“Harlem Shake” by Baauer
There isn’t much behind the meaning to this Baauer’s “Harlem Shake”. As its name implies it is a dance number, thus being dedicated to inspiring listeners to boogie. And it is that idea, ‘shaking’, or “do(ing) the Harlem Shake”, which most of the lyrics are dedicated to.
And based on the sample contained therein, this message appears to be dedicated primarily to the “terroristas” or gangsters in the house. So again as implied by the title, this is a dance song with a street-oriented motif. Or put differently, in the world of music Harlem has come to personify your quintessential ‘hood.
“Harlem Shake” Credits
Baauer wrote and produced this track. However, the following have also been credited for writing the song:
- Jayson Musson
- Héctor Delgado
- Kurt Hunte
When was “Harlem Shake” released?
Baauer officially dropped “Harlem Shake” on May 12th of 2012.
Genre(s)
- Hip hop
- Trap
- Bass
Lawsuit/Controversies/Legal Issues:
There were issues of copyright infringement after the release of this song. Musicians, Jayson Musson and Héctor Delgado claimed that the track contained samples from their song.
Was “Harlem Shake” a single release?
Yes.
Covers:
- 8 Bit Universe (2017)
- DJ Mob (2013)
- Munson Music Live (2013)
- Ryan Dirusso (2013)
- Shecter Omen 6 (2013)
Sampling:
- Major Lazer, Baauer and Popcaan – “Talk ‘Bout Me” (2013)
- Colette Carr – “(B)A$$” (2013)
- Pitbull – “Welcome to Dade County” (2013)
- Pluffaduff– “Baby I’m Back III” (2019)
- MessyPandas – “Everyday” (2014)
Charts:
- US – 1
- UK – 1
- Greece – 1
- Germany – 10
- France – 4
- Denmark – 4
- Belgium – 2
- Australia – 1
