Musically, its roots can be found in electro. The music came into existence as part of Miami's stereo wars, when people tried to out-stereo each other, claiming that they had the loudest, most bass-heavy stereo system in their car.

The most famous Miami bass group is 2 Live Crew, known for the censorship efforts surrounding their As Nasty As They Wanna Be album. Though 2 Live Crew was based out of Miami, they actually formed in Los Angeles. Their debut single, "The Revelation" (1985, 1985 in music), was a socially aware examination of poverty and crime, and was influenced by West Coast Electro. Their first LP, 2 Live Is What We Are, established the Miami bass sound in many listeners (especially in the south), and included raunchy lyrics (such as "We Want Some Pussy").

While 2 Live Crew popularized Miami bass for many listeners, DJ Magic Mike established a significant underground following during the late 1980s. During the 1990s, Uncle Al, The Get Funky Crew, The 69 Boyz, 95 South and The Quad City DJs established Miami bass as a commercial and social force in the south, though northern and international success was slim.

Miami bass has had a lasting influence on other musical styles, particuarly Chicago's ghetto house and Detroit's ghettotech.

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