Right this moment we stumbled upon some nice information from the South Florida Caribbean Information Web site. Miami simply gave reggae royalty their flowers — and never simply in phrases. 71st avenue in Liberty Metropolis is now formally co-named “Unhealthy Boys Unhealthy Boys” Avenue, a tribute to the legendary Unhealthy Boys Of reggae, Internal Circle, whose anthem “Unhealthy Boys” has echoed worldwide for many years.
For a band that’s been flying the reggae flag for the reason that late ‘60s — lengthy earlier than most of right now’s acts even picked up a mic — that is greater than only a signpost. It’s recognition. It’s legacy. It’s dwelling.
Initially shaped in Jamaica, Internal Circle discovered new roots in Miami, the place they’ve been instrumental not simply in music, however in constructing cultural bridges and supporting youth by way of charity and group outreach. Now, the town that embraced them is reflecting that love proper again — proper there on the nook of NW 71st Avenue and 18th Avenue.
This transfer is a part of a wider initiative by Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who’s respiration musical life into Liberty Metropolis’s streets. The thought? Have fun the neighborhood’s cultural DNA by way of the music that was born and raised there — from reggae to hip hop, from pioneers to present-day powerhouses. Different streets are getting co-named after Miami-made hits like “It’s Ya Birthday,” “Nonetheless Da Baddest,” and “Massive Cash Baller.”
However this second with Internal Circle hits totally different.
For many years, the band has represented not simply reggae music, however the deeper message behind it — unity, resistance, and the voice of the folks. To see a reggae title — a Jamaican reggae title — cemented into the streets of Miami is a giant win. Not only for Internal Circle, however for Caribbean tradition, reggae’s world attain, and each younger artist looking for their means.
As Ian Lewis of Internal Circle advised SFCN: “the respect is humbling. And actually, it’s about time. Too typically, we wait till legends are gone to call streets, cling banners, or throw tributes. This time, Miami received it proper — whereas the music nonetheless performs.”
Respect is due.
And now, it’s completely written within the metropolis.