In a move to celebrate its rich musical heritage, Miami has renamed several streets in its Liberty Cityneighborhood after songs from legendary artists who call the area home. The initiative, spearheaded by District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon, was approved on Tuesday by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners as part of an economic revitalization project.
Some of the celebrated artists include Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Trina, City Girls, JT Money, Pitbull, and Flo Rida. Their songs, which have topped charts and defined Miami’s music culture, will now live on in the city’s streets.
“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,” Hardemon said. “The essence of this is to encourage economic development in our community.”
The project is intended to revive the historic 18th Avenue, which was once known as Broadwayduring the 1950s — a bustling hub of nightlife during segregation, filled with juke joints, bars, restaurants, and living quarters. City officials hope this revitalization will transform Liberty City into a thriving cultural destination once again.
Selection Process and Community Response
The selection criteria for the street names involved recognizing artists with notable chart success on Billboard’s Hot 100 and 200 Album Charts, as well as those who have contributed to Miami’s culture and economy through performances or philanthropic efforts.
However, the decision wasn’t without controversy. Some residents voiced concerns over the explicit content of certain songs. In response, officials made adjustments, replacing Pretty Ricky’s “Grind With Me” with Jacki-O’s “People Change.”
A Tradition of Honoring Artists Through Street Names
Miami isn’t the first city to commemorate its musical legends this way. New York City has established landmarks like:
• Christopher Wallace Way in Brooklyn for The Notorious B.I.G.
• Wu-Tang Clan District in Staten Island
• Hip Hop Boulevard in The Bronx in honor of DJ Kool Herc
• Beastie Boys Square in Manhattan
Through this initiative, Miami aims to not only celebrate its local artists but also inspire economic growth, attract tourists, and strengthen the community’s pride in its cultural legacy.
