Photo by Alex Broadwell

Ricardo Guerrero rages for Independence at O Cinema.

See the full 48-photo slideshow of Audio Junkie Independence Day Bash at O Cinema.

While Fourth of July celebrations all across our nation have been hijacked by hot dog-eating contests and superpotent fireworks displays that leave American suburbs buried under ash, the meaning of the holiday was not lost on Audio Junkie's Independence Day Bash at O Cinema.

Outdoor speakers blared, announcing to the streets of Wynwood that independence wasn't just about a historical fight against tyranny, but that independence also meant maintaining the artistic integrity of a close-knit local music scene in the face of looming cultural homogeneity.

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Photo by Kareem Shaker

Kweli took the boards from DJ FlyGuy for a Miami-inspired set.

Talib Kweli
With DJ Fly Guy
SET Nightclub
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Better Than: Going to sleep early and waking up for work after celebrating Fourth of July.

You always have to wonder what it means when you see a rapper's name on a flyer for any club in South Beach: Will said rapper actually be performing?

Well, even though last night's Talib Kweli gig at SET Nightclub was promoted as a DJ set, the anxious crowd was still hoping for a few verses from their favorite Kweli tracks.
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Happy DJ Laz Day!

See also "DJ Laz Returns to Miami Radio" and "DJ Laz Talks Returning to Miami Radio: 'I'm Still Split 50/50, But My Girl Miami's Gettin' a Little Extra at Bedtime.'"

Despite the fact that every Fourth of July since 1776 has been set aside for the celebration of America's independence from those colonial overlords otherwise known as the Kingdom of Great Britain ...

The City of Hialeah Gardens and Mayor Yioset De La Cruz have issued a DJ Laz Day Proclamation, stating, "We are pleased to have DJ Laz return to the South Florida airwaves with 'The DJ Laz Morning Show' ... beginning July 4th, 2012 on WRMA DJ 106.7 FM;

"THEREFORE ... [we] extend our heartfelt welcome to DJ Laz and hereby proclaim July 4th, 2012 as: 'DJ Laz Day.'"

See the cut for a full transcript of this historic document.

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America rocks. And even at 236 years old, the United States of America is still the sexiest country in the free world.

But the 50 states, its federal district, and territories throughout the Pacific and Caribbean wouldn't stand a chance if it weren't for the brave men and women who've risked life and limb fighting for its freedom. Among those who have served in the armed forces: outlaw country stars, rock 'n' rollers, and gangsta rappers.

So in honor of Independence Day, we encourage you to legally download music written and performed by the following American veterans.

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Photo by Daniel De Las Casas

See also "Best Fourth of July 2012 Parties on South Beach."

Who wants more than cheap beer and Lynyrd Skynyrd on Independence Day?

Well, Wynwood's Wood Tavern will be hosting a special Fourth of July edition of Backyard Boogie featuring cocktails, food, and lots of tunes, all to benefit Wynwood Radio and the work of local groundbreakers like our city's local music scene queen, Laura of Miami.

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See also "Best Fourth of July 2012 Parties on South Beach."

If you think that radio's only shortcomings are (1) the musicians aren't playing live for you and (2) the lack of heat mirages rising off a vast field of tanned European buttocks -- well, things are about to change for you, friend.

On June 29 and 30, iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's digital radio service, is teaming up with the Fontainebleau Miami Beach to bring you big radio hits in the flesh and lots of glistening flesh in the flesh. The poolside weekend leading up to the Fourth of July will be fleshier than anything Ben Franklin or any of our other pervy founding fathers could ever have imagined.

But it won't be only U.S.A. and T&A. On Saturday afternoon, Calvin Harris will be DJing by the pool. And then, after the sequined evening thongs are donned, there will be live sets by Maroon 5, Flo Rida, and Gym Class Heroes.

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Photo by Ivon David Rojas

America celebrates its 236th birthday this year, and the parallels between our relatively young nation and the popularity spike of electronic dance music are becoming increasingly clear.

From our ties to England to first-generation embodiments of the American Dream, this year's Fourth of July parties don't just celebrate the United States, they tell its story.

Whether you're spending the day at a hotel pool and rubbing elbows with European DJs or dropping several hundred dollars on liquor bottles adorned with festive red, white, and blue sparklers, take a minute to reflect on how the nations represented in the music you're listening to helped shape our country's history.

These are the best Fourth of July parties on South Beach.

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Via facebook.com/officialflo

Flo Rida not driving on SoBe.

After driving recklessly while behind the wheel of a $1.7-million Bugatti on South Beach and then failing a field sobriety test, you'd think Flo Rida would want to squash his reputation as one of hip-hop's wild ones. But instead, the 32-year-old Carol City native turned that rep into Top 40 radio's de facto 2012 party anthem.

Since December 2011, Flo Rida's infectious "Wild Ones" collaboration with up-and-comer Sia has been chiseling its catchy hook into your memory bank and playing on a never-ending loop in your subconscious mind.

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