Miami has long been a staple in the hip-hop community, producing a range of rap stars over the decades. Miami-Dade County is honoring its rich hip-hop history by naming Liberty City neighborhood streets after rappers who have called the Sunshine State home.
Per NBC 6 South Florida, DJ Khaled (We the Best Terrace), City Girls (City Girls Street), Kodak Black (Tunnel Vision Street), Flo Rida (Welcome to My House Street), Trick Daddy (What’s My Name Street), Trina (Still Da Baddest Street) and many more were among those celebrated.
“If you play this music to the people who are from this area, they are going to light up like it’s the Fourth of July. The essence of this is to encourage economic development in our community,” Miami-Dade County District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon said. “The essence of this is to… let people know that this exists in Miami-Dade County and you should come and see it.”
He continued: “In the 1950s or so, during the time of segregation, 18th Avenue was the place to be… It had juke joints, it had bars, it had restaurants, and it had living quarters… That’s why they named it Broadway.”
Hardemon hopes to see economic stimulation in the area to compete with surrounding areas. “Since I’ve been elected, that’s been my mission,” he added. “We’re moving on to the next phase of what it takes to bring Broadway to the 21st century, and allow it to compete with Wynwood and Overtown and things of that nature.”
The committee reportedly weighed Billboard chart success with how much certain artists contributed to the fabric of Miami while also leading philanthropic efforts to give back in the 305 during the selection process.
District 13 Commissioner René Garcia initially opposed the proposal due to lyrical content, but ended up changing her mind. “Even though I’m not a big fan of some of the lyrics in some of these songs, who am I to stand in the way of trying to do something innovative for your community and your constituency?” she said.
It’s been a winning year for DJ Khaled, who collected 17 new RIAA certifications in January. He’s working toward the release of his 14th studio album Aalam of God, which is expected to arrive later this year.
