Despite 2021’s heavy start, the viral “Buss It” challenge videos on social media have been a much-needed pick-me-up.
The glow-up series shows people dressed down right before they embark on a Cinderella-like transformation as they drop it low to the beat. The videos are backed by Erica Banks’ song “Buss It,” which was released during the summer of 2020 and samples the Billboard-charting single “Hot in Herre” by Nelly.
Banks, a Dallas resident who is currently signed to 1501 Certified Entertainment, began gaining buzz after first recording “Buss It” in late 2019. She completed the single before signing to the label and partially credits Instagram with helping her bring it to Carl Crawford, CEO of 1501.
“Carl was on Instagram live one day, and I just so happened to join the live,” Banks said to the Dallas Observer in July 2020. “At the time, people were submitting their music via email, and he would play it on live and give feedback. I submitted ‘Buss It,’ and he liked it. A couple weeks later, he reached out to me.” She also got a major co-sign from rap queen Nicki Minaj after releasing a remix to Sada Baby’s “Whole Lotta Choppas” in 2020.
The “Buss It” trend has made quite a buzz across TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, with people of all gender identities popping up and showing out. Even R&B singer Monica has gotten in on the fun, sharing a cute clip that includes her son.
Banks’ YouTube video now has 1.4 million views and “Buss It” is shaping up to be her biggest single yet.
Keep scrolling to see a few of our favorite videos from the “Buss It” challenge and be sure to tag us if you decide to share your own!