Viral Phenomenon
#BaauerHarlemShake documents Brooklyn producer Harry Bauer Rodrigues’s trap anthem “Harlem Shake” (2012) and the February 2013 viral video meme that made it the fastest-climbing song to #1 Billboard Hot 100 in digital era history.
Song Origins
Released May 2012 on Mad Decent’s Jeffree’s Vol. 2 compilation, “Harlem Shake” was a bass-heavy trap instrumental featuring a vocal sample from Plastic Little’s 2001 track “Miller Time.” The song initially gained traction in underground trap circles but lacked mainstream attention.
Viral Explosion (February 2013)
On February 2, 2013, YouTuber Filthy Frank posted a 30-second video: one person dancing alone in a motorcycle helmet while others ignore him, then cutting to the bass drop where everyone dances wildly in costumes.
The format exploded:
- Feb 2-15: 4,000+ parody videos uploaded daily
- Feb 23: “Harlem Shake” hits #1 Billboard Hot 100 (fastest climb from first charting)
- March 2013: 1.7 billion total views across all videos
Notable versions: Miami Heat, Norwegian Army, University of Georgia swim team, Matt & Kim, Maker Studios offices.
Controversy & Backlash
Original Harlem Shake dancers (from 1980s Harlem, NY neighborhood) criticized the meme for cultural appropriation and misrepresenting the actual dance. Plastic Little’s Jayson Musson sued Baauer over the unauthorized vocal sample (settled out of court).
Legacy & Trap Era
Despite the meme’s 2-week lifespan, “Harlem Shake” legitimized trap music in mainstream consciousness and paved the way for RL Grime, Flosstradamus, and Diplo’s trap crossover.
Baauer’s follow-up album Aa (2016) showcased his artistic range beyond the viral hit.
Cultural Impact
- #1 Billboard Hot 100: February 23 - March 30, 2013 (5 weeks)
- YouTube record: First video meme to impact Billboard charts
- Meme format: Defined 2013 viral video culture (pre-TikTok)
- Trap crossover: Introduced trap production to Top 40 audiences