1/12/07, 5:45 pm EST

Assignment One Finalist: Patrice Altine on Miami

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Note: This is not an official Rolling Stone article. What follows is a submission to the “I’m From Rolling Stone” writing competition.

by Patrice Altine
Age: 25

When you mention “Miami” and “music”, most people have flashbacks (some call them nightmares) of the trunk rattling, ready to be censored, booty and bass music that dominated the scene in the early 90’s. To others, it conjures up images of the after hour trance clubs, where the pills are popping more often than bottles. The heavy Latin population has overseen the evolution of salsa and meringue into the ubiquitous reggaeton, amongst preppy rock and island sounds. These days 305 has also become a hip hop hotspot, growing past 2 Live Crew in the process.

Despite the recent efforts of Nas, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and The Game, few people would disagree with the statement: Rap (but not necessarily hip hop) currently lives down south. Joining Houston, Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans (among others), Miami has staked its claim as the next southern stronghold. Leading the way are veterans Trick Daddy, Pitbull, Cool & Dre, and Rick Ross (he’s not as new as people think), and up-and-comers C-Ride, Garcia, Wrekonize, Joe Hound, Dirtbag and city transplant Plies. Speaking of transplants, you can find Timbaland, Pharrell, and Diddy at Circle House or Hit Factory studios almost any day of the week. The army of DJs, lead by DJ Khaled and DJ Irie, are the ones that have made hip hop parties the best in town, and have taken local bangers and made them into national hits (Hustlin’ anyone?).

Hip Hop not your thing? It definitely isn’t everyone’s in MIA. With all the retirees, rockers, and immigrants, House mixes with Deep Dish and Tiesto, The 80’s flavor of Gloria Estefan, and even Miami’s own KC and the Sunshine Band are everyday listening. Though Hip Hop seems to be taking over the scene, old favorites remain true, and “musical melting pot” defines the city.