50 Years of Miami Hip-Hop and Rap Music History

By the time the Bronx was burning within the late Seventies, so was disco music within the face of social demolition. But one thing else emerged from the ashes of city decay, and the syncopated rhythms of yesteryear — then tabooed and related to Black, Latino, and homosexual society — would function a springboard not just for a brand new American style however a complete cultural and international motion. On the heels of battle, political scandal, scholar rioting, rising unemployment, and inflation — to not point out all method of ongoing social injustice perpetrated in opposition to ladies, Black folks, folks with AIDS, and immigrants — got here a brand new music and dance known as hip-hop, and it was right here to set us free.

That was 50 years in the past at this time.

Though hip-hop’s oft-repeated origin story traditionally prioritizes the reward of poetics, we overlook that rap’s storm of funk acquired the folks going. From DJ Kool Herc’s unique back-to-school events within the Bronx, the place he arrange a pair of turntables and a mixer to spin information, to Los Angeles, the place G-funk and gangsta music dominated, the style’s authority was lengthy centered in these two coastal capitals. All that had modified by 1995, when OutKast’s André 3000 stepped as much as settle for the 1995 Source Award for “Best New Rap Group” and brashly proclaimed, “It’s like this: The South acquired somethin’ to say.” But for hip-hop historical past to leap forward that method glosses over the essential indisputable fact that the South had had loads to say for years, due to the groundbreaking bass and express lyrics of Miami’s Luther Campbell.

One of essentially the most controversial albums in historical past, Uncle Luke and the two Live Crew’s As Nasty as They Wanna Be, went down in federal historical past as the primary file to be deemed legally obscene. But in Dade County neighborhoods and cultural springs like Liberty City and Overtown, the 1989 LP was immortalized as an iconic tour de drive of booty music and a glimpse of Southern Black Caribbean life that distinguished the southern area of the United States as a hip-hop scene.

“People do not understand there was no hip-hop within the South. Zero. No Texas, no Georgia, no Memphis, no nothing. I might go do reveals in Atlanta, and they might have New York DJs on their radio,” Uncle Luke instructed the New York Times earlier this yr. “So I inform folks I created hip-hop within the South. People generally tend of attempting to place me in a field of simply Miami. No, I impressed all people. Tell me, who was earlier than us?”

Luke and the two Live Crew have been among the many first hip-hop acts to crack the mic on mainstream white sensibilities and catch beef with regulation enforcement. The final genius of Uncle Luke lay in his audacity to make use of these conflicts to market their music, songs like “We Want Some Pussy” and “Me So Horny.” The latter’s express nature led to the group’s initially profitable prosecution on obscenity costs and the state of Florida banning the sale of the album. That ban propelled the Liberty City-born rapper and music government right into a battle that ultimately launched new authorized floor without spending a dime speech.

Uncle Luke and the two Live Crew (whose members migrated from California and anchored themselves in Miami at Luke’s invitation) are the originators of the Miami bass sound and the architects of what many known as the “Dirty South.” Look no additional than the modern panorama of hip-hop music to see simply how unsuitable many have been about Southern rap and Southern rappers. How rhymes cooked in a Southern drawl percolate and ass-shaking can promote resistance in a society bent on snuffing out the individuals who replicate the style’s constituents.

It bears noting that fifty years later, hip-hop music is a worldwide phenomenon more and more spearheaded by ladies and repeatedly formed or knowledgeable by the “Miami sound” and Southern tradition.

In honor of hip-hop’s fiftieth anniversary, New Times displays on Miami’s rap timeline, highlighting the Magic City’s greatest names and brightest moments, from the two Live Crew and Slip-N-Slide Records to ladies in bass and the jook motion.

The Birth of Miami Bass 1983-1992

The 2 Live Crew
In hip-hop’s changing into, Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell and the two Live Crew commanded headlines within the media tradition wars. The launch of their wickedly hilarious and vulgar album As Nasty as They Wanna Be introduced them (and Miami) nationwide fame and notoriety. In the early ’90s, Luke took his rhymes and parodies to the flooring of Congress and, utilizing the First Amendment to guard his raps, paved the way in which for DJs and emcees after him. At the peak of his reputation, Luke’s enterprise fell aside, however it signaled a brand new wave of Miami bass artists.

The Dogs
The ’90s hip-hop group consisting of Disco Rick, Keith Bell, Labrant Dennis, and Fergus “Cracked Up” Smith is probably finest identified for “Crack Rock,” the hit single with a schoolyard taunt of “Yo mama’s on crack rock!” While the music is characterised by its upbeat quirk, the file sheds gentle on the Reagan administration’s War on Drugs and the crack epidemic. The group launched three studio albums earlier than disbanding in 1996 after Dennis was arrested for the murders of University of Miami Hurricanes linebacker Marlin Barnes and Barnes’ buddy Timwanika Lumpkins, the mom of considered one of Dennis’ kids.

Anquette Allan
Decades earlier than Jacki-O, Trina, and City Girls embodied Miami’s uncooked and unfiltered rap scene, Anquette Allan rose to reputation along with her 1986 Miami bass debut “Throw the P,” a clapback to the two Live Crew’s “Throw the D.” Backed by Keia Red and Ray Ray, referred to as the “Throw the P” ladies, Anquette’s cheeky and bawdy bars established her as one of many first feminine predecessors of Miami bass and rap. Under the tutelage of Uncle Luke and signed to his Luke Skyywalker label, Anquette went on to launch her 1988 debut, Respect, which contained well-liked hits like “Shake It (Do the 61st),” “Janet Reno,” “Ghetto Style,” and “I Will Always Be There for You,” the final of which peaked at quantity 76 on Billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks in 1989.

MC Luscious
MC Luscious (née Rosalyn McCall) started rapping within the early ’90s when her cousin, producer Steve Tempo, recruited her for a remake monitor titled “Boom! I Got Your Boyfriend.” Tempo beforehand had launched the unique single “Boom! I Got Your Girlfriend” along with his group, the Boys From the Bottom. MC Luscious adopted that hit along with her 1991 debut album Boom!, which featured two variations of “Boom! I Got Your Boyfriend” together with two extra singles, “Ride That Monkey” and “It’s My Thang.” In 1993, she launched a follow-up, Back to Boom, and in 1995 introduced her third album, Lollypop. Luscious’ final launch was her 1997 rendition of Freak Nasty’s “Da’ Dip.”

L’Trimm
A Miami bass duo comprising Coconut Grove natives Bunny D and Lady Tigra, L’Trimm launched its debut hit single “Grab It!” in 1988, adopted by one of many pair’s hottest songs, “Cars With the Boom,” an ode to Miami’s automotive tradition and subwoofers. The single peaked at quantity 54 on Billboard‘s Hot 100, and in 2008 it was ranked quantity 95 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. In 2016, “Cars With the Boom” was quantity 100 in Rolling Stone‘s Top 100 Hip Hop Songs of All Time. The reputation of L’Trimm’s second album, Drop That Bottom, led the Source to acknowledge the pair as considered one of its “Hip-Hop Goddesses of the Month” in 1989. L’Trimm disbanded within the early ’90s after the discharge of its third album, Groovy, however Bunny D and Lady Tigra will completely be embedded in Miami’s rap pantheon because the infectious pop-rap group that helped popularize Miami’s distinctive regional sound.

Everyone’s Shaking to Slip-N-Slide 1993-2002

DJ Uncle Al and the Sugar Hill DJs
Hailing from Liberty City, DJ Uncle Al (born Albert Moss) was one of the vital prolific Miami DJs within the ’90s to early 2000s. His call-and-response model and his iconic battles with the favored Bass crew Jam Pony Express paralleled the Jamaican toasting model of early dancehall DJs and sound-clash tradition, which additionally influenced hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc. Known for the block events and anti-drug concert events he spearheaded alongside along with his crew, the Sugar Hill DJs, he shortly grew to become a staple within the Miami bass and celebration scene. While rigidity grew between native regulation enforcement and Black residents, he grew to become deeply embedded in his group and would promote peace and nonviolence throughout his units by way of his signature “Peace in tha Hood” slogan. He additionally grew to become a visitor speaker on 99 JAMZ in Opa-locka. His life was tragically lower quick when he was shot and killed in entrance of his residence on September 10, 2001, at age 32. DJ Uncle Al’s progressive model is the foundation of native South Florida DJs and artists. His affect is memorialized within the distinctive regional manufacturing that defines Miami hip-hop.

Mother Superia
Before Trina asserted herself within the mainstream along with her salacious supply, Mother Superia (born Sonya Levette Spikes) grew to become identified for her lyrical prowess within the ’90s. Compared with the likes of MC Lyte and Queen Latifah, her sharp, aggressive movement and principled lyrics challenged the notion that Miami’s hip-hop scene was solely celebration music. She notably coined the phrase “the Bottom” to explain Miami on her first breakout hit, “Rock Bottom.” She signed a cope with Island Records subsidiary 4th & Broadway within the mid-’90s and launched her 1997 debut album, Levitation. Earning accolades from KRS-One and GZA (who directed her “Most of All” video), her debut album featured manufacturing from Redman, Blastmasta, and different hip-hop luminaries. Although Levitation was the final album she launched, Mother Superia ushered in a brand new wave for feminine rap in Miami.

JT Money and the Poison Clan
JT Money started his profession below the tutelage of Uncle Luke, who found him at a Miami expertise present. He signed to Luke Records in 1990, and in that very same yr, he launched his debut album, 2 Low Life Muthas, alongside group member Debonaire. After Debonaire departed, Poison Clan launched a 1992 follow-up, Poisonous Mentality, which featured its first hit, “Shake What Ya Mama Gave Ya.” Poison Clan put out two extra albums between 1993 and 1995 and a string of membership hits, together with “Fire Up This Funk,” “The Girl That I Hate,” and “Don’t Sleep on a Hizzo.” In 1999, JT Money launched his solo album, Pimpin’ on Wax, which featured his greatest hit single, “Who Dat,” that includes Solé. The music perched on the number-five spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and received the “Top Rap Single” on the 1999 Billboard Music Awards.

Trick Daddy and Trina
Founded by Ted Lucas in 1994, Slip-N-Slide Records is a premier hip-hop label in Miami. Responsible for the mainstream success of native rappers like Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, and Pitbull, Slip-N-Slide could be credited for the worldwide rise of Miami’s most iconic rappers. The label rose to prominence alongside Trick Daddy’s 1997 debut album, Based on a True Story, and his 1998 profitable sophomore follow-up, www.thug.com, which propelled Trina into the mainstream with the hit single “Nann,” which peaked at quantity 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quantity three on the Rap Songs chart. Trick Daddy and Trina went on to launch their hit information “Shut Up” and “Take It to da House” earlier than Trina launched her debut album, Da Baddest Bitch.

With greater than twenty years below her belt, Trina is likely one of the most constant ladies in rap, with a bevy of top-charting songs. Her brash lyrics and distinct voice embraced the identical model as bass music, however her versatility made her a timeless mainstay within the rap sport. Trina’s debut greater than 20 years in the past knowledgeable the lineage of ladies at present dominating rap, together with Latto, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Opa-locka and Liberty City’s City Girls.

Miami Goes Jook 2003-2012

Miami’s Jook Movement
While the Eighties and ’90s have been outlined by the affect of bass music and native DJ crews, the early 2000s underground scene shifted to “jook” music. DJs and artists like DJ Chipman, Ice Berg, Piccalo, Grind Mode, Bizzle, Black Dada, and Ball Greezy dominated the early 2000s underground period with Southern hip-hop-influenced manufacturing and sped-up remixes. Anthems like Black Dada’s “Imma Zoe” soundtracked neighborhood events and occasions and embodied Haitian delight and affect on South Florida’s evolving regional sound. As mainstream artists like Plies, Rick Ross, and Pitbull represented Miami globally, native artists and DJs have been the heart beat of Miami’s subterranean hip-hop and dance tradition. Songs like DJ Chipman’s “Beam Ahh,” Ice Berg’s “Naked Hustle,” and Bizzle’s “Lip Bitin’ Animal” are integral to Miami’s late-2000s/early-2010s period.

Jacki-O
A Liberty City native, Jacki-O (née Angela Brookins-Gillispie) scored her breakout hit in 2003 along with her unabashed single “Pussy (Real Good).” The following yr, she launched her debut album, Poe Little Rich Girl, which included her three back-to-back singles, “Fine,” that includes Ying Yang Twins, “Sugar Walls,” and “Break You Off,” that includes Jazze Pha. She collaborated with esteemed producers and rappers like Timbaland, Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killah, Ying Yang Twins, and DJ Khaled. Her sophomore mixtape, Jack-Da Rippa, was launched 4 years later in 2008, and in 2009, she launched her third undertaking, Lil Red Riding Hood. Although she introduced her retirement from rap in 2014, Jacki-O’s edgy, no-holds-barred persona made her an simple hitmaker within the 2000s.

Pitbull
Inspired by Miami bass music, Cuban-American rapper and Miami native Pitbull, AKA Mr. Worldwide, signed to Uncle Luke’s Luke Records in 2001 to jumpstart his rap profession. He was featured on Uncle Luke’s 2001 album, Something Nasty, and in 2002, he scored a function on Lil Jon’s Kings of Crunk LP. In 2004, he launched his debut album, M.I.A.M.I, which featured his Lil Jon and Diaz Brothers-produced hit “Culo.” He additionally collaborated with the Ying Yang Twins on the “Shake” single, which climbed to quantity 12 on Billboard‘s Hot Rap Songs chart. Since releasing “Culo,” Pitbull has led Miami’s Latin hip-hop sound and grow to be one of the vital globally acknowledged artists from South Florida. His versatile discography and affect increase past Miami, however the essence of his music makes him Mr. 305.

Rick Ross and Maybach Music
Raised in Carol City, Rick Ross got here onto the native rap scene as “Teflon Da Don.” After signing to Suave House Records, he signed with Slip-N-Slide earlier than releasing his 2006 debut album, Port of Miami, which peaked at primary on Billboard‘s 200 album chart. The album’s second hit single, “Push It,” is considered one of his hottest songs thus far. His 2008 and 2009 follow-ups, Trilla and Deeper Than Rap, respectively, loved related success. His most iconic information embody “Hustlin’,” “Aston Martin Music” (that includes Drake and Chrisette Michelle), “Stay Schemin’,” “The Boss” (that includes T-Pain), and “Diced Pineapples” (with Wale and Drake). In 2008, he based his Maybach Music label, whose present roster consists of Wale, Meek Mill, Teedra Moses, and Gunplay.

DJ Khaled and We the Best
Born and reared in New Orleans, DJ Khaled acquired his begin on pirate radio, an instrumental component of Miami’s hip-hop tradition. He moved to Miami in 1998 to co-host The Luke Show on 99 JAMZ and by 2003 was internet hosting The Takeover, his weeknight present. His 2006 debut album, Listennn… the Album, debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at quantity 12, whereas his massively well-liked single “We Takin’ Over” from his sophomore launch climbed to quantity 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His subsequent albums, We Global and Victory, which featured his triple platinum anthem “All I Do Is Win,” have been launched below his We the Best Music Group label.

Founded in 2008, We the Best’s present roster consists of Mavado, Flipp Dinero, and Vado. The label helped catapult Deerfield Beach native Ace Hood to household-name standing in 2008. We the Best launched Hood’s debut, Gutta, which featured his smash hit “Cash Flow,” and his sophomore effort, Ruthless, earlier than the events parted methods. Today, Khaled is a hip-hop titan. Whether sharing optimistic mantras on social media or recruiting artists for his collaborative albums, the Grammy winner has cemented his legacy because the rambunctious DJ who helped take South Florida’s rap scene to international heights.

SoundCloud Transforms South Florida Rap 2013-2023

XXXTentacion
Raised in Lauderhill, XXXTentacion was a number one determine in Florida’s mid- to late-2010s SoundCloud rap period. Born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, the Jamaican American rapper coalesced with followers on-line by means of his emotive, distorted, emo, and grunge songs. In 2014, he established the collective Members Only with Orlando rapper Danny Towers and Miami producer DJ Scheme earlier than dropping his breakout single, “Look at Me,” in 2017. His susceptible, angsty lyrics have been relatable to youthful followers. His debut album, 17, is licensed Triple Platinum, and his second album, ?, debuted within the prime spot on Billboard‘s 200 chart shortly earlier than he was shot and killed exterior a bike dealership on June 18, 2018. Although his life was lower quick when he was solely 20, his music stays the blueprint for South Florida’s emo, punk, and alt-rap. On the alternative facet of the party-inducing bass sound, XXXTentacion’s SoundCloud period helped open up a lane for artists difficult hip-hop’s sonic confines.

Ski Mask the Slump God
Born Stokeley Clevon Goulbourne in Fort Lauderdale to Jamaican dad and mom, Ski Mask the Slump God was on prime of the SoundCloud wave. A gifted lyricist, his cartoon-referencing wordplay is intelligent, and his cadence and typically rapid-fire supply is on par with predecessors like Busta Rhyme and Twista. He rose to prominence alongside XXXTentacion and their collective Members Only. In 2017, he launched the singles “BabyWipe” and “Catch Me Outside,” which have been featured on his RIAA gold-certified mixtape You Will Regret. His follow-up mixtape, Beware the Book of Eli, peaked at quantity 50 on the Billboard 200 chart, and his correct studio debut, Stokeley, topped out at quantity six on the Billboard 200 when it dropped in 2018.

Kodak Black
Born and raised in Pompano Beach, Kodak Black gained fame in 2014 for his “No Flockin'” single. His 2017 top-charting debut album, Painting Pictures, featured his first Top 10 single, “Tunnel Vision,” and in 2018, his second album, Dying to Live, and its lead single, “Zeze” (that includes Travis Scott and Offset) debuted to prime spots on Billboard‘s Hot 200 and Hot 100 charts. Of Haitian descent, Kodak Black combines his Broward drawl and dialect into his syrupy inflections. Despite numerous controversies and jail stints, he has climbed the ladder to succeed in a near-untouchable standing in rap. Kodak Black’s enchantment epitomizes the continuing affect of the jook motion: He distilled a distinct segment, cultural sound to international, top-charting standing.

City Girls
Hailing from Liberty City and Opa-locka, respectively, the rap duo of Yung Miami (née Caresha Romeka Brownlee) and JT (née Jatavia Shakara Johnson) took the scene by storm with an uncredited visitor look on Drake’s chart-topping 2018 single “In My Feelings.” City Girls instantly distinguished themselves as voices out of the 305 and signed to Quality Control Music, releasing a debut mixtape, Period, earlier than dropping studio albums Girl Code (2018) and City on Lock (2020). The former boasts Platinum-certified Top 40 singles “Twerk” with Cardi B and the braggadocious “Act Up.” The pair’s debut studio monitor, “Fuck Dat Nigga,” encompasses a distinguished pattern of fellow Florida rapper Khia’s cult traditional “My Neck, My Back (Lick It)” and racked up lots of of 1000’s of performs. Released in January 2018, the official music video for the music options an look from Miami rap veteran Trina. To date, it has logged greater than 80 million views.