Twerkulator Explained

"Twerkulator" is a song recorded by American hip hop duo City Girls. It was released on May 21, 2021, through Quality Control, Motown and Capitol.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Background and release

In March 2021, Yung Miami, one of the members of the duo, said that "Twerkulator" couldn't be released due to the instrumental it uses not being cleared. In May, JT, the other member of the duo, revealed that the instrumental was cleared and that the song could be released.^[4]

"Twerkulator" follows the release of City Girls' second studio album, City on Lock. The song went viral on TikTok prior to its release.^[5] A music video directed by Missy Elliott was released for the song.^[6]

Composition

"Twerkulator" makes usage of the instrumental of the 1982 song "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa, which in turn samples Kraftwerk's "Trans-Europe Express". It also interpolates the lyric from "Percolator" by Cajmere.^[7]

Reception

In an interview with Vice, rapper Trick Daddy opined that "Twerkulator" was "on pace to become the song of the summer".^[8]

Accolades

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2021)! scope="col"

Peak position
Global 200 (Billboard)[10]	82
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[11]	34
US Billboard Hot 100[12]	51
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[13]	19
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[14]	14

Year-end charts

Chart (2021)! scope="col"

Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[15]	93

Notes and References

1. Web site: City Girls Release New Song "Twerkulator": Listen. Bloom. Madison. Pitchfork. May 21, 2021. May 21, 2021.
2. Web site: City Girls Release Viral Track "Twerkulator" to Streaming Services. Tigg. Fnr. Complex. May 21, 2021. May 21, 2021.
3. Web site: 'Twerkulator' By the City Girls Is Finally Free. Haylock. Zoe. Vulture. May 21, 2021. May 21, 2021.
4. Web site: Miss2Bees. 2021-05-19. City Girls Are Set To Release 'Twerkulator'. 2021-05-20. The Source.
5. Web site: City Girls announce "Twerkulator" release date. 2021-05-20. The Fader.
6. Web site: City Girls share "Twerkulator" music video, directed by Missy Elliot. 2021-07-08. The Fader. en.
7. Web site: Twerkulator by City Girls on WhoSampled. WhoSampled.
8. Web site: Trick Daddy Tells Us Why Rap Would Be Nothing Without Florida. 2021-05-21. Vice. 23 April 2021 .
9. Web site: The 100 Best Songs of 2021. Pitchfork. Ivie. Ani. December 6, 2021. December 6, 2021.
10. Billboard Global 200 Chart. 2021-06-03. Billboard.
11. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. May 31, 2021. May 29, 2021.
12. Hot 100 Chart: June 5, 2021. Billboard. June 2, 2021.
13. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: June 5, 2021. Billboard. June 2, 2021.
14. Rhythmic Airplay Chart: August 14, 2021. Billboard. August 10, 2021.
15. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 3, 2021.