Erica Banks Gets The Last Laugh With The "Buss It" Challenge
By: Prince Hakeem
In today’s music landscape, there is a plethora of different artists, genres, sounds, and aesthetics. The competition is more fierce and audiences have attention spans which seem to be growing shorter and shorter. In addition to the multiple ways music is distributed and shared via the internet and social media, rising above the clutter can be challenging for new acts looking to break out. That is why whenever an artist catches a record exhibit organic reach and free promotion, it’s best they ride that wave as long as they can. For Texas rapper Erica Banks, that’s exactly what happened.
Erica Banks - Buss It [Official Music Video]
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, 22-year-old rapper Erica Banks is currently enjoying some breakout attention thanks to a viral challenge which uses a record of hers as the musical backdrop. Thanks to social media platform Tik Tok, Banks is quickly shedding her unknown, yet local, rapper image and is turning into a possible rising star to look out for this year.
The “Buss It Challenge” is the latest dance trend on Tik Tok to go viral. Much like the “Don't Rush” Challenge and “Savage” Challenge, this latest social media craze has cultivated a lot of attention for the artist whose record is featured as the anthem. The Buss It Challenge uses Banks’ song, “Buss It” and is a creative way for users to show off their transformative “glow-up” skills. With some make-up, minimal editing skills, and seemingly Meg thee Stallion-esque knees, the challenge is fun and easy to pull off.
Released in June 2020, “Buss It” uses a looped sample of Nelly’s “Hot in Here” record as it’s sonic foundation. It also makes for a catchy chorus as well. The record never really caught on after it’s initial release. However, thanks to a woman named Erika Davila, “Buss It” found new life almost immediately.
Davila was the first one to create and do the challenge. She posted a video of herself doing the drop-down-to-twerking process back on January 1. Featuring Banks’ “Buss It” as the soundtrack, the #BussItChallenge was soon born, becoming a viral sensation within the first few weeks of 2021. The hashtag has been trending on Twitter for several days, with celebrities including Gabrielle Union and DaniLeigh getting in on the fun.
Okay Gab with the good knees! pic.twitter.com/u4YgaySorJ
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) January 12, 2021
What started as a song, from a generally unknown artist, going nowhere has turned into a social media hit. It’s garnered Erica Banks elevating exposure and a break out introduction to larger audiences. The challenge, more importantly, is a clear testament to the power of social media. The Buss It Challenge gave the record a completely new vibe and image seemingly overnight. Banks also attested to this, revealing that it wasn't all love when it came to “Buss It”.
Just a couple days ago Banks took to IG and clapped back at the several haters and nay sayers who’ve dismissed her and the record. “It’s funny to see some of y’all who was talking sh*t months ago dropping that #BussItChallenge. Y’all had a change of heart huh,” she wrote. From constantly compared as being a diet Meg thee Stallion to accusations of biting her flow and style, Erica Banks now has an opportunity to separate herself and prove she’s her own artist.
Social media has become the biggest promotion tool for artists who may not have the machine behind them. It’s time to take as serious note of that. In Banks’ case, she’s definitely garnered a more focused visibility among general hip-hop fans. And now thanks to Tik Tok, she ended up having the last laugh. Mission accomplished.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
