by SCOTT C

Arguably the home of crunk music on record right now, TVT Records houses cats like Ying Yang Twinz and Lil Jon, and top dogs like Pitbull. The Miami native, the son of Cuban immigrants, has become a fixture in the continuing explosion of the Southern bounce of crunk and its innovators. Last year, he released M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is a Major Issue, produced by the Diaz Brothers and Lil Jon, where his mix of crunk, hip hop, reggaeton and dancehall bridged English and Spanish lyrics. Pitbull joins the roster of Summer Sizzle this week, making his first trip to Montreal official. The Mirror spoke to him over the phone in Miami.

M: Where does crunk start for you, man?

PB: Crunk music originated in Atlanta, but it's basically recycled bass music from Miami. Bass and booty music is all about energy and gettin' loose, and that's exactly what crunk music is doin' too.

M: What was your earliest exposure to bass music, growing up in Miami?

M: I guess I would've been about nine years old. That shit was everywhere, and you couldn't really do anything without hearing bass music somewhere. Luke actually did a lot for bass and independent artists everywhere, and that shit has been removed from music history.

Mirror: You're talking about Luke Campbell from the 2 Live Crew?

Pitbull: Yeah. Luke made it possible for us to do this shit without the help of any kind of major label assistance, as well as protecting our right to rap about whatever the hell we want to.

M: I can remember all the court cases and media coverage of the 2 Live Crew saga, but do you think most people realize how much he actually did for independent artists?

P: No way. People just take that shit for granted now. People like Luke and Lil Jon have made this what it is. Lil Jon isn't just a producer, he's a talented artist and businessman as well.

M: Have you learned a lot from these guys?

P: Most definitely. I've got a lot from Luke now after touring with him in over 35 cities, and Jon is driving this whole thing, for real.

M: You said before that crunk is just recycled bass music. Do you think it's possible for one person to carry an entire genre, or is it just a matter of time before people just up and move on to something else?

P: I think it's possible for one person to carry it, and that's exactly what Jon does. He sets the standard for everyone else to follow, and he just keeps coming. It's very inspiring to someone like me. They used to say Miami cats can't rap, but they ain't saying that now.

M: What's the best thing about being independent?

P: Miami is known for being at the forefront of America's underground economy, and me and my team are just bringing something else to that. You put in the work and you reap the benefits. That's what it comes down to.

With Lil Jon, Ying Yang Twins and Teflon at Circus Afterhours on Saturday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m., $75 (see sidebar for details)

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