Baauer’s “Harlem Shake” Samples Have Been Cleared, Says Diplo

If you can recall last month, there were accusations of Diplo using unlicensed “Harlem Shake” samples which led to both Hector El Father and Hennesey Youngman seeking compensation for their vocals being used. Fast forwarding to today, Diplo has now come forth to say the samples have been cleared, and during a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the renowned DJ/producer unveiled that he “didn’t know there were any samples begin with,” but took ownership and went on about how they were able to reach a resolution.

As for Hennesey Youngman:

“He hit us up and said the album never got licensed or published, so we just cut a deal where he could make some money off that”

And as for Hector El Father:

“The Puerto Rican guys, they kept calling me because I know everyone in Puerto Rico, so I just sorted that out…It wasn’t even them, it was Universal Publishing.”

Diplo even went on to say his Mad Decent label was almost at the brink of folding last year until Bauuer’s record saved the company:

Honestly, that record was the thing that saved the label, because a year ago we were going to fold because we couldn’t figure out how to make money,” Diplo said. “Then we just started giving music out for free and it worked out.”