The term "Harlem Shake" conjures different images for different people. For some, it's a distinct hip-hop dance move characterized by jerky shoulder movements. For others, it's the viral internet meme that took the world by storm in 2013, featuring a sudden shift from a lone, masked dancer to a chaotic party. And for music enthusiasts, it's the iconic, bass-heavy track by DJ Baauer that provided the soundtrack for that meme. While distinct, all these facets are intertwined, forming a fascinating cultural narrative that spans decades.
The Origins of the Harlem Shake Dance
The Harlem Shake, as a dance, has its roots in Harlem, New York City, dating back to 1981. It was created by a Harlem resident known as "Al B." (also known as Albert Leopold Boyce), and was initially called "The Albee" after him. The dance is characterized by jerky, alternating shoulder movements, sometimes with a pivot and a lean. Al B. described the dance as a "drunken shake" and even linked its origins to ancient Egyptian mummies. It gained traction in the local hip-hop scene, popularized by dance crews like the Crazy Boyz and referenced in music videos and songs by artists like G. Dep and Jadakiss around 2001, further bringing it into the mainstream.
The "Harlem Shake" Song and the Viral Meme
The global phenomenon that most people associate with "Harlem Shake" is actually a viral internet meme and the song that powered it. In 2012, American DJ and producer Baauer (Harry Rodrigues) released a track titled "Harlem Shake." The song, a blend of trap and hip-hop, famously samples the lyric "then do the Harlem shake" from Plastic Little's 2001 song "Miller Time." While Baauer's song gained some initial traction, it wasn't until January 2013 that it exploded into a global meme. A YouTube personality named George Miller (Filthy Frank) posted a video featuring a skit where costumed individuals danced to Baauer's song. This video, with its distinctive structure—a lone person dancing amidst others who ignore them, followed by a sudden cut to a wild, chaotic dance party when the beat drops—became the template for the viral meme.
Thousands of "Harlem Shake" videos were uploaded to YouTube daily at the meme's peak, with participants often donning outlandish costumes and props. The meme's simple, easily replicable format, combined with its absurdity and the catchy, energetic nature of Baauer's song, contributed to its rapid spread. It's important to note that the dance performed in the meme videos bears little resemblance to the original Harlem Shake dance.
The Impact and Legacy of the Harlem Shake
The Harlem Shake meme had a significant cultural impact, transcending mere online entertainment. It demonstrated the power of user-generated content and the rapid virality achievable on platforms like YouTube. The trend saw participation from a wide array of groups, including sports teams, businesses, and even military units, showcasing its broad appeal.
However, the meme's virality also brought attention to the original dance and its cultural context, with some lamenting the meme's overshadowing of the dance's history. Baauer's song itself became a massive commercial success, topping charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100. The song's success also highlighted issues surrounding music sampling and copyright, as Baauer had not initially cleared all the samples used in the track.
Despite the meme's relatively short lifespan in the intense cycle of internet trends, its influence is undeniable. It paved the way for subsequent short-form video trends and platforms like TikTok, proving that simple, easily shareable content can capture global attention. The Harlem Shake, in its various forms, remains a potent reminder of how dance, music, and the internet can converge to create powerful cultural moments.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Harlem Shake
What is the original Harlem Shake dance?
The original Harlem Shake is a hip-hop dance created in Harlem, NYC, in 1981 by "Al B." It involves jerky, alternating shoulder movements.
What is the Harlem Shake meme?
The Harlem Shake meme is a viral video trend that became popular in early 2013. It features a video format where one person dances in isolation for about 15 seconds, followed by a sudden cut to a group of people dancing wildly, usually in costumes, to Baauer's song "Harlem Shake."
Who created the song "Harlem Shake"?
The song "Harlem Shake" was created by American DJ and producer Baauer (Harry Rodrigues). It was released in 2012.
Is the dance in the Harlem Shake meme the real Harlem Shake?
No, the dance in the meme videos is not the original Harlem Shake dance. The meme's dance is characterized by chaotic, flailing movements, while the original dance is more specific with its shoulder movements.
How did the Harlem Shake become so popular?
The meme's popularity stemmed from its simple, replicable format, the energetic and catchy nature of Baauer's song, and the element of surprise and absurdity in the video structure. It was easily shareable and allowed for creative, personalized versions.
Conclusion
The Harlem Shake, whether as a foundational dance move from Harlem's vibrant culture or as a global internet sensation, has left an indelible mark. It highlights the dynamic interplay between street culture, music production, and the democratizing power of the internet. While the meme may have faded, its legacy continues to influence online trends and reminds us of the enduring appeal of creative expression through movement and sound.
