Latest / Tune In: 4 Must-Listen Songs / Episode 22- Move Makers: 4 Songs That Launched Viral Dance Trends
Transcript
- Nova Beat: Welcome back to Tune In: 4 Must-Listen Songs – A Weekly Music Drop in 5 Minutes. I’m Nova Beat, and this week we’re putting the spotlight on songs that didn’t just top the charts—they got people up and moving. You’ve seen them on social media, at parties, and maybe even at family reunions. These are the songs that launched viral dance trends—moments when music and movement became one, and the whole world jumped in. Some of these were carefully choreographed; others just happened—but they all caught fire. Let’s get into it. Nova Beat: First up, “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. Released in 2007, this song wasn’t just a hit—it was a full-on cultural event. It came out right at the rise of YouTube, and Soulja Boy used that to his advantage. He posted a homemade instructional video teaching the “Crank That” dance, and before long, it spread like wildfire. High school dances, backyard barbecues, living rooms—everyone was doing the Superman. The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven weeks. This was arguably one of the first true viral dance tracks of the internet era, and it paved the way for what came next. Nova Beat: Next, let’s slide over to 2015 with “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silentó. This one was everywhere—on Vine, Instagram, YouTube, even local news stations. Silentó’s infectious energy and the built-in dance instructions made it easy for people to join in. The whip, the nae nae, the stanky leg—it was a mashup of moves that had already been floating around, but this song tied them together and shot them into the mainstream. It became a go-to track for dance challenges, gym classes, and viral compilations. And despite its simplicity, or maybe because of it, the song racked up over 1.9 billion views on YouTube and became a defining track of the 2010s. Nova Beat: Our third song is a global phenomenon: “Jerusalema” by Master KG featuring Nomcebo Zikode. What started as a South African house track turned into an international dance movement during the height of the pandemic in 2020. A group of Angolan friends recorded themselves dancing to the track in a courtyard, and their joyful choreography went viral. Soon, people all over the world—nurses, pilots, wedding parties, families—were taking part in the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge. The song became an anthem of hope and community, proving that even in isolation, music and movement could unite us. It’s still one of the most uplifting viral dances ever to circle the globe. Nova Beat: And of course, we have to talk about “Renegade” by K CAMP. While the song itself, “Lottery,” dropped in 2019, it was the dance created by then-14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon that brought it to viral life. The “Renegade” dance hit TikTok hard, and suddenly, everyone was doing it—celebrities, athletes, influencers. But for a while, no one knew who started the trend. It wasn’t until Harmon was rightfully credited that the full story came out. She was eventually invited to perform at the NBA All-Star Game, and her choreography helped highlight the creators behind these viral movements. The song climbed the charts as a result, and K CAMP publicly thanked her for giving it wings. Nova Beat: So what do these songs all have in common? They weren’t just catchy—they moved people. And I don’t mean emotionally—though some did that, too—I mean they literally got people on their feet. In the age of smartphones, a great hook is only half the battle. A dance trend can turn a sleeper hit into a cultural moment. And for artists, choreographers, and fans alike, it’s become a way to participate, connect, and express joy on a global scale. Nova Beat: Now, I know not everyone loves a dance challenge. For every viral trend, there’s a wave of people saying “not this again.” But even that’s part of the fun. These songs become moments—the kind you’ll remember when you hear them years later. You’ll think of a specific summer, a specific party, a specific video your cousin made that went unexpectedly viral. Nova Beat: This week’s playlist challenge? Queue up a few of these tracks—“Crank That,” “Watch Me,” “Jerusalema,” “Renegade”—and dance like nobody’s watching. Or better yet, record yourself and join in. Even if you’re not a dancer, there’s something about these songs that brings people together. They’re not about perfection. They’re about participation. Nova Beat: Got a favorite viral dance song I missed? Tag me @NovaBeat and tell me what trend had you practicing in front of the mirror—or avoiding TikTok altogether. Whether it was “Harlem Shake,” “Gangnam Style,” or something deep-cut, I want to know what moved you. Nova Beat: If you’ve been enjoying Tune In, don’t forget to follow the podcast, drop a rating, and share the episode with that one friend who’s always the first to learn a new dance. You know the one. Nova Beat: That’s it for this week’s drop. I’m Nova Beat, and whether you’re doing the Dougie or just nodding along, remember—some of the best musical moments happen when you move to the beat. Catch you next time.