Gettin' Jiggy wit It

"Gettin' Jiggy wit It"
Single by Will Smith
from the album Big Willie Style
B-side"Big Willie Style"
ReleasedJanuary 26, 1998 (1998-01-26)
Length3:48
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Poke & Tone
Will Smith singles chronology
"Just Cruisin'"
(1997) 		"Gettin' Jiggy wit It"
(1998) 		"Just the Two of Us"
(1998)
Music video
"Gettin' Jiggy wit It" on YouTube

"Gettin' Jiggy wit It" is a song by American rapper and actor Will Smith, released as the third single from his debut solo album, Big Willie Style (1997). The verse is based around a sample of "He's the Greatest Dancer" by Sister Sledge, and the chorus is sampled from "Sang and Dance" by the Bar-Kays. Released in early 1998, the song was Smith's second hit produced by Poke & Tone and L.E.S., who replaced his long-time partner Jazzy Jeff, though the record-scratching techniques of Jazzy Jeff can be heard in the song.[1] The record scratching is from Whistle's song (Nothing Serious) Just Buggin'.[citation needed]

The song spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart from March 14, 1998. It also won the Grammy Award in 1999 for the Best Rap Solo Performance. It was ranked the 68th greatest song of the 1990s by VH1. However, it was ranked at number 19 on the list of AOL Radio's 100 Worst Songs Ever in 2010.[2] The song was included in Pitchfork Media's 2010 list of "The Seven Worst U.S. No. 1 Singles of the 90s".[3]

Composition

[edit]

The song samples the 1979 Sister Sledge song "He's the Greatest Dancer". The "mama-uh, mama-uh, mama come closer" line is a reference to the song "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango, specifically the version adapted by Michael Jackson in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"'s final bridge. The connotations associated with the expression getting jiggy were heavily influenced by this single. The term was originally a description of sexy fashion or style, but expanded to include dancing skill.[4]

Smith has attested in an interview[5] that his inspiration to alter the meaning for the purpose of the song came from his association of the term "jiggy" with "jigaboo", a derogatory term for African-Americans, which made the literal meaning of the title "getting African-American with it" and which was meant to reference the popular folk-myth of an innate sense of rhythm in black folks. The co-opting of a once offensive word also was racially empowering.[5]

Nas ghost-writing "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" was a popular rumor in the 1990s, as the song's producers The Trackmasters had recently signed Nas to their label Trackmasters Entertainment. Nas later confirmed he was in the studio with Smith during the track's development and even suggested lines for the song, however insists that Smith wrote the entirety of the finished lyrics on his own. The Trackmasters corroborated Nas on Smith ultimately writing the lyrics on his own.[6][7] Despite this confirmation, other music executives, including Steve Stoute,[a] have maintained that Nas did indeed write the entirety of the lyrics.[12]

Critical reception

[edit]

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "This intriguingly titled single is a sweet cross between rap and dance styles—perhaps even outrageous R&B? Despite his success in Hollywood, Smith keeps music close to his heart. He delivers a happy rap song—very upbeat, indeed. A background mixture of children's voices gives this single an interesting twist, which provides pleasant interference. The vivacious bass sound makes "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" stand up on its feet. Even though it is repetitive, it's really a great one for those rap lovers out there. Get listening!"[13] Pan-European magazine Music & Media said, "Musician-cum-actor Smith seems to have an infallible knack for simply irresistible poppy R&B. This time around, Sister Sledge's much-loved 1979 disco smash 'He's The Greatest Dancer' serves as the foundation for his third surefire hit in a row."[14] Alan Jones from Music Week felt that "after the disappointing chart foray of his current single, Will Smith returns in double Quicktime with Gettin' Jiggy Wit It, a more lively rap laced with samples from three prior hits (...) which provides the melody, rhythm and class for a fine effort that will instantly restore Smith to the Top 20."[15]

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video for the song was directed by American director Hype Williams[16] and was filmed at various hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, including the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, The Mirage, and the foyer of the Luxor Las Vegas.[citation needed]

The video features a series of dance tableaux including a Deee-Lite-inspired sequence, a glitzy Puffa jacket-style choreographed studio dance routine, a sequence set in Ancient Egypt and a volcano-backed Hawaiian/ Māori segment. Other music styles, including Bollywood, are referenced. The video closes with Smith dancing beneath the Statue of Liberty replica at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

"Gettin' Jiggy wit It" won the 1998 MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video. The song was also nominated for four additional awards, including Best Choreography, Viewer's Choice, Best Dance Video, and Video of the Year, but these further nominations were lost to Madonna for her song "Ray of Light".[17]

Track listing

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[75] Platinum 70,000^
Belgium (BEA)[76] Gold 25,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[77] Gold 45,000‡
France (SNEP)[78] Gold 250,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)[79] Platinum 10,000*
Sweden (GLF)[80] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[81] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[83] Gold 900,000[82]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Australia 1997 CD Columbia [26]
United States November 18, 1997
[84]
United Kingdom January 26, 1998
  • CD
  • cassette
 [85]
United States February 10, 1998
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 [86]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Stoute was the manager of both Nas and The Trackmasters, and was instrumental in launching Will Smith's music career as president of Urban Music for Sony Music Entertainment.[8][9][10][11]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Arnott, Jack (August 5, 2008). "Is hip-hop haunted by ghostwriters?". The Guardian. Retrieved September 8, 2008.
  2. ^ Wilkening, Matthew (September 11, 2010). "100 Worst Songs Ever -- Part Five of Five". AOL Radio. Retrieved December 24, 2010.
  3. ^ "A Feature About Nothing: The 1990s in Lists - Page 2". Pitchfork Media. September 7, 2010.
  4. ^ "jiggy. (n.d.)". Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved April 26, 2007.
  5. ^ a b Joyner, Michael (1998). "Gettin' Jiggy Wit Will Smith". Feature. 4 (9): 7.
  6. ^ "Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"". Stereogum. June 2022.
  7. ^ "Nas Says Will Smith Wrote "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"". HipHopDX. April 15, 2014.
  8. ^ "Meet Steve Stoute, The Go-To Adman For Lady Gaga And Jay-Z". Business Insider. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  9. ^ "Genius Appoints Translation Founder Steve Stoute to Board of Directors". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  10. ^ Williams, Jay. "Meet the mogul behind the rise of Mariah Carey, Will Smith and Nas". The Limits with Jay Williams (Podcast). NPR. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
  11. ^ Leeds, Jeff (September 22, 2004). "Bridging Hip-Hop Consumers and Suits". The New York Times. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  12. ^ "Steve Stoute Confirms Nas Wrote on Will Smith's "Gettin Jiggy," Nas Disagrees". DJBooth. June 3, 2016.
  13. ^ Flick, Larry (November 22, 1997). "Reviews & Previews: Singles". Billboard. p. 96.
  14. ^ "Airborne". Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 11. March 14, 1998. p. 16.
  15. ^ Jones, Alan (December 27, 1997). "Talking Music". Music Week. p. 21.
  16. ^ "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It (1998) by Will Smith". IMVDb. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  17. ^ "1998 VMA WINNERS LIST". MTV. Archived from the original on January 24, 2005. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  18. ^ Gettin' Jiggy wit It (US CD single liner notes). Will Smith. Columbia Records. 1998. 38K 78804.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ Gettin' Jiggy wit It (US cassette single sleeve). Will Smith. Columbia Records. 1998. 38T 78804.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ Gettin' Jiggy wit It (US 7-inch single sleeve). Will Smith. Columbia Records. 1998. 38-78804.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ^ Gettin' Jiggy wit It (UK CD1 liner notes). Will Smith. Columbia Records. 1998. 665560 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ^ Gettin' Jiggy wit It (UK CD2 liner notes). Will Smith. Columbia Records. 1998. 665560 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. ^ Gettin' Jiggy wit It (UK cassette single sleeve). Will Smith. Columbia Records. 1998. 665560 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. ^ Gettin' Jiggy wit It (European CD single liner notes). Will Smith. Columbia Records. 1998. COL 665345 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. ^ Gettin' Jiggy wit It (Australian CD single liner notes). Will Smith. Columbia Records. 1997. 665141.2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. ^ a b "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  27. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  28. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  29. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  30. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3512." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  31. ^ "RPM Dance – February 2, 1998". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  32. ^ "RPM Urban Top 30 – March 2, 1998". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  33. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 12. March 21, 1998. p. 11.
  34. ^ "Will Smith: Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  35. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" (in French). Les classement single.
  36. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  37. ^ "Top National Sellers". Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 14. April 4, 1998. p. 12.
  38. ^ "Top National Sellers". Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 21. May 23, 1998. p. 22.
  39. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  40. ^ "Top National Sellers". Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 12. March 21, 1998. p. 13.
  41. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 12, 1998" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  42. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  43. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It". Top 40 Singles.
  44. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It". VG-lista.
  45. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  46. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It". Singles Top 100.
  47. ^ "Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy Wit It". Swiss Singles Chart.
  48. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  49. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  50. ^ "Will Smith Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  51. ^ "Will Smith Chart History (Hot Latin Songs)". Billboard.
  52. ^ "Will Smith Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  53. ^ "Will Smith Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard.
  54. ^ "Will Smith Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  55. ^ "Will Smith Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
  56. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 1998". ARIA. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  57. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1998" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  58. ^ "Rapports annuels 1998" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  59. ^ "RPM's Top 50 Dance Tracks of '98". RPM. Retrieved November 27, 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  60. ^ "RPM's Top 50 Urban Tracks of '98". RPM. Retrieved November 27, 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  61. ^ "Year in Focus – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 1998". Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 51. December 19, 1998. p. 8.
  62. ^ "Tops de L'année | Top Singles 1998" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  63. ^ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1998". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  64. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1998" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  65. ^ "End of Year Charts 1998". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  66. ^ "Årslista Singlar, 1998" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  67. ^ "Best Sellers of 1998 – Singles Top 100". Music Week. January 16, 1999. p. 7.
  68. ^ "Najlepsze single na UK Top 40–1998 wg sprzedaży" (in Polish). Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on June 4, 2015. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  69. ^ "The Urban Top 40 of 1998" (PDF). Music Week. January 9, 1999. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  70. ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 1998". Archived from the original on March 9, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2010.
  71. ^ "The Year in Music 1998: Hot R&B Singles". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 52. December 26, 1998. p. YE-51.
  72. ^ "The Year in Music 1998: Hot Rap Singles". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 52. December 26, 1998. p. YE-53.
  73. ^ "Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 1998". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 6, no. 52. December 25, 1998. p. 45.
  74. ^ "Most Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 1998". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 6, no. 52. December 25, 1998. p. 46.
  75. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1998 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  76. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 1998". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
  77. ^ "Danish single certifications – Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy wit It". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  78. ^ "French single certifications – Will Smith – Gettin?Jiggy wit It" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.
  79. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Will Smith – Just Cruisin/Getting Jiggy". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  80. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011.
  81. ^ "British single certifications – Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy wit It". British Phonographic Industry.
  82. ^ "Best-Selling Records of 1998". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 5. January 30, 1999. p. 75. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  83. ^ "American single certifications – Will Smith – Gettin' Jiggy with It". Recording Industry Association of America.
  84. ^ "New Releases". Radio & Records. No. 1223. November 14, 1997. pp. 36, 42.
  85. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. January 24, 1998. p. 31.
  86. ^ Faison, Datu (February 21, 1998). "Datu Faison's Rhythm Section". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 8. p. 26.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gettin%27_Jiggy_wit_It&oldid=1260922150"