An Oxford librarian was sacked for allowing a Harlem Shake to take place on her watch, model pals Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn made front page news twerking backstage at LFW and the Simpsons even made their own online viral. Now it’s i-D’s turn…
Sampling ‘Miller Time’ by Philadelphia rap crew, Plastic Little, Harlem Shake is the heavy bass instrumental track that spawned a viral craze back in February 2013. Encouraging everyone, everywhere, to get weird, lose themselves and be naked to the body pumping sounds of 23-year-old Brooklyn producer Harry Rodrigues, this siren led 3 minute 18 seconds long cult electronic anthem is now an international phenomenon. Adopting the stage name Baauer, signing to Mad Decent records and then releasing the ‘ablee’ simulating soundtrack, the Harlem Shake movement has since racked up 44 million collective views online, topping the US iTunes chart earlier this year. From relative zero to outright hero overnight, Baauer’s outstanding sample led sounds have now established him as a household name. Look right to see i-Ds very own ode to the freakout meme, featuring a healthy gaggle of scantily clad models doing the Harlem Shake in deepest Bethnal Green. Look down for our top 5 Youtube Shakes of all time.
1. Cara and Jourdan
2. The Simpsons Harlem Shake
3. Harlem Shake Washing machine
4. Barack Obama edition
5. Harlem Shake (Skydive Edition)
Text: Milly McMahon
Photography and Art Direction: Stephanie Sian Smith
Film: Tim Gomersall
Styling: Siobhan Lyons
Styling Assistance: Abbie Baines
Models: Aisha @ models 1, Amelia P @ models 1, Isabella Johnson @ models 1, Kendall Walters @ models 1, Rebeca Marcos @ models 1, Jazzi Craddok @ Premier, Justina V @ Premier, Sandra Malek @ Premier
All underwear AP
Special thanks to Theo, the gorilla, at the Nicos Cafe Bethnal Green
