Connect with us

Music

Erica Banks Embraces Her Viral ‘Buss It’ Challenge On TikTok As A Beautiful Thing

RonJ Photography/Uproxx Studios Dallas’ own Erica Banks talks to Uproxx about her viral TikTok hit “Buss It” and her plans to continue to take over 2021. …

POV: Open up TikTok (or any social media app) and see a friend or some famous celeb looking idly into the camera with their work-from-home outfit on while Nelly’s “Hot In Herre” plays in the background. Then the beat drops. Surprise! It’s actually Erica Banks’ “Buss It.” Your eyes drop low with the beat. Now you’re looking at an instant glow-up and sultry, low twerk.

A TikTok creator named Erika Davila was the first to pull this feat off, except her plea was to have people go crazy with the glow-up part and people absolutely did.

Advertisement

Enter 2021 and everybody and their mama is participating in the “Buss It” Challenge on TikTok, bringing their carefully created videos over to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. And while the phenomenon takes the world by storm, perhaps no one is loving it more than Banks herself. The DeSoto native thinks the phenomenon is “exciting” and rightfully so, especially as we go into the year with 2020 turbulence.

“Seeing all types of women showcase their confidence in the ‘Buss It’ Challenge is a beautiful thing to witness,” the 21-year-old told Uproxx over the phone.

Advertisement

So far, there have been over 2 million videos made to “Buss It” on TikTok, including clips made by Rico Nasty, Dream Doll, Reginae Carter, LaLa Milan, Iggy Azalea, and fellow Texas rapper Just Brittany.

Signed to Carl Crawford’s 1501 Certified Entertainment label (home to Grammy-nominated rap star Megan Thee Stallion), Banks recently inked a deal with Warner Records where she joins a roster of megastars. Before that she was already being recognized as one to watch by her peers and even got an early co-sign from Nicki Minaj in 2020.

Advertisement

The Texas rap girls are really running it right now and in front of the pack, at the tippy-top of 2021, is Dallas’ own Erica Banks. Speaking to Uproxx, Banks shares how she first discovered “Buss It” was becoming a viral trend on TikTok, names some of her favorites, tells us if labelmate Megan Thee Stallion will be on the remix, and gives us the lowdown on what’s up next.

So obviously your song, “Buss It,” it’s been out since last year, but it’s been blowing up on TikTok. What were your initial thoughts when you first realized people were making these videos to your song?

Advertisement

It was exciting. I actually woke up to it, literally, because I didn’t know that was happening. Once I found out that it was going viral on TikTok, it was just crazy. It was kind of unbelievable because it just came out of nowhere. As an artist, seeing your song blow up overnight, it was just a little overwhelming, but it was very exciting at the same time.

How does it feel to see all these young ladies getting it together to show out on TikTok to “Buss It”?

Advertisement

Seeing all types of women showcase their confidence in the “Buss It” Challenge is a beautiful thing to witness.

Tell me how you found out. Did somebody tell you?

Advertisement

I want to say Elora, my publicist, reached out to me with a screenshot of it and my producer, SGT J, who produced the record, had also sent me a screenshot of how many videos have been made. This was last week. At this time, it was at like 5,000 videos a week ago. Today, we’re at a million videos, which is very crazy. I literally found out through a screenshot.

Were you able to find out who kicked off the “Buss It” Challenge?

Advertisement

Yes, we were able to find the creator. I actually posted her on my Instagram yesterday, shouting her out and thanking her for starting the challenge. She started it, everybody hopped on, and now it’s one of the hottest challenges going right now.

@erikadavila120

I MADE IT A SEPERATE SOUND SO YALL COULD SEE ALL OF EM UNDER THIS ONE. NOW GO DO IT<3 #fyp #newtrend #challenge #duet #transition

Advertisement

♬ I love women – erika davila

In the song you sample Nelly’s “Hot in Herre.” Have you talked to Nelly at all? Has he thanked you?

I have not talked to Nelly. It would be dope if I got to talk to him but I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to him. However, he did hit me with a follow on Instagram the other day. He also reposted his girlfriend dancing to the song, doing the “Buss It” challenge. So, he has let me know that he does see me.

Advertisement

A few days ago, on your Instagram story, you pointed out a performance where people were kind of just standing there while you were performing “Buss It.” Now, suddenly everybody’s singing your song and everybody wants to talk to you.

It’s exciting. You know, I feel like everybody has their time and I feel like at this time, it wasn’t my time yet, but was coming. Every time I do a show, the crowd is bigger and bigger, or I see more and more people that know the words. At this point, I could probably go do a show pretty much anywhere, and they would probably know the whole hook. I just feel like it’s a matter of being patient, but at that time I was still a hungry artist. I’m still a hungry artist. I just think it just takes time to get where you’re trying to go.

Advertisement

I know as the song has been gaining traction, some people, mostly men, continue to criticize women in rap and complain about all they do is rap about sex. What are your thoughts on that?

I personally feel like that’s something that people are going to always do. I do in myself because if you just want to be technical and real, sex sells. I will speak for myself only and say that I do have songs that don’t speak about sex. I actually have a couple of records like that. “Tony Story” is one of them. I actually have the visual out for that. So, I’m very versatile. Sex isn’t always my go-to, but at the same time you want to please the fans and you want to please the people. It’s definitely something that should be talked about in music if you just want to keep people interested. But I mean, that’s the world we live in, so.

Advertisement

Yeah, I feel like everybody’s been rapping about sex since the dawn of time. Now, I want to talk about your team, 1501 Certified. You’re signed with Carl Crawford. I know Megan Thee Stallion’s on the label, and there’s a bunch of other people on the label. What is it like working with your team, and Carl specifically?

Working with them has always been like working with family. Since day one they’ve always been helpful. They’ve always been a great team to me. Even before I signed, they were very cool. They were very family-oriented. I love that about them and nothing’s changed. Still today, we’re still the same family. We still work together, and everything is good.

Advertisement

Congrats on signing to Warner Records! What was the deciding factor on going with them?

My 1501 team and I were both in agreement with working with a global powerhouse and I’m happy it’s with Warner Records.

Advertisement

I feel like there’s a lot of Texas rap girls out here right now doing it big. There’s you, Big Jade, Queendom Come, Ken The Man, Megan Thee Stallion, and so many more. How does it feel to be part of this emerging Texas movement?

I love the Texas movement. I love Ken The Man. I love Lebra Jolie too. She actually did a “Buss It” challenge the other day. She’s from Houston. I love to see women, from my state, pretty much doing the same thing that I’m doing. You know, we all have the same goals. We all have the same dream. To see them doing their thing, too — it’s kind of exciting. Just to know that I’m not the only one out here doing my thing is pretty cool, too. I just love to be able to witness other women in my era doing what we’re doing, or doing what I’m doing, rather.

Advertisement

Since you and Megan Thee Stallion are on the same label, is there a chance that she might hop on “Buss It” or something with you in the future?

It’s all in God’s hands.

Advertisement

For sure. Now, you’re from Dallas. So, that’s really big for the city because we got Yella Beezy big popping, too. I know he was in your “Buss It” Challenge that you recently posted so I already know there has to be music recorded or on the way with y’all.

Oh yeah, we actually have a record dropping this month. We shot the video the other day. That’s actually what we were doing. Fans are asking for it. They’re excited, and I’m just as excited.

Advertisement
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Erica Banks or Ms. BUSS IT✨ (@realericabanks)

Advertisement

I saw you had the caption on the picture of you and him like, “Dallas, we got you.” What does it mean to have Dallas?

Advertisement

We’re just going to keep Dallas on the map. Keep the music going. Just continue to keep Dallas relevant.

Also, you got that coveted Nicki Minaj follow! What did it feel like, in that moment, when you got that notification from Queen Nicki?

Advertisement

Oh, when I actually saw it on Twitter, I didn’t think it was real. I had to go to her Twitter just to make sure that it was really her. But it was. That was very exciting too because I never thought that, at least this soon, that I would get a follow up from somebody like Nicki. She’s my favorite female rapper ever. So, it was very exciting and unbelievable. It was just a very surreal moment for me.

Yes. Nicki is amazing, always will be. Out of all of the challenges that you’ve seen so far, which ones have been your favorites or perhaps the most wildest?

Advertisement

I would say Monica’s would be one favorite. It was very funny. It’s not what I expected. Also, Tracee Ellis Ross. Those two would probably be my top right now.

View this post on Instagram

Advertisement

A post shared by Erica Banks or Ms. BUSS IT✨ (@realericabanks)

Advertisement

I know we’re in a pandemic and I know some places are you can still perform there, in certain parts of the states and stuff like that. Besides that, how do you plan on taking advantage of this momentum that you have right now, even though we’re still in a pandemic?

Just continuing to be Erica Banks and staying active. I mean, all I can do is be an artist. It’s really all I have. That’s really all I can do, is just continue to be me and continue to do my thing.

Advertisement

I kind of want to talk about Beatking, too, because he’s super supportive of women in rap! What’s your relationship with him been like?

Me and Beatking are really cool. We’ve been cool for a minute. I met him, really, through social media so we’ve been cool for a couple of years. So, we been on the record. That was a bonding moment for us. And we just been like that since then.

Advertisement

What can we expect from Erica Banks in 2021?

New music, big features, bigger production, bigger everything, really. I always tell people to just stay tapped in and you won’t really miss a beat. I can’t even really tell you too much because everything is being planned out right now. We just kind of do things by the ear but they always come out great. So, I would just say, “Stay tapped in.”

Advertisement

Erica Banks is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.

Follow on Google News

Artist Spotlight

The Skinny Limbs Unveil Galactic Soundscape with ‘Mozart for Martians’ EP Premiere

The Skinny Limbs

The Skinny Limbs have unveiled their latest EP, “Mozart for Martians,” which consists of five stellar tracks that revolve around the complex universe of emotions accompanying a long-term relationship’s end. This EP’s celestial soundtrack for heartbreak, rejuvenation, and reflection seamlessly blends indie-pop with lo-fi vibes and Japanese pop influences, transcending musical genres.

Advertisement

This eclectic mix creates a vibrant tapestry of sound, drawing listeners into a realm that is both familiar and otherworldly. The raw vulnerability in each track reflects band member Max Knoth’s personal journey through love, loss, and life’s unpredictable twists.

Lead single “Too Little Too Late” is a gut-punching anthem that blends poignant lyrics with a sonic fusion of Japanese pop and indie elements, capturing the EP’s emotional core. Meanwhile, “To The Limit” offers a celestial blend of melodies and evocative lyrics, portraying the feelings of confusion and frustration that accompany life’s hurdles.

Advertisement

The EP’s sonic journey is completed by the unreleased gems, “Monday,” a jammy reflection of Max Knoth’s tumultuous breakup week, “I Know You Care,” an older track reborn, and “For So Long!,” a groovy exploration of confusion, patience, and the search for clarity.

Produced by Connor Robertson, Jake Rye, and The Skinny Limbs, and mastered by Mike Cervantes (known for his work with Dolly Parton and MisterWives), this EP is a masterful blend of heartfelt storytelling and musical innovation. The production quality is top-notch, and the EP’s 18-minute runtime provides a concise yet powerful journey that will leave listeners craving more.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Artist Spotlight

ISSARA unveils a soulful sonic masterpiece with her debut album, “222”

ISSARA

ISSARA is an enchanting singer-songwriter with a multicultural heritage encompassing Thailand, France, and the USA. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, and raised in Seattle, Washington, by her Thai father and French mother, Issara delivers her latest debut album, “222,” embodied within this 11-track masterpiece, is a fusion of soul, pop, and rock that captivates global audiences, echoing her diverse sonic experiences and eclectic musical style.

222” offers an auditory 11-track album manifesto that transcends genres and defies expectations, inviting listeners into a world of shimmering melodies and hazy whispers. ISSARA, named after the Thai word for “freedom,” is a testimony to her emancipating musical odyssey and pledge to authenticity.

Advertisement

Drawing from personal experiences and paying tribute to influential women in her life, each song resonates with raw emotion and unwavering honesty. The album’s “222” holds special significance, symbolizing Issara’s artistic evolution and the universal quest for freedom. With each soul-stirring note at a time, Issara invites listeners to join her on her exhilarating musical exploration of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of womanhood.

Advertisement

Recorded and produced by the acclaimed Jack Bowman, “222” exudes a vintage charm reminiscent of the 70s era, embracing imperfections to convey the genuine sincerity of Issara’s vision. The album starts with a captivating rhythm in the first track, “Ride,” and progresses to an empowering anthem in the second track, “Rise Up.” The third track, “Phoenix,” is hauntingly beautiful, while the fourth track, “I See You,” showcases the artist’s signature style. These album’s tracks provide a glimpse into Issara’s soul, inviting listeners to explore a more profound journey of self-discovery and female camaraderie.

Issara showcases the resilience and unwavering determination with the support of her family and producer, maintaining a balance between the complexities of motherhood and fueled by her passion for artistic aspirations. As a bonus track, the album’s grand finale concludes with the enchanting “Missed You,” a captivating ode to love and longing that leaves listeners yearning for more.

Advertisement

Issara’s debut album, “222,” is a valuable addition to numerous playlists, a must-listen for enthusiasts craving introspective charm and authentic storytelling innovation. Prepare to embark on a transformative sonic voyage through the depths of the human experience as “222” takes the world by storm, setting the stage for a new era in soulful pop music.

For more information about ISSARA, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM ISSARA’s 222 on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH ISSARA | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending