Billboard Latin 2014’s Winners

Felicidades to Marc Anthony. Last night, the Nuyorican superstar stocked up on Billboard Latins, winning ten crystal statuettes, including Artist of the Year and Hot Latin Song, Digital Song, and Latin Airplay Song of the Year for his salsa scorcher “Vivir Mi Vida,” Other notable premios recipients: The late Jenni…

The Vagabond Miami Closes

The Vagabond is gone. After six years, the NE 14th Street nightspot will be shuttered. And the closing isn’t next year, next month, or next week. The club is closing today, according to co-owner Carmel Ophir. See also: The Vagabond Miami: Five Classic Memories From the Fifth Anniversary Party…

Five Richest Rappers of 2014

When you’re in the rap biz, it’s all about the Benjamins. No matter how many shiny awards are stacked somewhere in that multimillion-dollar mansion, you’ve only truly made it when you rank among Forbes’ wealthiest hip-hop artists. More than just lyrical worth, the worth of these rap moguls was calculated…

Nino Brown on Jesus Christ: “He Got a Little Gangsta in Him”

Before Cash Money Records, there were the Cash Money Brothers, a group of fictional New York City drug dealers whose criminal ascension during the ’80s crack epidemic was masterminded by their leader, Nino Brown. The New Jack City character, played by Wesley Snipes, has become an iconic rags-to-riches story in…

Miami’s Five Best Record Stores

There was a time when the cynics believed that record stores were doomed to go the way of Blockbuster video rental joints: abandoned and forgotten by the masses who once flocked to their doors. But the resurging popularity of vinyl has created a new niche market in which local music…

Record Store Day 2014’s Best Releases, According to Sweat Records

Since 2007, every third Saturday in April has been set aside for the observance of Record Store Day, when vinyl lovers and music fans show love and appreciation to the their local shops. In Miami, though brick-and-mortar music retailers like Spec’s, Virgin Megastore, and F.Y.E. are certainly a thing of…

Ultra Ban: Delayed Till April 24 by Miami City Commission

What happened with the Ultra ban? Well, we won’t find out for another two weeks, because the Miami City Commission has just delayed the issue till its next meeting on April 24. Originally scheduled to be discussed, considered, and voted upon today, the resolution was withdrawn by both sponsors, Mayor…

Ultra Music Festival Fights Ban With Petition to “Keep UMF in Miami”

Ultra Music Festival has issued a “call to action.” Responding to Mayor Tomás Regalado and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff’s proposed ban, the EDM fest has launched a petition to “Keep UMF in Miami.” “In order to stay at Bayfront Park,” Ultra writes, “we need your support now.” And at the time…

Ultra Ban on Miami City Commission Agenda

Chaos. Gatecrashing. Drug use. Graffiti. Crime. In the wake of Ultra Music Festival 2014, Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff have hyperbolically enumerated the evils of the EDM fest in pursuit of a city-wide ban. There were two undeniable tragedies at this year’s fest: the trampling of security…

Tobacco Road Planning to Sell and Relocate

Speakeasy. Whorehouse. Music landmark. For the last 101 years, Tobacco Road has stood at 626 S. Miami Avenue, serving a clientele of locals, drifters, and legends in need of booze, good times, rhythm, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. This tavern survived Prohibition. It lasted through the lawless coke-addled days of…

Churchill’s Pub Sale Finalized

It’s done. According to Churchill’s Pub founder and owner Dave Daniels, the sale of the legendary Little Haiti boozing establishment and live-music venue has been finalized. “Yes, it is,” Daniels tells Crossfade. “I am meeting with the buyer tomorrow. There will be further details then.” See also: Churchill’s Pub Owner…

Trick Daddy Arrested for Gun Possession, Suspended License, and Cocaine

Loaded gun. Suspended driver’s license. Cocaine. Yesterday morning, Trick Daddy (government name Maurice Young) was stopped by members of the Broward County Drug Task Force while leaving his home in Miramar. According to the arrest report, the 39-year-old lupus-afflicted rapper was behind the wheel without proper certification. So police requested…