Published on 13, Mar 2023

Virgin Island Influences Brought to Miami by LJ Smooth

Miami's dance music scene is one of the most vibrant and exciting music scenes in the world. With its unique blend of Latin American, Caribbean, and American music influences, Miami has become a global epicenter of dance music. From sizzling salsa and fierce reggaeton to upbeat EDM and house music, Miami's dance music scene offers a wide variety of sounds that can be enjoyed by all. The city's many nightclubs, bars, and beachfront venues also provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable night out. Whether you are looking for an upbeat party or a more relaxed evening, Miami's dance music scene has been bringing people together for decades.

Similarly, music from the Virgin Islands is an eclectic mix of traditional African beats, Caribbean rhythms, and contemporary styles of music. It is a unique blend of reggae, calypso, soca, merengue, and salsa, creating an upbeat and energetic sound that one may also hear on the streets of downtown Miami. The music of the Virgin Islands is celebrated during festivals and events throughout the year, which draw visitors from all around the world who come to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of the islands. Additionally, many popular local musicians have showcased their talents on a global stage, gaining recognition for their unique sound and inspiring a new generation of Virgin Islands musicians. LJ Smooth has made a name for himself as one of those musicians.

Having crossed into the Miami territory during his college years, Smooth had found the city exciting and also familiar enough to want to settle down there. Miami has been his homebase ever since, proving to be a great spot to release his own original music, which brings influences from his life back on the islands. As the two cultures share similar aspects, especially when it boils down to music, Smooth didn’t feel the need to water down his sound or assimilate too much to Miami. 

Smooth’s songs are an extension of him, as he aims to provide upbeat, dancey songs for any audience to enjoy. He draws inspiration from popular musicians such as Michael Jackson, Maxwell, Prince, Trey Songz, Neo and Alicia Keys as well as Vybez Cartel, Beenie Man, WizKid and Burna Boy. 

His sound is a combination of R&B, pop, and afrobeat, which creates an incredibly unique and infectious sound. This genre blend has been popularized in recent years by the likes of Beyonce and Drake, and has been embraced by music fans around the world. The upbeat rhythms of afrobeat add an extra layer of energy to the smooth, soulful sounds of R&B, while the pop elements of the music bring catchiness and accessibility. Together these genres create a sound that is captivating and timeless, and is sure to keep LJ Smooth’s listeners dancing for years to come.

With his newest song “All In,” Smooth is excited for where his musical journey will bring him. For more information about LJ Smooth and his music, you can find him on youtube, as well his several social media accounts.