Freshly Baka-ed

The Baka Boys have come a long way since they moved here from Los Angeles. Sure, out in La-la-land they were big shots, creating Friday Night Flavas on Power 106 back in the heyday of the east coast/west coast rivalry. The boys represented westside rap to the fullest, until Power 106 decided to back away from the hip-hop scene. After seven years of radio DJ innovation, the fellas had no choice but to hit the road and strike out for the Magic City. Now swimming in a slightly smaller pond, the Baka Boys are proving to be big, big fish. They kept the features that their Californian audience loved, such as the "World-Famous Roll Call," and added ridiculous segments like "Drop Bombs on Your Moms," where the boys prank call whoever you think deserves it. The Baka Boys morning drive show on The Beat (WMIB-FM 103.5) is touted as Miami's number one, and the loose banter and hilarious hijinks that these DJs are known for have helped to make this relatively new radio station a big hit, rivaling the popularity of hip-hop stations Power 96 (WPOW-FM 96.5) and 99 Jamz (WEDR-FM 99.1). Forget Arbitron ratings. The real measure of The Beat's popularity comes when you cruise down U.S. 1 in your ride, and notice just how many other people are bumping the same bassline.

The Baka Boys have a simple formula for success: find out what the people want, and give it to 'em by the truckload. Miamians were thirsting for local recognition, so they amped up airplay for Trick Daddy, Jackie-O, and Pitbull, adding specially tailored remixes of popular jams to keep the 305 flavor at the forefront. Realizing the apparently unstoppable rise of the Dirty South, the boys embraced crunk music wholeheartedly, championing Lil' Jon's distinctive sound and showing newer artists like Ciara some Miami love. And now, the boys are ready to bring their wild and wacky morning radio show to the stage with Bakapalooza, an all-star spectacular best described as "a crazy crunk variety show." Besides currently charting hip-hoppers Ludacris (Get Back, Move Bitch) and Ciara (Goodies), and local heroes Pitbull (Dammit, Man) and Jackie-O (Nookie Real Good), the Baka Boys have lined up a triple threat of Lil's: Houston's Lil' Flip (Sunshine, The Way We Ball), Atlanta's Lil' Scrappy (No Problem), and of course, the ubiquitous Lil' Jon (Get Low, Yeah) will rock the mike. Mr. Vegas (Heads High) will bring the reggae flavor, and fans of old school rap are in for a treat, as the magnificent Special Ed (The Mission, I Got It Made), and the original Geto Boys featuring Bushwick Bill, Willie D, and Scarface (My Mind's Playing Tricks on Me, Damn, It Feels Good to be a Gangsta) will be performing. To keep the momentum up between acts, Miami's own comedian Larry Dogg will regale the crowd. Clowns, stilt-walkers, and little people will help to make Bakapalooza more than just another concert.