Erica Banks “Buss It” Churns a Viral Dance Challenges for the Ages

Erica Banks / 1501 Certified Entertainment

In the midst of the worst epidemic to plague the earth since the 1918 influenza pandemic which inflicted a third of the Worlds population has there been such a halt to life as we knew it. A social world filled with the freedom of self expression and self indulgence has been replaced by distance window watching of a mirage of images that reminds us of what use to be. The liberty of attending your daughters’ recital, tailgating at the coliseum, or watching a broadway stage play has been dwindled to limited participation or better yet, viewing a broadcast of a regulated practice run of the real thing. While the Entertainment Industry has posted a 80 million dollar lost for 2020, all indicators suggest the estimated loss in the entertainment industry will climb upwards of 160B in the next 5 years.

Thanks to the creativity and ingenuity of the tech industry, users have found alternatives to social gathering in unique interactive apps, games, and the flick of the wrist through mediums such as Netflix and Youtube. Although Netflix and Youtube provide content and offer users a carte of choices and play on demand, it’s the social interactive apps such TikTok and Instagram that have come to the rescue as the catalyst between social distance and social infringement. The name of the game is engagement! With both, TikTok and Instagram, users feel connected to the world by making short but entertaining 15 second video’s which create euphoria to viewers who in return can share, comment, and like.

Founded by Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yiming in 2012, it was in 2019 that the popular app began gaining traction in the United States. Regarded as a teen app, TikTok quickly became a fan favorite largely due in part of the social distance order put in place across the United States. Viral success on steroids can best describe the phenomenon that spread throughout the country. Normal everyday citizens were becoming stars from simple clips bellowing tunes from the likes of Alicia Keys to the Weeknd. Suddenly, the demand for home entertainment videos began to grow momentum with all ages, from teen to seniors. TikTok and Instagram reported a 55% increase of the platform download from the previous quarter with engagement numbers at a all-time high. The increase engagement can be attributed to what many consider “connectivity relief” in a time of grief. It wasn’t long before celebrities and movie stars began to charm in with psa’s and quick snippets to stay in tune with fans and enthusiast alike.

To say 2020 was a year to remember would be an understatement. For entertainers such as 1501 Certified Entertainment‘s, Erica Banks, it was a year of monumental success. Fresh off the release of Erica’s hit single “Buss It” in early 2020, 1501 Certified Ent label owner, Carl Crawford aka “The Perfect Storm” was working the record through traditional means with great success, however; it was a fan who dropped a selfie on TikTok and asked fans to jazz it up. Erica Banks single was the added soundtrack that transformed the regular photo into glitzy, and the rest is history! Erica Banks instantly became a SuperStar, with just about every A-lister following suit with their offering to the “buss it” challenge. The challenge begins with a snippet of Nelly’s “Hot in Herre”, tricked out “I think my butts getting big”, the beat drops, the transformation is revealed and on key, “buss it” “buss it”. I believe Erica has another one, just like the Other one; referring to Carl Carter eye for talent and keen ability to make stars. A certified Hit by industry standards, Erica Banks “Buss It” is sweeping the nation, going viral on both Instagram and TikTok with over a billion views to date. The commercial success of “Buss It” comes right on que as Erica Banks and 1501 Certified was presented a well deserved contract by Warner Records which will solidify her spot as a hit maker for years to come.

The impact artist like Erica Banks have on today’s culture is paramount in where many feel isolated and secluded from society. TikTok and Instagram reserves its place as a meeting of creatives spreading good vibes and laughter. As the “Buss It” challenge catches fire across the globe, educators and business owners are taking notice to the massive connection the song has amassed. In lament terms, we thank artist such as Erica Banks for providing a moment of laughter and creativity in a time where we as humans feel uncertain and confused over the current state of the Covid crisis.