap-Up.com: Behind the Video: Busta Rhymes f/ Nicki Minaj – ‘#Twerkit’ Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  15. ^ "Busta Rhymes Reveals "Twerk It" All Star Remix Features - XXL". XXL. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  16. ^ "Busta Rhymes Debuts 'Twerk It (Remix)' With Vybz Kartel, Ne-Yo, T.I, French, Jeremih". RapFix. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Busta Rhymes – Chart History: Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  18. ^ "iTunes - Music - #Twerkit (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Single by Busta Rhymes". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-06-17. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
  19. ^ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
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