Reggaeton News:
A PitBull Runs Wild in Miami
©Barrio305.com
Comment
on this Article
“We are one of the fastest growing cities
ever, in the history of America. Baby!” Declares a cheerful Pitbull,
Miami’s very own ambassador of Spanglish hip-hop.
Miami Flavor: 305 Style
In contrast to the stylish tourist Mecca known as South Beach, the real
Miami groves to a different beat. Those who are willing to venture out
and take a look at the other side of the McArthur Causeway will find
a melting pot of neighborhoods where real people strive to produce unbelievable
music.
PitBull
on Stage at the Libertad Music Festival in Bayfront Park Miami
Lately, after years spent lost in the musical backwaters,
Miami is starting to rediscover her own voice. Increasingly, a growing
number of underground artists have been developing original material
that for once, takes into consideration the city’s rich multicultural
past.
And no one else exemplifies the new breed of artists
better than Pitbull, a Miami born rapper with one the hottest records
in the country. Representing Miami to the rest of the world, Pitbull
is adamant about changing Miami’s image as a party central playground
for wintertime tourists.
“ I like everybody to relate to Miami, some
people think it’s just a booty-shaking town but we are not.”
The artist, formerly known as Armando Christian Perez explains to
Barrio305.
As a Miami resident, Pitbull is well aware of the
dichotomies that one encounters when living in the magic city. After
all, this is a town were a lot of people drive fancy cars, yet very
few locals own their own homes. Sometimes, it seems, like every Miamian
is a business owner and each person you meet is a self-appointed President
or CEO.
“We are all hustlers here, that’s our
culture down here.” Affirms an energized Pitbull. It comes as
no surprise that Miami’s entrepreneurial nature is the reasoning
behind his new album title.
“I named my new record M.I.A.M.I.; the title
stands for Money Is A Major Issue”. Says Pitbull. The acronym
stands as a clear nod to the do it your self philosophy shared by many
Miamians. As a matter of fact, Pitbull credits a friend for coining
the term M.I.A.M.I.
“ I got the name from one of my cats in Little
Haiti, his name is Blind. And that’s how I came up with that,
so thanks to everybody for the support that they given me.”
The New Deal
Not very long ago local musicians were infamous for skipping
town at the slightest sign of national success. Things are changing,
call it Miami pride but Pitbull is not about to go anywhere.
Therefore, when hip-hop impresario Diddy (A.KA. Sean
Combs) was looking for someone to head his new Bad Boy Latino label,
he chose the one man who represents the Miami scene: Pitbull.
As the newly appointed head of Diddy’s Bad Boy
Latino, Pitbull will have to learn to balance his music career with
a new and demanding role. Still, the singer of the hit single Toma remains
optimistic about the new challenges that lie ahead.
But is Pitbull ready to collaborate with moguls like
Diddy and Emilo Estefan?
“Well it is a blessing to be working with somebody
like Diddy and with a legend like Emilio Estefan.” Admits a humble
Pitbull, who sees this as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Plus, with the advent of reggaeton
and Latin hip-hop in the national charts, Miami is fast becoming a central
destination for those looking to do business with urban Latin artists.
For Pitbull, this is a unique opening to shape and influence a new generation
of Latino music.
“Yeah, whether is successful or not, It’s
all about learning. At the end of the day, I’m learning something,
and they are teaching me a thing that nobody can write me a check for.”
Obviously, like any other smart entrepreneur, Pitbull
is willing to pay his dues. He’s fully aware that he will have
to prove that he’s got what it takes to build a label from the
ground up.
Still, the Miami Kid wants everyone to know that failure
is not an option: ”Whether they (Emilio and Diddy) cut me a check
or not don’t worry about it, just know that I’m learning
to much for you all to deal with. I’m earning my stripes!”
As it turns out, this is not the first time young
Pitbull has learned form a mentor. Before Diddy and Emilio came along,
he was the protégé of Miami Bass legendary producer and
2Live Crew MC, Luke Campbell.
So, even though money is a major issue, a young player
still has to pay his dues.
“ Exactly! You got to earn your stripes Let me tell you If I wanna
be the prince of Miami I got to deal with the king of Miami. And that’s
why I used to be signed with Luke.
Luke taught me everything I now know. Therefore, Uncle Luke I appreciate
the love”.
At just twenty-four years old, Pitbull offers plenty
of evidence that he will go to distance in the music industry. And as
far as what the future holds in store for us, he only hints at the possibilities.
“Miami get ready ‘cause we are gonna take this thing to
the next level.
And whoever don’t like it? Hey, we love you! Dale!”
©Barrio305.com
