Harlem Shake fires into Top 3

Internet sensation Harlem Shake gives New York DJ Baauer his first Official Singles Chart hit.

On Wednesday’s Official Chart Update, the Official Charts Company reported that the curious new internet meme Harlem Shake, had broken into the Official Top 40 at Number 22 and looked set to possibly follow in the footsteps of 2012 YouTube phenomenon Gangnam Style.

New York DJ Baauer’s Harlem Shake track has exploded online, spreading like wildfire and propelling the track forwards an astonishing 19 places since midweek to land inside the Top 3 at Number 3.

The numerous home-made Harlem Shake parodies by fans are a nod to a New York dance style of the 1980s, and feature unassuming subjects in their bedrooms/lounge/offices going nuts when the heavy bassline of Brooklyn-producer Bauuer’s track kicks in.

Martin Talbot, Managing Director of the Official Charts Company comments: 

“Harlem Shake's arrival at Number 3 underlines just how quickly this track has turned into a bone fide phenomenon. At the start of the week, it wasn't even selling enough to make the Top 20 - but it is now one of the UK's most popular tracks. Where will it be next week? Could it be, the only way is up?”

You can watch a selection of some of the best Harlem Shake fan-made videos below: