By DJ EFN
Most people have come to associate Miami with South Beach real estate, Cuban cuisine and the bass-heavy music of Uncle Luke. But Miami's hip-hop history runs a lot deeper than that. Few would think of Miami as a playground for b-boys and b-girls, but in the early '90s that's exactly what it was. It's the scene that nurtured my passion for hip-hop and the surrounding culture. The city of Miami would be nothing had it not been for the pioneering music of Luke and 2 Live Crew, Poison Clan, DJ Uncle Al and the Sugar Hill DJs, DJ Laz and Ghetto Style DJs, as well as the blood, sweat and tears shed by the graffiti artists and b-boys.
But for some reason this scene was lost — left out of the history books and denied its proper recognition. It's left to be reminisced about among those that lived it. Many of us veterans still remain and are still strong forces within the Miami hip-hop industry. This is my recollection of this scene, how I experienced it and the people and places that I saw during this period.
In the late '80s and early '90s, New York was the dominant city in regards to hip-hop music and culture, while other cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston and Chicago were starting to come into their own. Miami had been recognized on the national scene with the success of 2 Live Crew, but it also created a Miami stereotype that made it difficult to take the city seriously as a hip-hop force. Breakdancing pioneers like Chilski and Speedy Legs made sure to inspire young future breakers. The streets of Miami were also covered in art by graffiti crews like Ink Heads, STV, Dam Crew, Aim Crew and BSK, who showcased their talents while avoiding the cops.
MCs were always trying to prove their lyrical prowess. The battles between B-Dope, Mangu and Mic Rippa turned them into instant local celebrities. This scene was extremely proud of its artists and made sure they were at the top of their game. Groups like Last Strawz, Black Forest, Home Team and Society were household names among heads in Miami. Society, who came to Miami with Public Enemy's Professor Griff, released the underground hit single "Yes N Deed" (produced by DJ Slice) on Luke Records and was one of the first lyrical representations of Miami's hip-hop scene to go national. Society later signed to Slip-N-Slide Records and was featured on some of Trick Daddy's most notable tracks.
Many of the scene's hopes laid on a female MC by the name of Mother Superia. She was labeled "the female Nas" by her peers and is best noted as the person who coined the phrase "The Bottom" with her first single "Rock Bottom," which became an anthem for the scene. The single got her a deal that let her drop a full album that included guest spots and production from KRS-One, Redman, L.E.S. and other major names. The local scene heavily anticipated the release of her album, but unfortunately it was shelved and never released. So any time you hear anyone say the term "The Bottom," you now know exactly where it came from!
Today, Miami is a dominant hip-hop force, but it's that scene from the '90s that let the city become a cornerstone. I am a strong believer that to move forward you must know and recognize what was behind you, and in this fast information age it is easy to forget. That's why you should join me in paying homage to the forgotten Miami scene.
All this week, MTV News will be celebrating Miami's legends, superstars and upstarts. Keep checking back with us for more from the evolving city.