Miami bass is defined by TR-808 drums with a sustained kick, heavy bass, raised tempos, and explicit lyrics

Miami bass (also called booty music or booty bass) is a hip-hop subgenre that became popular in the 1980s and 1990s. What differentiates it from other hip-hop subgenres, per the source, is the combination of Roland TR-808 drums, a sustained kick drum, very heavy bass, raised dance tempos, and frequently sexually explicit lyrics. Richie Unterberger adds a ‘stop-start’ rhythmic flavour and ‘hissy’ cymbals, with lyrics drawn from the language of Miami’s historically Black neighbourhoods. The sustained kick and heavy low end are the sonic signature; recognising the genre is largely a matter of hearing the 808 kick pushed into dominant sub-bass at a danceable tempo.

Examples

MC A.D.E.’s ‘Bass Rock Express’ (produced by Amos Larkins) is credited as the genre’s first hit, and 2 Live Crew’s ‘Throw the D’ (1986) is said to have given a permanent blueprint for how later Miami bass was written and produced.

Assessment

List the traits the source uses to distinguish Miami bass from other hip-hop subgenres. Which single element is the clearest sonic tell, and why?