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Swish Swish
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"Swish Swish"
Single by Katy Perry featuring Nicki Minaj
from the album Witness
ReleasedMay 19, 2017
Studio
  • Unsub (Los Angeles, California)
  • Blasé Boys Club (Hertfordshire, England)
  • Jungle City (New York City, New York)
  • Glenwood Place (Burbank, California)
Genre
Length4:02
LabelCapitol
Songwriters
ProducerDuke Dumont
Katy Perry singles chronology
"Bon Appétit"
(2017)
"Swish Swish"
(2017)
"Feels"
(2017)
Nicki Minaj singles chronology
"Kissing Strangers"
(2017)
"Swish Swish"
(2017)
"Rake It Up"
(2017)
Music video
"Swish Swish" on YouTube

"Swish Swish" is a song by American singer Katy Perry featuring rapper Nicki Minaj from Perry's fifth album Witness. It was initially released as a promotional single on May 19, 2017, and later as the album's third single. The house-inspired EDM and hip-hop song was written alongside Sarah Hudson, Starrah, producer Duke Dumont, and additional producer PJ "Promnite" Sledge, with Roland Clark receiving writing credits for the sampling of his song "I Get Deep", and Noah "Mailbox" Passovoy receiving additional and vocal production credits.

"Swish Swish" uses basketball metaphors to address Perry's bullies and detractors. Multiple media outlets suspected that the song is about singer-songwriter Taylor Swift's 2015 single "Bad Blood", which was believed to be about Perry. Critics wrote mixed reviews of "Swish Swish"; some praised the track's empowering environment and Minaj's verse, while others criticized the song's lyrics.

Promotion for the track began with a live debut of the track on Saturday Night Live, with a performance that went viral. Subsequently, Perry continued to promote the track during BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, the Glastonbury Festival 2017 and The Voice Australia. Later, to further promote the track, a lyric video for the track, featuring Brazilian singer Gretchen, was released on July 3, 2017. The official music video, directed by Dave Meyers, premiered on August 24, 2017. Three days later, Perry and Minaj performed the track together for the first time during the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards. "Swish Swish" reached the top 10 in the Philippines and Lebanon, in addition to the top 20 in Canada and the United Kingdom as well as the top 30 in Australia and Ireland. It has also been certified diamond in Brazil as well as platinum in Australia, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and was featured in the video game Just Dance 2018.

Production and release

[edit]

After Duke Dumont produced a track Perry recorded for H&M's 2015 holiday campaign called "Every Day Is a Holiday",[1] he expressed interest in working with the singer again, adding: "I think we could switch things up a little more for the next record. Who knows what we could do?"[2] Eventually, they paired together to work on the record, with Dumont claiming that Perry was a fan of his music and that they kept in touch, noting that "her vision for the album wasn't a million miles away from the stuff I'm making."[3] He added: "[...] working on this project it was great seeing what her vision was for the album and being able to help with that. I am genuinely excited for the music."[3] Dumont also said that "it was a very easy process and we made the song quickly. And then about two weeks ago I heard that [Nicki Minaj] is going to feature on it, it was very quick."[3]

Minaj's appearance on the track was only discovered when the song was released. Minaj and Perry previously worked together on Minaj's song "Get on Your Knees", with Perry writing it with the rapper. However, she did not have time to record her vocals, and Ariana Grande ended up singing the song. As Perry recalled, "We've always wanted to collaborate, we've done so many things together... we did a VH1 show. [...] I actually sent her a couple of songs before these songs were out and she loved 'Swish Swish' the most and she just did it so much justice. Honestly, I just want her to do the whole song."[4] Perry also talked about Minaj's rap skills, commenting: "With Nicki, she's such a [boss-ass bitch] that you can send her anything and her pen game is crazy."[4] On May 18, 2017, Perry announced on Instagram the track would be released at midnight Eastern time.[5] "Swish Swish" was released the next day as the third single from her fifth album Witness, and was included along with the pre-order of the album upon its debut.[6][7] Its single cover features Perry's "blinged-out hand holding receipts from a place called 'Karma Coffee & Tea'."[8] On May 26, 2017, Capitol Records confirmed it would focus on promoting "Swish Swish" to pop radio.[9]

Composition and lyrics

[edit]
Nicki Minaj contributed a rap verse to "Swish Swish".

"Swish Swish" was written by Perry with Duke Dumont, Sarah Hudson, PJ "Promnite" Sledge, Minaj, and Brittany Hazzard, while its production was done by Dumont with additional production by Sledge and Noah "Mailbox" Passovoy.[10][11] The song samples "I Get Deep" by Roland Clark.[10] "Swish Swish" was noted to have a beat similar to Maya Jane Coles' "What They Say" (2010).[12][13] The song is performed in the key of F minor with a tempo of 120 beats per minute in common time. It follows a chord progression of Cm7–A♭maj7–Gm7–Cm7–A♭maj7–Fm7, and Perry's vocals span from E♭3 to A♭4.[14] The track is four minutes and two seconds long.[15] "Swish Swish" is a house-inspired[16][17] EDM song.[18] Raisa Bruner of Time defined it as a hip hop song.[19] It starts with a sparse piano,[20] before the "club-ready beat" kicks in.[19] Lyrically, "Swish Swish" uses basketball metaphors to talk about getting over the haters.[20][19] As added by Da'Shan Smith of Billboard "'Swish Swish' "is targeted towards a 'sheep' who is 'calculated' but not capable of bringing down Perry's spirits."[21] Perry stated "Swish Swish" represents "a liberation from all the negative that doesn't serve you" as part of the "360-degree liberation" theme of her Witness album. She also called it a "great anthem for people to use when someone's trying to hold you down or bully you".[22] The song starts with Perry comparing herself to a tiger, "declaring that one 'don't lose no sleep/ don't need opinions/ from a shellfish or a sheep.'"[20] During the song, she claims herself as a "courtside killer queen,"[20] and in the chorus, Perry "sweetly" sings "'Swish swish, bish. Another one in the basket!'."[23] Minaj's rap alludes to her "silly rap beefs" as well as Migos.[20]

Following its release, several publications suggested that "Swish Swish" was a diss track in response to Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" (2014), which was believed to be about Perry.[12][21][24] Before the song being released, Perry was asked if there was a reaction to "Bad Blood" on Witness, with Perry replying: "I think [my new album is] a very empowered record. There is no one thing that's calling out any one person. One thing to note is: You can't mistake kindness for weakness and don't come for me. Anyone. Anyone. Anyone. Anyone. And that's not to any one person and don't quote me that it is, because it's not. It's not about that. Honestly, when women come together and they decide to unite, this world is going to be a better place. Period end of story. But, let me say this: Everything has a reaction or a consequence so don't forget about that, okay, honey."[25] When asked if the song was directed at anyone in particular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Perry simply replied that the song is an anti-bullying anthem.[26] Additionally, Nicki Minaj's verse contains the line, "Silly rap beefs just get me more checks," which addresses Minaj's own purported "beef" with rapper Remy Ma, while also referring to her as a stan.[27] On May 22, 2017, while appearing on the Carpool Karaoke segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden, after singing to "Swish Swish", James Corden asked Perry about a 2013[28] feud between her and Swift. "There's a situation. [...] Honestly, it's really like she started it, and it's time for her to finish it."[29] She also added: "[T]here is the law of cause and effect. You do something, there's going to be a reaction, and trust me daddy, there's going to be a reaction. It's all about karma, right?."[29]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Swish Swish" divided music critics at the time of its release.[30] Leonie Cooper of NME was very positive, noting that "calling in Nicki Minaj's fast and furious flow for the Fatboy Slim-sampling 'Swish Swish', meanwhile, is something of a master stroke, turning a good song into a great one."[31] Raisa Bruner of Time defined the song as "a feisty hip-hop track that lets both artists show off their respective areas of expertise".[19] Rianne Houghton of Digital Spy called it "a sexy, shady banger, and it's all about keeping receipts."[32] Hannah J Davies of The Guardian claimed that the song "is a house-fuelled banger with undeniable groove and nonsense content."[33] Kevin O'Donnell of Entertainment Weekly called "Swish Swish" "one of the best party-starters of her career, destined for some killer remixes," also praising the "fiery verse" from Nicki Minaj.[34]

Nylon writer Sydney Gore also praised Minaj for being "absolutely ruthless when she comes in toward the end."[8] Kitty Empire of The Observer also noted that "the Roland Clark sample" and "the ever-inventive Nicki Minaj, provides more top-flight, shade-throwing diva product."[35] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine praised how Perry "convincingly dabbles in house" in the song.[36] Wren Graves for Consequence picked as the album's standout track, defining it as a "spunky, funky kiss-off track with a spellbinding beat by Duke Dumont, [where] Perry is deadly with her put-downs" and "Nicki Minaj is trotted out for punchline duty and punches gamely."[37] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic also selected it as a highlight from the album.[18] Mikael Wood of Los Angeles Times thought the song was "a delight as Perry rhymes 'another one in the basket' with 'another one in the casket' over Duke Dumont's thrusting '90s-house beat".[38]

Jillian Mapes of Pitchfork was less favorable, declaring: "If you're going to do something as tired as fueling this beef, at least give us the satisfaction of making it deliciously shady."[39] Anna Gaca of Spin called it "another single that makes little sense", and "a random grab bag of Perry's vocals, obnoxious voice-altering effects, and piano flourishes, all laid over a house-inflected beat".[17] Gavin Miller of Drowned in Sound was mixed in his review, calling "largely just a deep house track with Katy Perry singing a topline, which isn't a bad thing," but felt the producers were "just offering up tunes they've had on their hard drives for Perry's team to compartmentalise and see what demographics they represent."[40] Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph felt the song was "too generic to land any blows,"[41] while Mike Wass of Idolator felt Minaj's verse was "generic" and that it "sounds like a rehash of every feature she has released in 2017."[23]

Retrospectively, Christopher Rosa of Glamour called the song a "moment of brilliance" on Witness with its "basement rave-ready beat and cheeky lyrics". He also ranked "Swish Swish" as Perry's overall 8th best track made.[42] Entertainment Weekly deemed it her 10th best song and a "vogue-worthy tribute to 90's house music, complete with hissing hi-hats, endearingly goofy lyrics", adding that Minaj's guest verse was "gag-worthy".[43]

Accolades

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Name of award, year listed, category, and result
Award Year Category Result Ref.
iHeartRadio Music Awards 2018 Best Music Video Nominated [44]
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Dance Trend[a] Won [45]

Listicles

[edit]
Name of publication, year listed, name of listicle, and result
Publication Year Listicle Result Ref.
The Line of Best Fit 2017 Best Songs of the Year 42nd [46]
Revolt 2024 Best Pop Songs with a Rap Verse 7th [47]

Commercial performance

[edit]
The song became Perry's 18th and Minaj's 6th chart-topper on Dance Club Songs.

In the United States, "Swish Swish" debuted and peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100[48][49] while reaching number 33 on the Pop Songs chart.[50] The song fared better on the Dance Club Songs chart, becoming her 18th number-one on the chart.[51] By having eighteen songs at the top, Perry became the fifth singer with most number-ones on the Dance Club charts and extended her record for most consecutive number-one songs on the chart.[51] As of September 2017, it has sold 165,288 copies in the country,[52] and has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[53] In Canada, the song first opened at number 27 on the Canadian Hot 100.[54] "Swish Swish" later climbed to number 13, becoming Perry's 22nd top-twenty entry in the nation.[55] It has since been certified Platinum by Music Canada (MC) for shipments of 80,000 units.[56]

In Australia, "Swish Swish" first entered at number 37 on the ARIA Charts on June 4, 2017, before peaking at number 22 in July.[57] In the United Kingdom, "Swish Swish" debuted at number 40 on the UK Singles Chart.[58] It ascended to number 29 following the music video's release as well as Perry and Minaj's live performance of the track at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards,[59] and later reached number 19 in the nation.[60] "Swish Swish" has also been certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments of 600,000 units.[61]

In Germany, "Swish Swish" became Perry's lowest charting single, peaking at number 76; despite this, the single got certified Gold by BMVI for shipments of 200,000 units.[62]

In France, the song became the lowest charting single for Perry, peaking at number 117 and stayed 7 weeks, before being dethroned by "365" (2019) then by "Woman's World" (2024). However, it was the 34th entry in the French Singles Chart for Minaj and her 5th entry in 2017, becoming the only female rapper having the most entries that year in the country. The song was certified gold, becoming Perry's fourth gold certification and Minaj's fifth.[63]

Music video

[edit]

Development

[edit]
Brazilian singer Gretchen appeared in the song's lyric video.

A lyric video for the song was released on YouTube on July 3, 2017, and features Brazilian singer and reality television personality Gretchen.[64] It was directed by Dario Vetere, and it features choreography by Fabio Duarte and CK Calasans.[65] Two days later, Perry announced a contest titled the "#SwishSwishChallenge" for dancers to appear in the song's official music video where candidates submit videos of themselves dancing, and she would select her favorite dancer. After applicants posted their entries by the end of July 12, the video was filmed later in the month.[66] A teaser for the official video was posted on August 21, 2017, on Perry's personal YouTube account.[67]

Synopsis and reception

[edit]

The official music video for the single was directed by Dave Meyers and released on August 24, 2017. It was shot at Bingo Stadium in Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan. It includes appearances from Russell Horning, Gaten Matarazzo, Jenna Ushkowitz, Doug the Pug, Christine Sydelko, Dexter Mayfield, Rob Gronkowski, Joey Chestnut, Molly Shannon, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rich Eisen, Bill Walton, and Terry Crews. Awesome Kong, Britney Young, Sydelle Noel, Ellen Wong, and Jackie Tohn make appearances as their characters from GLOW. In the video, Perry plays "Kobe Perry" the captain of the basketball team "The Tigers" whose opponents are known as "The Sheep", and Minaj performs during the game's halftime show. The video also features the brief reappearance of Kathy Beth Terry, Perry's character from "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)",[68] as well as a short gameplay clip from Just Dance 2018 and a brief segment featuring the Bag Raiders song, "Shooting Stars".[69] The Kazimierz Górski National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, was used for exterior views of the venue in the video.[70] The official music video has over 687 million views on YouTube as of July 2024.[71]

Elias Leight of Rolling Stone named it "goofy".[72] Dave Holmes of Esquire noted that "like all great pop music videos, 'Swish Swish' leaves you exhausted, annoyed, confused, and a good seven years older than you were six minutes ago. It's a shame, too, because when Katy Perry stops trying to be your hilarious best friend, she's capable of great pop music."[73] Jordan Sargent of Spin wrote that the video was "bad", though added "it does at least feel like Katy Perry in all her messy glory. Still, there's a gulf between Perry's slapstick character and the fang-toothed, confrontational song that's impossible to bridge. As such, Perry barely even performs the song during the video. Instead, it's as if 'Swish Swish' is the music playing softly behind a comedy sketch that you're not really meant to pay attention to."[74]

Live performances

[edit]
Perry performing the song during her Witness: The Tour, in a basketball themed setting

Perry performed "Swish Swish" solo on the Saturday Night Live season finale on May 20, 2017.[75] The performance quickly went viral, with much of the attention coming towards teen dancer Russell Horning, dubbed the "Backpack Kid", whose arm-swinging dance move ("the Floss") became widely imitated.[76] Perry also performed the song during her set on BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend on May 27, 2017,[77] the Glastonbury Festival 2017 on June 24, 2017,[78] as well as on The Voice finale on July 2, 2017,[79] featuring male dancers in high heels.[79] On June 26, Minaj performed a verse of the song at the first-ever 2017 NBA Awards.[80] Perry also performed the song live with Minaj for the first time at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.[81] As stated by Billboard's Joe Lynch, Perry started the performance "standing atop an enormous half-basketball on stage." As Lynch wrote, "her backup dancers sport[ed] nets-for-veils on their faces", while later "the half-basketball rotated around to reveal Nicki Minaj hidden inside." Near the end of the performance, Perry flew "above the crowd and landing atop a basketball hoop just in time to end the show on a literal slam dunk while basketball balloons dropped over the crowd."[81] The song was also performed on Perry's Witness: The Tour. Halfway through the performance, Perry would invite a member from the audience onstage for a basketball shooting contest.[82]

Track listing

[edit]
  • Digital download[15]
  1. "Swish Swish" (featuring Nicki Minaj) – 4:02
  • Digital download (Cheat Codes remix)[83]
  1. "Swish Swish" (Cheat Codes remix; featuring Nicki Minaj) – 3:01
  1. "Swish Swish" (Valentino Khan remix; featuring Nicki Minaj) – 3:20
  • Digital download (Blonde remix)[85]
  1. "Swish Swish" (Blonde remix) – 4:06

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Recording locations

[edit]

Personnel

[edit]

Credits and personnel adapted from Witness album liner notes.[10]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications and sales for "Swish Swish"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[134] 2× Platinum 140,000
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[135] Diamond 250,000
Canada (Music Canada)[56] Platinum 80,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[136] Gold 45,000
Finland⁠[137] 2× Platinum  
France (SNEP)[138] Gold 66,666
Germany (BVMI)[139] Gold 200,000
Italy (FIMI)[140] Gold 25,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[141] Platinum 30,000
Norway (IFPI Norway)[142] Gold 30,000
Poland (ZPAV)[143] Platinum 50,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[144] Gold 30,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[61] Platinum 600,000
United States (RIAA)[53] Platinum 1,000,000 / 165,288[b]

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
List of release dates, showing region, release format, and label
Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various May 19, 2017 Digital download Original Capitol [145]
United States May 26, 2017 Contemporary hit radio [146]
Various June 30, 2017 Digital download Cheat Codes remix [83]
Valentino Khan remix [84]
August 25, 2017 Blonde remix [85]
Italy September 22, 2017 Radio airplay Original Universal [147]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Swish Swish" is a song by American singer Katy Perry featuring Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj, released on May 19, 2017, as a promotional single from Perry's fifth studio album, Witness. The track blends EDM and hip hop elements with basketball-themed metaphors, such as "swish" referring to a perfect shot in the sport, and its lyrics are widely interpreted as a response to Taylor Swift's 2015 single "Bad Blood," which was believed to target Perry amid their publicized feud. The song was produced by , Promnite, and Noah Passovoy, and runs for 4:02 minutes. Perry debuted "Swish Swish" during her performance on Starring on May 18, 2017, where she addressed its themes of liberation from negativity without explicitly confirming its connection to Swift, stating it represents "the liberation from all the negative that doesn't serve you." It later served as the album's third official single, peaking at number 46 on the US chart and reaching number 13 in Canada, while topping the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart—marking Perry's 18th number-one hit there. In the , it peaked at number 19 on the Official Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the for sales exceeding 600,000 units. The official music video, directed by Dave Meyers, premiered on August 24, 2017, and depicts Perry as a basketball team captain leading a group of underdogs—including celebrities like Terry Crews, Nicki Minaj, and Gaten Matarazzo—against a villainous opponent played by Molly Shannon in a satirical, high-energy game. The video drew comparisons to films like Space Jam and received mixed reviews for its campy visuals, with critics noting its role in escalating the Perry-Swift rivalry narrative, with Perry altering the lyrics during a 2017 live performance to reflect forgiveness after extending an olive branch to Swift; the pair publicly reconciled in 2019. As of November 2025, "Swish Swish" has amassed over 445 million streams on Spotify, underscoring its enduring popularity in Perry's discography.

Background and Production

Concept and Writing

The concept for "Swish Swish" originated from Katy Perry's use of basketball slang, where "swish" refers to a ball passing cleanly through the hoop without touching the rim or backboard, symbolizing flawless execution and triumph over adversaries. Perry employed these sports metaphors to convey themes of empowerment and sharp retorts to critics, framing the song as a declaration of resilience against negativity. This ideation aligned with the broader empowerment narrative of her fifth studio album, Witness. The song was co-written by , , , Sarah Hudson, PJ "Promnite" Sledge, and Brittany "" Hazzard during the early stages of the album sessions in 2016. Minaj contributed her rap verse that emphasized personal success amid detractors. Speculation arose that the track served as a subtle diss toward , fueled by the ongoing feud between the two artists and Perry's activity, including cryptic posts interpreted as referencing snakes—a symbol associated with Swift following her 2016 public disputes. However, Perry denied that the song targeted any specific individual, describing it instead as a broader liberation from unhelpful negativity. Early drafts centered on motifs of resilience, with Perry and her collaborators crafting lyrics that highlighted bouncing back from criticism and maintaining confidence in the face of opposition. Minaj's input reinforced this by weaving in lines about rising above envy and achieving dominance through hard work.

Recording and Production

The recording sessions for "Swish Swish" took place at Unsub and MXM Studios in Los Angeles, California; Blasé Boys Club in Hertfordshire, England; The Bunker in Los Angeles, California; and Jungle City Studios in New York City, with mixing at Glenwood Place Studios in Burbank, California. These locations facilitated collaboration among the key contributors, including co-writers Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj, who participated in the creative process alongside producers Duke Dumont and PJ "Promnite" Sledge. The track was recorded during the late 2016 sessions for Perry's album Witness, with final mixes completed in early 2017 ahead of its promotional release. led the production, crafting house-influenced beats centered on a vocal sample from Roland Clark's 2000 house track "I Get Deep," which provided the foundational rhythmic loop and vocal hook. To blend the electronic elements with hip-hop flair, Dumont incorporated layered synthesizers for melodic depth, prominent bass drops to drive the energy, and crisp hip-hop-inspired drum patterns that emphasized the song's percussive bounce. PJ Sledge contributed additional engineering and production, handling keyboard programming and ensuring seamless integration of the instrumental layers with the vocal performances. Throughout the process, the team focused on balancing the track's EDM foundation with rap elements, requiring careful rhythmic adjustments to align Minaj's rapid-fire verse with Perry's pop-oriented without disrupting the overall flow. Multiple revisions were made to refine the transitions, particularly around the bass drops and sample integration, resulting in a cohesive hybrid sound that maintained dancefloor appeal while highlighting the featured artist's delivery.

Release and Promotion

Single Release

"Swish Swish" was released as a digital download and for streaming on May 19, 2017, through Capitol Records. Initially issued as a promotional single tied to the pre-order of Katy Perry's fifth studio album Witness, it was later elevated to the album's third official single on May 26, 2017. The single was made available in digital formats, including the original version on platforms such as , , and . Later, physical promotional CDs were distributed to radio stations, including editions released in and the . No standalone vinyl single was issued, though the track appeared on Witness CD and vinyl editions. Perry announced the impending release on May 18, 2017, via , teasing its availability at midnight Eastern Time the following day. The track became immediately accessible on major digital platforms upon release. The rollout was global and simultaneous, with radio airplay beginning in select markets, including , on May 19, 2017.

Marketing and Promotion

The marketing campaign for "Swish Swish" was integrated into the broader promotion of Katy Perry's fifth studio album, , emphasizing themes of empowerment and resilience against critics through its basketball-inspired diss track narrative. Released as an instant gratification track with the album's pre-order on May 19, 2017, the song was positioned as a bold to build anticipation for 's June 9 launch. Capitol Records shifted focus from the previous single "" to promote "Swish Swish" due to its stronger fan reception and viral potential, highlighting its role in Perry's narrative of personal and artistic rebirth. A key element was Perry's "Witness World Wide" YouTube livestream event, held from June 8 to 12, 2017, which featured live performances of "Swish Swish" and interactive fan engagements, including Q&A sessions and glimpses into Perry's creative process to foster direct connection. The event, viewed by millions, served as a platform to showcase the track's high-energy production and collaborative spirit with , amplifying its empowerment message through real-time fan interactions like song requests and . Radio promotion began in the U.S. with the track sent to pop radio on May 26, 2017, by , marking a strategic pivot to capitalize on its hip-hop-infused EDM sound for mainstream airplay. Internationally, campaigns rolled out in late May, with adds to stations in the UK and to expand global reach ahead of the album release. Complementing this, social media efforts included dance challenges inspired by the song's rhythmic "swish" , encouraging fans to create and share videos, which organically boosted visibility on platforms like and . The basketball theme aligned the track's competitive lyrics with sports culture without formal sponsorships. The strategy underscored empowerment, with Perry and Minaj promoting the collaboration via joint Instagram posts that teased the track's defiant lyrics and Minaj's verse, generating buzz through endorsement. No major product placements were involved, but the campaign aligned with preparations for Perry's subsequent Witness Tour, using "Swish Swish" to energize pre-tour hype. The song made its live debut on on May 20, 2017, further propelling its promotional momentum.

Music and Lyrics

Musical Composition

"Swish Swish" is classified as a house-inspired EDM track with hip-hop elements, characterized by its danceable rhythm and rap feature. The song is composed in the key of , with a of 120 beats per minute and a 4/4 , creating a steady, club-ready pulse. The structure adheres to a conventional verse-chorus format, incorporating pre-chorus build-ups that heighten tension before the chorus drops. The introduction prominently features vocal chops sampled from Clark's 2000 house track "I Get Deep," setting a hypnotic tone with filtered, repetitive phrases. This sample is directly interpolated in through the recurring "I get deep, I get deep" motif, which was cleared for use by the song's producers to evoke a vibe. A bridge transitions into Nicki Minaj's rap verse, providing a rhythmic shift while maintaining the overall EDM framework. Instrumentally, the track relies on synthesized basslines that drive the low end with pulsating energy, paired with electronic drums featuring four-on-the-floor kicks typical of . Piano stabs punctuate the arrangement for melodic accents, while extensive vocal layering enhances Katy Perry's pop-inflected verses, building to an explosive EDM drop in the chorus. Perry delivers her verses in a melodic pop style, contrasting the hip-hop rap section and emphasizing the song's fusion.

Lyrical Themes

"Swish Swish" explores themes of and retaliation against detractors, employing to convey resilience and in the face of . The "swish, swish, bish," where "swish" denotes a perfect without rim contact, symbolizes flawless achievement and dismissing opponents effortlessly, as in "another one in the ," likening haters to scored points. has described the track as an anthem of "liberation" from bullies, representing a "360-degree liberation" from negativity that hinders personal growth. In Perry's verses, the lyrics emphasize self-assurance and rising above conflict, with lines like "Don't you come for me / No, not today" asserting boundaries against aggression. Phrases such as "A / Don't lose no sleep / Don't need opinions / From a or a sheep" portray Perry as a fierce, unbothered figure—evoking her "Roar" tiger imagery—while rejecting unsolicited judgments from insincere critics. Additional imagery, including "You're calculated / I got your number" and "Cause you're a joker / And I'm a courtside ," reinforces themes of outmaneuvering manipulative adversaries with superior poise and dominance. Nicki Minaj's rap verse amplifies the song's bravado through boasts of wealth and unyielding strength, as in "They know that dick ain't legit / I said it with my chest," underscoring authenticity and defiance in "silly rap beefs." Lines like "Don't be tryna double back, I already / All that fake you showin', couldn't even disguise you" highlight resilience against duplicity, interpreted as a direct response to rival rapper amid their publicized feud. Minaj's contribution fosters a sense of female solidarity in clapback culture, portraying both artists as united in triumph over opposition. Interpretations of the lyrics often point to subtle nods to Perry's feud with Taylor Swift, with references to a "sheep" echoing Perry's 2014 tweet labeling Swift a "Regina George in sheep's clothing," and "calculated" alluding to Swift's past comments on the term. Overall, the song promotes self-empowerment within pop-rap feud dynamics, encouraging listeners to prioritize their own path amid external noise.

Critical Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in May 2017 as a promotional single from Katy Perry's album Witness, "Swish Swish" featuring Nicki Minaj received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its energetic production and Minaj's contribution while critiquing its lyrical simplicity and perceived genericism. The Guardian called it a "house-fuelled banger with undeniable groove," appreciating the bubbling two-step rhythm and Minaj's inventive flow, though acknowledging the "nonsense content" in its basketball metaphors aimed at detractors. Critics frequently lauded Minaj's energetic verse for stealing the spotlight, with Spin observing that her references to personal feuds and luxury brands provided a "bright spot" in an otherwise uneven song. However, several reviewers criticized the production as formulaic EDM and the lyrics as simplistic or underdeveloped. Spin labeled the track a "random grab bag" of Perry's vocals, voice-altering effects, and over a house beat reminiscent of Minaj's earlier work, arguing that Perry sounded bored and the basketball-themed disses failed to land effectively. echoed this by pointing to the "nonsense content" undermining the groove, while some outlets felt Perry's delivery lacked needed to match the song's confrontational intent. Speculation about the track's ties to Perry's feud with amplified media buzz, though Perry herself framed it as an anthem against bullies in general. Aggregate scores reflected this divide, with the parent album Witness earning a 53/100 on Metacritic based on 24 reviews, where "Swish Swish" was often cited as a fun but unoriginal entry. Pitchfork's album review gave Witness a 4.8/10, critiquing the track's reliance on dated house tropes without innovative lyrical depth. Key quotes captured the sentiment: Spin stated, "Minaj steals the show," emphasizing her verse's strength. Overall, the song was seen as an album standout for its catchiness despite flaws.

Retrospective Assessments

In the years following its release, "Swish Swish" has received more favorable reevaluations, often praised for its bold fusion of pop and hip-hop elements that captured the era's rap-pop crossover trends. Critics have highlighted the effective chemistry between and Minaj, with Minaj's sharp verse providing a dynamic to 's anthemic chorus, elevating the track beyond its initial perceptions as a mere diss . In contrast to the mixed contemporary reception, these later analyses position "Swish Swish" as an early exemplar of tracks in the late , blending personal shade with infectious dance energy that foreshadowed similar high-profile pop-rap clashes. Rankings of Perry's discography in the 2020s have underscored the song's enduring appeal as a high-energy staple. Glamour placed it eighth among her best tracks in 2020, commending its "fun, feisty" vibe and catchy hooks despite the surrounding drama. Similarly, Entertainment Weekly's 2017 retrospective ranking (updated in broader career overviews) noted its position around the top 10 for lasting club playability, emphasizing how the track's basketball-themed bravado and Minaj's bars made it a standout in Perry's more experimental phase. The song also garnered notable accolades in post-release honors. It won the Favorite Dance Trend award at the 2018 for Perry and dancer Russell Horning's viral "Backpack Kid" performance on . Additionally, "Swish Swish" earned a nomination for Best Lyrics at the 2018 , recognizing its witty, confrontational wordplay. Cultural commentary in the 2020s has framed "Swish Swish" as a pivotal moment in Perry's Witness era, marking her shift toward edgier, purpose-driven pop amid personal and industry feuds.

Commercial Performance

Chart Positions

In the United States, "Swish Swish" debuted at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated June 10, 2017, marking its peak position on the chart where it spent a total of 12 weeks. On the Mainstream Top 40 (Pop Songs) airplay chart, the song reached a peak of number 33 and charted for six weeks. It achieved its strongest performance in the dance genre, topping the Dance Club Songs chart for the week dated July 22, 2017, becoming Katy Perry's 18th number-one hit on that ranking. Internationally, "Swish Swish" entered the Canadian Hot 100 at number 27 before climbing to a peak of number 13, where it remained for 12 weeks overall. In the , it debuted at number 40 on the Official Singles Chart and later reached a high of number 19, accumulating 23 weeks on the listing. The track performed solidly in , debuting at number 37 on the ARIA Singles Chart and advancing to a peak of number 22. It also entered the top 10 on charts in the and . In other European markets, results were more modest, such as a peak of number 52 on the Singles Chart (SNEP). The song's chart trajectory was bolstered by strong airplay on dance and pop radio formats, contributing to its longevity despite not cracking the top 40 on the Hot 100; it re-entered the chart multiple times, spending 10 to 12 weeks in total across metrics. For the year-end Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart in 2017, "Swish Swish" ranked at number 38. This performance represented a moderate success compared to Perry's prior single "Chained to the Rhythm," which peaked higher at number 4 on the Hot 100, though the track's dance dominance echoed her established strength in that sector. The release of its music video and live television appearances, including at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, provided key boosts to its chart momentum.
Chart (2017)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Billboard Hot 1004612
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)1
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)336
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)1312
Australia (ARIA)22
France (SNEP)52
UK (Official Singles)1923

Certifications and Sales

In the United States, "Swish Swish" was certified Platinum by the (RIAA) on January 19, 2018, denoting 1 million units including downloads and streaming equivalents. As of March 2025, it has surpassed 3.5 million equivalent units in the US. The track's number-one position on the chart further bolstered its sales performance through increased digital consumption. In Canada, the song received Platinum certification from Music Canada for sales and streaming exceeding 80,000 units. It was initially certified Gold before upgrading to Platinum, reflecting steady consumption in the market. The single earned 2× Platinum status from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 140,000 units shipped. In the United Kingdom, it was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), representing 600,000 combined units. In , "Swish Swish" achieved Diamond certification from , equivalent to over 250,000 units including streams. By the end of , the track had surpassed 500,000 digital downloads worldwide. As of November 2025, streaming totals on exceeded 445 million plays globally. Overall, certified units across markets suggest an estimated over 4 million equivalent units worldwide.

Music Video

Development

The music video for "Swish Swish" was directed by Dave Meyers, a frequent collaborator with on previous visuals. The concept originated from a -themed in a high-stakes, dystopian arena setting, directly inspired by the song's competitive lyrical content about and . focused on assembling a star-studded cast of celebrities to portray Perry's inept basketball team, including comedian as the coach and actress as a player. Filming locations included the exterior of the PGE Narodowy stadium in , , to establish the venue for the game's dramatic showdown. took place in mid-August 2017, aligning with the video's rapid turnaround for its August 24 release. Choreography was handled by , incorporating exaggerated movements and routines to highlight the song's playful antagonism. One key challenge was scheduling and integrating multiple high-profile cameos across different time zones, with Nicki Minaj's rap verse scenes shot separately in the United States before .

Synopsis and Cameos

The music video for "Swish Swish," directed by Dave Meyers, unfolds in a derelict arena evoking a post-apocalyptic atmosphere, where embodies a gladiator-like named "Kobe Perry," captaining the ragtag Tigers team in a high-stakes, basketball-infused battle against the conformist Sheep squad, achieving ultimate victory through teamwork and skill. The narrative emphasizes empowerment, with Perry rallying her misfit allies to overcome the odds in a surreal contest blending sports action and theatrical combat, culminating in a dramatic backboard-shattering that symbolizes triumph over detractors. High-energy dance sequences pulse with neon aesthetics, incorporating basketball props such as hoops, balls, and dribbles seamlessly into fight-like maneuvers and trick shots, while transitions fluidly shift between the rundown physical sets and stylized animations that add a layer of fantastical flair to the proceedings. The video boasts over 20 celebrity cameos portraying contestants, allies, and opponents, including as a key teammate delivering her verse to motivate the group; as the flamboyant coach of the Tigers; and as supportive team players; and additional figures like , , and as fierce allies in the fray. Perry's styling features athletic wear with futuristic accents, such as a customized emblazoned with her persona's name, high-top sneakers, and bold accessories, contrasting Minaj's athletic attire that underscores her supportive role.

Release and Reception

The music video for "Swish Swish," directed by Dave Meyers, premiered on August 24, 2017, on and . Perry performed the song live at the on August 27 with a basketball-themed staging. As of November 2025, the video has accumulated approximately 696 million views on . Initial reception highlighted the video's campy fun and celebrity cameos, with Variety describing it as a spectacle featuring leading a bumbling team against formidable opponents. Critics also noted some chaotic editing, as Vox characterized the narrative as cluttered and incoherent despite its star power. Among fans, the video amplified the song's visibility, enhancing radio play and sparking viral dance trends through its incorporation of internet memes like the Floss. It earned a nomination for Best Music Video at the 2018 . The release quickly propelled it to the top of Vevo's daily most-viewed charts, while ongoing platform integrations sustained streaming momentum for the track.

Live Performances

Television and Awards Shows

Katy Perry debuted "Swish Swish" live on the season finale of on May 20, 2017, performing solo while Nicki Minaj's verse played via pre-recorded audio. The performance featured Perry in a black-and-white striped jacket reminiscent of , accompanied by drag queens and dancers on a runway-style set, and a viral clip highlighting dancer Russell Horning, known as the Backpack Kid, drew significant online attention. Perry brought the track to on May 27, 2017, delivering an energetic rendition with backup dancers amid the festival's main stage lineup. She followed with an appearance on The Voice Australia on July 2, 2017, where she performed the song backed by a group of dancers in a colorful, choreographed routine. From the launch of her Witness Tour in September 2017, "Swish Swish" became a staple in the setlist, often integrated with interactive elements like fan participation in basketball-themed games. The song continued to feature in later tours and residencies, including the PLAY Las Vegas residency (2021–2023), 2024, and the Lifetimes Tour in 2025. At the on August 27, Perry and Minaj performed the song together live for the first time, closing the show with Perry descending from above the stage on a rope before joining Minaj and dancers in basketball net masks and uniforms. Earlier that month, on June 24, Perry surprised festivalgoers with a full set at , including "Swish Swish" as part of her Witness-era showcase on the Other Stage. Across these television and awards show appearances, staging emphasized the song's basketball motif through props like hoops and nets, alongside cheerleader-style backup dancers in athletic uniforms, creating a high-energy, sporty atmosphere. Minaj's live collaboration was exclusive to the VMAs due to scheduling conflicts, limiting her onstage presence to that event.

Viral Moments and Covers

One of the most memorable viral moments associated with "Swish Swish" occurred during Katy Perry's performance on the season finale of Saturday Night Live on May 20, 2017, where 15-year-old dancer Russell Horning, known as the Backpack Kid, joined her onstage to perform his signature flossing routine. The appearance, featuring Horning's deadpan expression and backpack while executing the arm-swinging dance, quickly exploded on social media platforms like Vine and YouTube, garnering millions of views within days and sparking widespread recreations among users. This moment not only propelled the floss dance into mainstream popularity but also led to Horning's broader recognition, including a win for Best in Dance at the 2018 Shorty Awards for his viral contributions. Speculation surrounding the song's lyrics as a veiled diss track toward , amplified by Nicki Minaj's feature and references to calculated moves and persistent name-dropping, fueled a wave of memes across and other platforms in 2017. Fans dissected lines like "Don't you come for me" and created humorous edits juxtaposing and Swift's past interactions, contributing to the track's organic buzz amid their long-simmering feud. Concurrently, the song inspired user-generated dance challenges under hashtags like #SwishSwish, which peaked during the summer of 2017 on platforms such as and , with participants mimicking the basketball-themed and flossing elements from the SNL debut. Fan covers and remakes extended the song's reach, including an acoustic rendition by singer released in 2017 that stripped down the hip-hop elements for a more intimate vibe. The track also appeared in television programming, notably as a lip-sync battle song in an episode of during All Stars season 7 in 2022, where contestants delivered high-energy performances that highlighted its campy, confrontational energy. Into the 2020s, "Swish Swish" has maintained cultural relevance through retrospectives on early trends and ongoing content, with related videos and challenges accumulating hundreds of millions of views by 2025.

Track Listings

Original Release

"Swish Swish" was first released as a promotional single on May 19, 2017, accompanying the of Katy Perry's fifth studio , Witness, via digital download. The standard version of the track runs for 4:02 and features vocals by Perry and guest rapper . It was written by Perry, Minaj, , Sarah Hudson, Brittany Hazzard (known professionally as ), and PJ "Promnite" Sledge. The song appears as the fourth track on the standard edition of , which was released on June 9, 2017, by . It is also included on the Japanese edition of the album, issued on June 9, 2017, as well as various deluxe editions that expand the tracklist with additional content. The original recording was mixed by at MixStar Studios in , with engineering assistance from John Hanes. It was mastered by at Sterling Sound in , ensuring a polished audio presentation consistent across platforms, with no alternate lengths for the standard version. Initially available exclusively through as part of the Witness pre-order, the track later became accessible for streaming on and other services upon the album's full release. It is now widely available on digital platforms including and .

Remix Versions

Several official remixes of "Swish Swish" were released as digital singles by to promote the track in various genres. These versions were distributed via platforms such as and , often bundled with the original for purchase, and gained traction in club environments for their extended playability and genre-specific adaptations. The Cheat Codes remix, produced by the American DJ trio Cheat Codes, was released on June 30, 2017, and runs for 3:01. This version emphasizes future bass elements, including dynamic drops and an extended introductory build to heighten its dancefloor energy. The Valentino Khan remix, crafted by DJ and producer Valentino Khan, followed on June 30, 2017, with a length of 3:20. It shifts toward a trap-influenced sound, featuring heavier bass lines, bouncy beats, and manipulated, chopped vocals for a more aggressive electronic edge. The Blonde remix, by the British electronic duo Blonde, arrived later on August 25, 2017, lasting 4:06. This iteration adopts a vibe with a slower, atmospheric build and subtle melodic layers to suit lounge and club settings. In June 2017, a promotional package compiling four variants—including selections from the above—was distributed digitally for DJ use, further supporting the song's rotation in venues.

References

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