Twenty Thousand Hertz Speaker Terror Upper: When Bass Tapes shook the streets
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Feb 5, 2025 Jesse Serwer, a journalist and expert on Miami bass culture, brings to life the roaring boom car scene of the late '80s and early '90s. He delves into how these custom sound systems became a rebellious subculture, influenced by Caribbean music and figures like DJ Magic Mike. The conversation explores the thrilling competitiveness of dB drag racing and the vibrant community formed around mixtape trading. Serwer also reflects on the rise and eventual decline of this iconic auditory movement, leaving its mark on today's music landscape.
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Bass Tapes Origins
- Miami Bass combined with aftermarket car stereos created the boom car phenomenon.
- This movement was amplified by technologies like the Roland TR-808 drum machine.
Cars That Go Boom
- Latim's song "Cars That Go Boom" became a national hit, celebrating boom cars.
- The song accurately depicted how these cars were used to attract attention.
Birth of Speaker Terror Upper
- DJ Magic Mike's "Feel the Bass" became a benchmark for testing car stereos.
- A slowed-down version inspired him to create "Speaker Terror Upper," designed to push speakers to their limits.