It’s not your fault—ever since the catchy song became a dance challenge on social media, it’s taken on a life of its own and gone viral. As Genius points out, it’s been used in 2.6 million TikTok videos (and counting, we’re sure) since May 17, 2022, so you’re bound to come across it during your daily scrolls! Keep reading to find out everything there is to know about how the tune:
Who is behind the “Jiggle Jiggle” rap?
That would be Louis Theroux, the son of novelist Paul Theroux and a British-American documentary filmmaker and broadcaster. Per CNET, he wrote the rap during an episode of his BBC 2 documentary series Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends in 2000. During that episode, Theroux traveled to New Orleans and interviewed several rappers before trying his hand at rhyming on the airwaves of a local hip-hop station. During the episode, he revealed that he came up with the lyrics in the shower.
Why is the rap popular now?
Since the rap was created before the social media era, Theroux likely never thought it would become the viral sensation that it did. Flash-forward to 2022 when he revived the rhyme during an appearance on the YouTube series Chicken Shop Date. Theroux was asked if he remembered the rap, and he didn’t miss a beat as he delivered the bars that have since taken the world by storm.
Who remixed the rap?
Initially, a TikToker turned the rap into a sound playable on TikTok videos. But the distinctive beat heard on many videos today (and currently stuck in your head) comes from Manchester-based producers Duke and Jones, who produced a full version of the rap with Theroux. Their video has almost reached a billion views on YouTube. 2021’s “TikTok song" was undoubtedly “Savage Love,” but 2022 is all about “My Money Don’t Jiggle Jiggle, It Folds.”
What does the title mean?
On the Weird Weekends episode, one of Theroux’s co-writers explained the title/opening line, noting: “You don’t have quarters and dimes and nickels, you have dollars, hundreds and whatever you have. And whatever you have, it folds.” Mystery solved.
Is Louis Theroux related to Justin Theroux?
Yes! During the 10th episode of Grounded with Louis Theroux, his guest was actor and writer Justin Theroux, who is his cousin. According to the BBC, Louis and Justin’s dads are brothers, so they spent a good chunk of their childhood together. Interestingly enough, they disagree on the pronunciation of their last name as Justin goes by “ther-oh” while Louis goes by “ther-oo.” Next, check out 15 TikTok foodie accounts you should be following ASAP.
