You can’t escape it, so here’s where the ‘shake your dreads’ TikTok sound is actually from

There is a new TikTok sound that is absolutely the best on the app right now, and I won’t take any questions on that matter. Don’t give me any of that Jet2 nonsense, we’ve got “shake your dreads” right here and it’s the funniest sound on TikTok by far. Every single video using this sound is my absolute obsession – and it’s so versatile. But what exactly is the “shake your dreads” sound on TikTok and where did it actually come from? Here’s a full explainer into all of its lore so you can appreciate its history whilst you laugh at another main character male cat.

The origins come from a Sexy Red song

In 2023, the American rapper Sexyy Red released a song called Shake Yo Dreads, which made some ripples on TikTok at the time. It went viral in 2023 and featured people showing off their fresh dreads – including one really viral one of a guy with mega long dreads. The song still gets used on TikTok to this day. But the song was actually an inspiration on the sound this article’s about, which is the “shake your dreads” skit.

It’s an original TikTok sketch

@breazy2funnyMe: ladies calm down. Ladies: but youre Nochalant. Me: well atleast i tried 🙄😉♬ original sound – Breazy

The “shake your dreads” TikTok sound is part of a TikTok series about a character archetype known as ‘nonchalant dreadhead’ who features in various TikToks. Most of the more popular ones are by the creator @breazy2funny, and it’s his video that’s created this sound that’s now gone viral in its own right.

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The sound basically features a character who says “ladies, I’m trying to do my work today – leave me alone type shift” amid screaming fan noises. Then one of the fan shouts “shake your dreads” and the character says “ladies!!” Again.

The sound has taken a life of its own though, considering it was originally posted in 2024 and it’s now going viral. People keep using it for daft stuff about male animals, mostly.

@taymadspams 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ (He loves us) #fyp #boycat #boymom #cat @naylah @Bree 🪩⸆⸉ @kaitlyn 🙂 ♬ original sound – Breazy

Lots of “POV you have a boy cat” and “crusty white dog at the function” and how those animals basically steal all focus. Real.

@muchadoaboutara♬ original sound – Breazy

I pray this era of TikTok sound never ends, honestly.