Synopsis

Will Smith and his crew escape a bitterly cold Philadelphia for the heat and nightlife of Miami. After arriving, Smith moves through a series of colorful scenes that showcase the city's beaches, palm-lined streets, open-top cars, bars, dancers, and party atmosphere. The video presents Miami as a sun-soaked playground, combining travel imagery with choreographed performances and quick-cut visual effects. Smith's confident performance and the city's energy turn the clip into a celebratory postcard for the late-1990s party scene.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was released in 1998 and was filmed in Miami, Florida.

• The opening cold-weather sequence contrasts sharply with the sunny Miami scenes. The diner shown in the opening is the 11th Street Diner in South Beach.

• The track is built around a sample from The Whispers' 1980 song "And the Beat Goes On."

• Eva Mendes appears in the video in an early, uncredited screen role as the woman in the car.

• "Miami" won Best Male Video at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. It was also nominated for Best Special Effects and Best Cinematography.

• The clip helped establish a recognizable template for Miami-set music videos: a narrative arrival, glamorous street imagery, beach locations, nightlife, and a strong emphasis on the city's party identity.