Baauer achieved widespread recognition with his genre-blending tracks and viral impact on popular culture, most notably with his single ‘Harlem Shake.’ Released on Mad Decent subsidiary Jeffrees in May 2012, the track quickly garnered attention from tastemakers, earning Pitchfork’s ‘Best New Track’ distinction. In 2013, ‘Harlem Shake’ transformed into a global viral video phenomenon through a meme, propelling it to the number one spot on the Billboard charts. This unprecedented success prompted a change in Billboard’s chart rules, making ‘Harlem Shake’ the first US number one produced exclusively by streaming. The track is certified double platinum in the United States and secured both Dance Song of the Year and EDM Song of the Year at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards.
In 2020, Baauer released his critically acclaimed second album, ‘Planet’s Mad,’ which went on to receive a nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards, underscoring his continued artistic evolution. Beyond his own releases, Baauer has lent his production expertise to esteemed artists like Just Blaze and Pusha T, and has delivered sought-after remixes for iconic acts such as The Prodigy, Missy Elliott, and Gorillaz. Baauer’s innovative sound has also found broad appeal across various media, with his music featured in major motion pictures including ‘Hunger Games: Mockingjay,’ ‘Red Sparrow,’ and ‘Logan.’ His tracks have also been prominently placed in popular video games, enhancing the immersive experiences of titles such as ‘FIFA 20’ and ‘Grand Theft Auto Online,’ showcasing his versatility and widespread influence in entertainment.