When the infectious beat and playful lyrics of “Wiggle” first hit the airwaves in 2014, few could have predicted it would become one of the most memorable dance anthems of the decade. The collaboration between pop sensation Jason Derulo and West Coast rap legend [Snoop Dogg] created a perfect storm of catchy hooks, distinctive production, and cross-generational appeal that propelled it to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured its place in pop culture history.
With over a billion views on YouTube and countless dance challenges later, “Wiggle” remains a testament to the power of unexpected musical partnerships. So, what’s the real story behind this iconic track? Let’s dive into the collaboration that had everyone asking, “How do you fit all that in them jeans?”
stage performing energetically with Snoop Dogg beside him, both artists dressed in stylish urban attire as they perform their hit song “Wiggle” to an enthusiastic crowd
“Wiggle” stands as a high-energy, cross-genre collaboration that became a cultural phenomenon due to its catchy production, viral dance appeal, and the combined star power of Jason Derulo and Snoop Dogg. Released in May 2014, this dance floor anthem originated from a chance encounter at an NBA All-Star game, where Derulo played the beat for Snoop on his phone, leading to Snoop recording his verse within just 48 hours – an unprecedented turnaround for artists of their caliber.
The song’s distinctive sound, crafted by producer Ricky Reed, featured a memorable toy flute sample hook and minimalist production that created the perfect backdrop for both artists’ unique styles. Commercially, “Wiggle” dominated charts worldwide, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 25 weeks on the chart, and earning 4× Platinum certification in the United States alone.
Snoop Dogg’s contribution was instrumental to the track’s success, bringing his signature laid-back flow and hip-hop credibility that helped bridge generations of music fans. Meanwhile, the Colin Tilley-directed music video, featuring celebrity cameos like Ne-Yo, amplified the song’s impact, eventually surpassing one billion YouTube views and spawning countless dance challenges.
Nearly a decade later, “Wiggle” continues to find new life through platforms like TikTok, accumulating over 800 million Spotify streams and remaining a fixture in Derulo’s performance setlist. In the following sections, we’ll explore the fascinating journey behind this unexpected collaboration that became one of the most memorable dance anthems of the 2010s.
The Genesis of a Dance Floor Anthem
The journey of “Wiggle” began with a chance encounter at an NBA All-Star game. Jason Derulo, already riding high with his “Talk Dirty” success, had a vision for his next single – something equally catchy but with an element that would take it to another level.
“I knew I wanted the coolest, most swagged-out rapper on the track,” Derulo revealed in a 2014 interview with Billboard. “When I ran into [Snoop Dogg] at the All-Star game, it just clicked. I played him the beat on my phone right there in the arena, and he was instantly vibing with it.”
What happened next defied industry norms. Within 48 hours of that initial meeting, Snoop had recorded his verse and sent it back to Derulo. This rapid turnaround – practically unheard of for collaborations between artists of their caliber – created an undeniable momentum behind the track.
“Sometimes magic happens when you don’t overthink it,” Derulo later explained. “The chemistry was just there from the jump. We both knew we had something special.”
Inside the Production Process
The distinctive sound of “Wiggle” came from the creative mind of producer Ricky Reed (born Eric Frederic), who was also behind Derulo’s previous hit “Talk Dirty.” What made “Wiggle” stand out in a crowded pop landscape was its unconventional production elements – particularly the toy flute sample that became the track’s signature hook.
“That little flute melody is what everyone remembers,” Reed shared in a producer breakdown video. “We wanted something that would get stuck in your head immediately, something that sounded both familiar and completely fresh at the same time.”
The backbone of the track featured minimalist percussion with booming 808 bass lines, creating space for both Derulo’s smooth vocals and [Snoop Dogg’s] laid-back flow. This stripped-down approach allowed the song’s playful energy to shine through without overwhelming production tricks.
Music Video Success
The “Wiggle” music video amplified the song’s success, eventually surpassing the billion-view milestone on YouTube – a feat achieved by relatively few music videos. Directed by Colin Tilley, the visual featured Derulo and [Snoop] in a vibrant, colorful setting that perfectly complemented the track’s playful tone.
The video’s success was boosted by cameo appearances from several notable figures, including R&B star Ne-Yo, who showed up to join the dance party. These guest spots created additional buzz and sharing potential across different fan bases.
“We wanted the video to feel like the biggest, most ridiculous party you’ve ever been to,” Derulo explained in a behind-the-scenes featurette. “Having Snoop there just elevated everything – he brings this effortless cool to whatever he does.”
The choreography featured simple, accessible dance moves that viewers could easily imitate, making it perfect for the emerging era of viral dance trends. This accessibility helped transform “Wiggle” from just another pop hit into a cultural phenomenon that extended well beyond traditional music consumption.
Commercial Performance
“Wiggle” proved to be a commercial powerhouse, debuting at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 before quickly climbing to its peak position of #5. The track spent an impressive 25 weeks on the chart, demonstrating unusual staying power for a dance-oriented single.
Internationally, the song performed even better in some markets, reaching #8 in the UK, #3 in Australia, and topping charts in several European countries. The global appeal spoke to the universal language of the catchy hook and dance-friendly beat.
From a certification standpoint, “Wiggle” achieved impressive milestones:
- 4× Platinum in the United States (RIAA)
- 3× Platinum in Australia (ARIA)
- Platinum in the United Kingdom (BPI)
- Gold or Platinum certification in over a dozen additional countries
Originally intended for Derulo’s “Talk Dirty” album, the track ultimately became the lead single for his “Everything Is 4” album, helping to establish that project as a commercial success as well.
Snoop Dogg’s Contribution
What made [Snoop Dogg] the perfect feature for “Wiggle” wasn’t just his star power – it was his ability to bridge generations of music fans. By 2014, Snoop had firmly established himself as a hip-hop elder statesman who could still connect with younger audiences while bringing his OG credibility to any track.
Snoop’s verse on “Wiggle” delivered exactly what fans had come to expect from the Long Beach legend: smooth, effortless flow with playful wordplay and his signature laid-back delivery. His contribution added a layer of legitimacy to what might otherwise have been dismissed as just another pop dance track.
“Working with young talented artists keeps me fresh,” [Snoop] told Complex magazine after the song’s release. “Jason had a vision for what he wanted, and I just came through and put that Snoop flavor on it. That’s why it works – he did his thing, I did mine, and the fans got something special.”
For younger listeners who might not have been familiar with Snoop’s earlier work, “Wiggle” served as an introduction to the hip-hop icon. For longtime fans, it was further proof of his versatility and staying power across decades in the music industry.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Wiggle” transcended its status as just a pop hit to become a genuine cultural moment. The song arrived at the perfect time to benefit from the growing influence of dance challenges on platforms like Vine (and later TikTok), with the simple, recognizable choreography making it ideal for user-generated content.
Dance studios across the world created choreography set to the track, many of which garnered millions of views themselves. The song’s incorporation into fitness classes, school dances, and wedding receptions further cemented its place in popular culture.
For Derulo, “Wiggle” represented a pivotal moment in his career evolution. While he had already established himself as a hitmaker, this collaboration with [Snoop Dogg] helped elevate his status in the industry and demonstrated his ability to create cross-generational appeal.
“That song changed everything for me,” Derulo admitted in a 2020 retrospective interview. “It opened doors to new audiences and showed I could make music that was fun but still had that hitmaking quality.”
Critical Reception and Public Response
Critical reception to “Wiggle” was mixed but largely acknowledged its effectiveness as a commercial dance track. Music publications noted the song’s deliberately lighthearted approach, with Billboard calling it “a summery jam tailor-made for club play.”
Some critics pointed to the objectifying nature of the lyrics, while others defended it as a playful celebration rather than exploitation. Regardless of critical opinions, the public response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans embracing both the song and its accompanying dance moves.
“It was never meant to be taken too seriously,” Derulo explained to MTV. “Music should be fun sometimes. Not everything needs to be deep – sometimes you just want to make people dance and smile.”
The song’s success among diverse demographics – from young pop fans to hip-hop heads who followed [Snoop’s] career – demonstrated its broad appeal and the effective combination of both artists’ strengths.
The Song’s Second Life in the Streaming Era
Nearly a decade after its initial release, “Wiggle” found new life through social media platforms like TikTok, where a new generation discovered the track through dance challenges and memes. This renaissance contributed to the song’s impressive streaming numbers, which continue to grow year after year.
As of 2024, “Wiggle” has:
- Over 1 billion YouTube views
- 800+ million Spotify streams
- Featured in millions of TikTok videos
- Remained in Derulo’s performance setlist as one of his signature songs
The track was included in Derulo’s 2024 “Nu King” collection, introducing it to yet another generation of listeners and proving its remarkable staying power in a fast-moving musical landscape.
“Great songs never really die,” Derulo reflected in a recent interview. “They just find new audiences. It’s crazy to see kids who weren’t even born when I made ‘Wiggle’ now dancing to it on TikTok.”
For fans of [Snoop Dogg’s] extensive catalog of hits, “Wiggle” stands as one of his most successful mainstream crossover moments in the streaming era, further cementing his place as one of hip-hop’s most enduring and versatile figures.
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