The creator of the “Grave Mix” Deez Wee The Reaper drops his highly anticipated debut project “Unholy Revenge”.
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After dropping a slew of features and singles over the years, along with a 813 Essential Album in his own right with the Vern Senior collab project “Sparxy & Dutch”. Deezy has carved out his own lane as creator of the “Grave Mix”, one of the most respected mix series on both sides of the bay.
The project kicks off the with “Switchin Sides”. No matter what trails and tribulations are going on in the reapers life, he always keeps it 100 no matter what. Deezy does his thing over the beat filled with scattering hi hats. The Triple H line was one of my favorites on the tape.
“Count My Blessings” is my new favorite song from Deezy. An already song of the year contender for 2024, the beat is a straight banger, especially once those horns kick in. The blend of laid back flows meshed with the beat set the vibe immediately. This one of them ones.
“Wal How I Walk” gets shit jumping. You already know there’s gonna be some shroom talk with the reaper steps in the booth. That “smoked the fuck out” line hit different the way Deezy changed up his voice. Really dug that the hook more or less at the end of the song than in the middle, really dope take.
“Hot” reminds me of classic Deezy. This shit straight out the graveyard bih. This track is short and sweet but there’s mad gems dropped, that “Red Robin” line doe.
Not gonna lie “HYPNOTIC” has that strip club banger vibe to it. Def can see some chicks in the club shaking it to this joint. 50Ball comes through and does his thing as the only feature on the project. The more melodic verse from Deezy at the end was a nice take.
“Street Pharmacist” is my other favorite joint on here. The sirens in the beginning set the tone for another banger. This one of them joints you ride around making plays to, whatever those might be. Deezy’s flow is impeccable on here, so many crazy lines on here.
“Reap Walking” reminds me of something that could be on an intro screen from an old school video game. You already know Deezy reppin Tampa Bay, so don’t get it twisted.
The project closes out with the laid back “Hustler”. This one you just roll up and vibe to. That circus freak line has to be heard. Solid way to close out the project with a different vibe.
After meeting and hearing Deezy over the past few years this project was instantly on my top anticipated albums list. It’s safe to say that it exceeded expectations. From the hard hitting bangers, to the dope lines and crazy flows, on top of all the different vibes Deezy presents on this project, you already know it’s going to end up on several of my end of the year lists. Hopefully we can get some visuals for a few of these as well as that highly anticipated “Sparxy & Dutch 2” before the years end. This that “Reap Shit”!
After taking about a year and a half break from dropping a project, “2021 Album of the year winner” and “2021 Artist of The Year” Johnny Adama crafts a new installment of vibes on his latest release “Moonroof”.
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The project starts off with “Keyless (Intro)”. The doors open and the moonroof is popped setting the stage for what soon becomes a rolling stoned odyssey throughout the Burg.
“The Regimen” hits like a reintroduction to Johnny. The chill vibe is perfect to bend corners and smoke trees too. Johnny states “I took the year off and got back on my grind”, I took the year off to get back now I’m ready” putting those who thought he retired in their place. One of my new favorites.
“Scenic Route” is for those who take the long way home when they riding with that loud. The track can have two meanings. You either take that route to enjoy your smoke longer or take that route to have less issues with police, both are prominent in Cannabis culture. Short and sweet track with that crazy shimmering sound on the beat.
“Confirmation” slows things down a bit. This joint is some slice of life type shit. Just a day in the life of Johnny Adama making his way through the 727. From art shows to the late night vibe there’s always something rocking. You already know it’s straight out the Zhu!
“No Love Lost” puts Johnny in his soulful bag. On a bit of a storytelling tip I enjoyed the more introspective take Adama took on this one, reminiscent of his work on “Conflicted”. With themes of love and loss, despite the pain it has only made Johnny stronger.
“Life So Hard” is for all the late night movers and shakers. No matter what you do, we all have our own ave to chase. The spaced out eat hits perfectly for your spaceship trip back home after a long day.
“Global Sensation” is a certified banger. Bumping this with smoke bellowing from your moonroof will have anyone feeling like the man of the city. It seems Johnny has moved on from his last chick and is on to something new.
“Turnin Corners” slows things down a bit. We are reaching the end of the night and Johnny is headed home. Reflecting on his night and everything that transpired. Really dope flows and storytelling on this one. The vocals at the end take it next level.
“Watchin” might be my favorite joint on the project. The spaced out beat fits Johnny’s flows to a tee. So many quotables on this one especially on the first verse with talks of wizardry and magic. You already know we stay smoking no matter who’s plotting against the team.
“Windows (Outro)” closes out the project as we roll the windows back up once we have reached our destination. That bars every sentence line was next level. The hot box is has finally reached its end with all the smoke from our journey going out the moonroof, ending what is another amazing project from Adama Bin Laden.
After taking some time off Johnny Adama hasn’t missed a step. From the whole vibe and concept I feel this project will go down as a stoner rap classic especially here in the 727. A lot of people talk about smoking in music but I related to every aspect of this project. From the moment the alarm hits we sparking up the whole way home, letting our problems of the day go out the moonroof.
Putting an emphasis on taste and texture, HILARY a new lifestyle calibration initiative collective of artists, DJs, designers, curators, and non traditionalists that are ushering in a modern wave on all levels. Together the collective aspires to use their skills and tastes to unite and aid in enhancing and refining texture. After shutting down last year’s Art Basel with a weekend filled of events focusing on curation, collaboration, and good beats, the HILARY team embarked on their next initiative “AUXHILARY”, a curated sound and installation experience at Porsche Clearwater.
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Blending elements of luxury, style, and sounds the event was a smash hit. With folks coming from both sides of the bay to bask in the curated experience. From taking pics with some sweet rides, to soaking in sounds and conversations from a diverse group of tastemakers “AUXILIARY” was a great way to kick off 2024.
To make the experience come full circle HILARY parking tickets were placed throughout the event adding to the esthetic. Curating reading materials and accessories could be found in each of the show room cars, tying in Porsches Past, Present, and Future.
AUXHILARY 🏕️💯🔋📡
An exclusive Porsche Playlist “PORSCHE FAVOR” curated by HILARY/AUXHILARY specifically for the all electric Taycan Model set the mood for the whole event and even afterwards becoming an instant save to my Apple library.
Whether it’s Duff, Swank, or Banks, we all love what HILARY is doing. Basically the “Creative Avengers” theres nothing the team can’t do, with my full trust in each members skills and taste. Fingers crossed on a weekly or biweekly “AUXHILARY” set on Sector.FM in the future, but until then see you at the next event.
Nico Suave takes it up a notch, diving into his introspective pocket alongside Madmanbeatz handling production on their latest 3 track EP, “Random Delusions EP”.
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I really mess with the cloudy moody production laced throughout the project. Madmanbeatz did his thing setting the tone on the EP. Nico usually has a message with most of his music, but the cohesion on this whole tape was next level. Telling the story of a relationship that isn’t meant to be can be a tough task but Nico and Madman let it flow without a hiccup.
“Loving (Intro)” starts the project out, setting the tone. At first Nico is head over heels for the girl in the song. Everything is all peaches at first before things take a wrong turn. That peach tea line was a gem. Great interpretation of the butterflies that get in your stomach during the early stages of lust.
Next we roll into the “Toxic Midway”. This my favorite beat on the whole project. Nico does his thing over the somber production. The Sunny times are done as things in the relationship take a rocky turn. The rain in the background is a nod to the cloudy/rainy state of the relationship. You can’t get back the time you lost, but you can take the lessons you learned and moved forward into a brighter day.
“Retrospective Ending” was a great way to end out the project. Nico has learned a lot from the dysfunctional relationship, overcoming the pain and turning it into triumph. Nico’s flow is crazy on this one where he spits about nights in Tokyo and Tampa, slamming sake like the pros. We def need some visuals for this 1.
Really loved how short and sweet this project is. Nico and Madmanbeatz knew the task at hand and executed it flawlessly. Every new Nico track I hear he gets better and better, especially when it comes to tying in themes with his work. We def need some visuals or a mini movie would be insane. Be on the look out for this one on the New Tampa Bay Playlist, as well as my end of the year EP list.
Big Racks gives fans a taste of what’s to come on his latest effort Lift-Off EP.
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Mostly know for providing the production for some of your favorite artists out of the St.Pete Underground Scene, most notably his work on tracks for DYINGOUTSOUTH, and Tony0K’s full length “WW4” that dropped at the top of the year. With all the momentum Big Racks has been making in the scene as of late it was only right to review his latest EP, all self produced, as well as self engineered.
“Been About It” kicks the project off with a banger. Racks goes off the dome with a barrage of bars. He ain’t have no choice but to run it up, you know how we rockin. We need a video for this joint for sure. This that Friday pay day flex music, ya herd!
Racks takes a darker approach on “Piped Up City”. This track is a short but sweet banger. The way Racks spits on the hook comes off like a check list. Got that whip, check, got that bitch, check, got that stick, check. Probably my favorite hook on the project.
“Ibiza” is my shit. It’s got that Detroit style production but brings it all together with a cloud rap inspired sample. Racks killed it with the vocals towards the mid section of the track. This that throwing bands in the club type of record. Love the production.
“IDK” send you straight to space. Racks flow is a bit more experimental on this one but it fits the wonky nature of the beat. Just when you think Racks is all production, he drops gems that stick with you again and again.
The project closes out with the booted up “Fully Loaded”. Once again I dig how Racks uses his vocals on the more hook elements on the track. Really solid way to end out a fire EP.
With his yet to be titled full length dropping at the top of next year, Big Racks has definitely staked his claim when it comes to top producers in the scene on both sides of the bay. What I liked about this EP is Racks showed he can also shine as not only the producer but as the total package. You can best believe “Lift-Off EP” is going to be heavy in the rotation for the rest of the year.
All the way from NY, the homie Mike Finesse channels all his chakras on “Sage Mode”
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The project kicks off with the title track “Sage Mode”. Tons of video game references throughout the track make it an enjoyable listen. Mike went crazy with that Wendy’s 4 for 4 line. It seems Mike has leveled up all the way to Sage Mode, and is presenting us with this project.
Things take a more melodic note on “Serpentz”. Everyone has delt with snakes and betrayal and Mike is no different. All the trials and tribulations Mike has faced throughout his life built him up to reach the level he is at today. I really dig the melodic change up on this track, taking a break from the morning Hardcore Hip Hop sound Mike is known for.
The airy “No Way” bring a light hearted tone to the project. Mike’s done playing games and is on the search for something real. I really mess with the hook on this joint.
“Make Out Paradise” is one for the club. This track shows how versatile Mike is, he can go from the streets, to heartbreak, to the club! This track is short but sweet, with Mike still getting his point across.
I love the beat on “Amaterasu”. Mike is back on his Hardcore Hip Hop shit but adding in a melodic twist. This track has Mike’s best flow on the whole project.
“Ghosts” is on some street vibes. Just because everything look all good on the outside doesn’t mean that things are all good on the inside. Mike tackles the ghosts and skeletons hiding in his closet on this introspective track. From drugs to trifling hoes, Mike puts his all into this song.
“Reaper Death Seal” has a bit of a somber vibe but Mike does his thing on the melodic tip. The trickling Hi Hats on the beat make for a great soundscape for Mike to do his thing.
“Hidden Rain Village (Pain)” featuring the one and only Michaela Paladio is hands down my favorite track on the project. From the Castle Cagliostro sample on the beat to the storytelling Mike delivers throughout the song. Not only is the sample insane but the beat is very hard hitting, adding a bit of NY Drill vibes to the track. Michaela brings it home with her lush vocals on the outro, add a gravitas to the track.
The homie Mike Finesse really did his thing on “Sage Mode”. I feel like the Tampa Bay Area could really get behind this project once they give it a listen. That “Hidden Rain Village” track is one of them ones. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Mike Finesse and the rest of the 4EverLitt crew in the rest of 2023.
After dropping a pair of singles to kick off 2023, $lugged $ounds own BTMVLE Jotta remains in the discussion as one of Tampa Bay’s top emcees on his latest soul sample fueled EP “Divine Intervention”.
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It’s been a minute since we got a solo effort from Jotta. The BTMVLE generals debut project “Cheap Vacation” is a certified St.Pete Hip Hop classic, as well as the collaborative effort “Good Fellas EP” with his $lugg brother Jerry Nova, a former EP of the Year and certified classic in its own right. With all that being said I had pretty high expectations for “Divine Intervention”.
On the intro track “Pslams In Hebrew” Jotta takes us to church, delivering a sermon of his own on his life’s trails and tribulations, overcoming all the odds to become the father and man he is today. This was the lead single off the project which gave us a nice preview into some of the themes and sounds tackled in the rest of the project. Would be really dope to see a video of this in a church. Found the track very relatable. It’s hands down one of Jotta’s best tracks to date.
“Instincts” has Jotta on his Reasonable Doubt shit. The soul samples on this project are top tier, adding to the southern hip hop aesthetic Jotta delivers his bars with. Mad quotables on this joint, this one for the real heads. That “demonize me” line though.The lavish way the beat comes in reminds me of the way “Spanglish” hits. Jotta debuted this track at the Onlyonetwo show and it sounds even better in the context of the project. “This ain’t Ramen Noodles, This Crab Pasta”.
“Taj Mahal” is a straight bar fest. That “Dont wanna pay me for the clean” line is one of Jotta’s coldest lines to date. With each line Jotta paints a picture with his words that is clear as glass. That “You can see me on 49th St speeding” really hits home, since I take it on the way to work, it will remain a classic line in his catalogue for years to come.
“Barbershop Therapy” has that end of the movie vibe. I can just see credits rolling as Jotta puts his thoughts on wax. I really dig the theme of the barber shop talk, definitely a new approach in song writing that I have never seen. Jotta is a product of all coasts, and can’t be boxed into just one sound.
On “Divine Intervention” BTMVLE Jotta makes his claim as the top lyricist on both sides of the bay, adding to his already extensive catalog of Tampa Bay classics. Can’t wait to see what else this year brings for Jotta’s full length and the rest of the $luggs, with this project already in EP of the year contention, yerd!!!!!!!!!
Nico Suave follows up singles “Don’t Crash” and “What Happened” with some laid back vides on “Watchu Know about Dat”, that are just made to ride around the bay.
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I have always felt the Tampa Bay scene should adapt some form of feel good west coast vibes since we are on the west side of FL, so the easy laid back beat sets the tone. I can just picture myself driving across the bridge back to the burg for the 813 with the sun setting.
Nico comes through with some very relatable bars shouting out Tampa Bay staples like Salems and shouting out the homies Cowboy By Takeo who crafted the cover. Elements like that make the track hit home, since that’s everyday life in Tampa Bay.
Nico has been killing with the singles as of late. I’d like to see some visuals for “Watchu Know About Dat” soon as well as an EP for full length project.
Impacted by the seminal Cyber Punk classic Tetsuo: The Iron Man by Shinya Tsukamoto, Pollex World unveils their latest creation in the name of the new flesh!
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At the time of its release in 1989, the 16mm Body Horror nightmare helped spark a revival of Japanese indie cinema going into the early nineties. The themes of technological paranoia can still be felt today, as the growing concern of technology becoming apart of our body due to its dependency in our society.
USBShine Bright
As the metal slowly absorbs Tetsuo he and the steel become one and the same. Some may look at Tetsuo as a monster or is he just a higher advanced form of man. The film may be to graphic for some viewers but those aspects really hammer home this nightmarish tale of metal.
Cartoons & Cereal
Just like how the metal in the film consumes Tetsuo, Pollex World always seems to find a way to work their way into our life, on both a physical and mental level. Just sit back and relax, Pollex World is here. Long Live The New Flesh!
2022 was a crazy year featuring some amazing projects from Tampa Bay’s best artists so I had to push the list up to a Top 15. For this list I am looking at projects that had under 10 tracks, placing them in the EP or Mixtape category.
Honorable Mention
I really dig the sounds Three D Swayze dabbled with on “Sick Sad World Vol.1”. The elements of Trill and Rage clicked well, with “Berlin 99” standing out. “Jellybean” with Richie Guapo needs a video ASAP. Can’t wait to hear the next installment.
Honorable Mention
Big Baby Scumbag did what he does best on “Natty & Noodles”. Down South Florida bangers with quirky themes and elements always make a Big Baby record stand apart from the rest. “Fish Fry” and “Elmer Fudd” are now some of my favorite tracks from Big Baby, giving crazy replay value.
No.15
Scumbag Wrld’s latest signee Sorryein put the game on notice with “UFO EP”. “Holdmycrystals” gives off a sense of nostalgia while still sounding new and fresh. The Cloud Rap influence goes a long way for me. The elements of Rage bring the whole sound together, resulting in hype out of this world experience.
No.14
Frankie X delivered another solid project to add to his growing catalog with the “Angels EP”. Melodically no one in the game is fucking with Frank, who also isn’t a slouch when it comes to the bars. “No Bonnie” showed a lot of growth from Frank on a song writing and song structure tip.
No.13
YZM quite possibly had his best year to date in 2022, all without dropping a full length album. “On God” and “VICES” showcased the “Rage Gods” versatility, becoming two of my favorite tracks of all time. With a slew of features from Tampa Bay’s best, “Nghtmr Demo” catapulted YZM’s next project to the front of my most anticipated for 2023, proving why he’s still “your favorite rappers, favorite rapper.”
No.12
Notsew delivered a one of a kind experience on “Sidetracked”. I appreciate how personal Notsew got on this project, allowing the themes to become more relatable. With standout features from Chael Blinya and Mel. the 8th Element, it was a no brainer to throw it on the list.
No.11
The entire “House-pitality Concept” trilogy is a feat onto itself. On the real I feel like no one from the city is really tackling issues that deal with the city better than Chael Blinya. Following up the “Coffee Shop De-Tour” with a double EP was insane. Can bro please get that “Chilis” sponsorship because “Waffles & Mango Tea” is so fire.
No.10
St.Pete is known for our Essential EP releases, and the cities own Dabron Kain added to that list with his “Kxng EP”. “Burg State Of Mind” featuring $lugged Sound$ own BTMVLE Jotta is a unanimous classic in the city, pushing the project into the 10 spot. I really dig Kain’s mix of flows and delivery throughout the entire project, proving why the Burg Day 22’ headliner is one of the cities best on the mic.
No.9
7Sinclair found his sound on “Stories Of A Sinner”. From bangers like “AMG” to anthems like “Me Myself & I” the whole vibe fit. The airy soundscape paired well with 7Sinclair’s moody vocals and lyrics. “Open Door” is one of them ones.
No.8
Deleteeglitch added to an already stellar 2022 with “How To Make A Tissue Dance” project. With Døøf crafting another surreal backdrop, sending us deeper into the mind of Glitch.
No.7
Then Barely Legal boys came out swinging in 2022 with the “Daytona EP”. It’s safe to say “Dat Way” is a classic record on both sides of the bay, getting any and all functions lit. Low key “Run It Up” is one of my favorite tracks of the year. I just love Barely Legal’s energy, and can’t wait to see what they bring in 2023.
No.6
Out of the slew of projects 9henom dropped this year “Cycles” got the nod mainly due to one of my favorite songs of the year being “Tru Story”. The vibe and production was stellar on this project. 9henom always bridges the gaps between genres with his vocals and sounds. Shout out to The Playground.
No.5
There comes that time when two of the scenes top emcees come together and just kill shit. Deleteeglitch & Breezy Montclair joined forces on “The Following Is Forbidden”, crafting a drum less and abstract hip hop classic both sides of the bay can get behind. Glitch always does his thing but I was really impressed with the growth Breezy showed, making his upcoming project a must listen.
No.4
Richie Guapo and 2022 producer of the year Dinero Tarantino perfected the sound they dabbled with on “Blaque”. The beats are wonkier and harder, with Guapo’s ad libs and word play going next level. Tracks like “Beastmode” and “Count It Up” join the list of my favorite Guapo songs to date.
No.3
Chester Watson need the year out right with “Nobody Home In Soulville”. I feel a preview to what to come on 2023s “Fish Don’t Cimb Trees”. Watson is really in his bag when it comes to the production on this project, highlighting his monotone flow but in a good way. Watson always feels like he’s 5 years ahead when it comes to his projects, and this one is no exception.
No.2
This project basically could take the 1 spot as well. When it dropped I picked this to listen to first over Kendrick, based on Fancy’s past classics and the immortal “AMG Benz”. On “Fan Favorite” we see both sides of Fancy. He’s in rockstar mode on joints like “Foreign” and “MARSHAWN”, while giving us more introspective moments on “Ain’t Hearin It”. Key Kartel came through with some of the best production of the year, to help usher in a new Rage classic both sides of the bay can get behind.
No.1
That boy Yella went back to back classic mode on “Cloud Crown” his follow up EP to 2021’s 727 classic album “Strange Noize”. Mixing feel good Zhu vibes with thought provoking bar feats, it’s hard to deny Heyeyella’s skill on a mic. Tracks like “Splash”, “Different Vibez”, and “No Manners” just get you in that mood to have fun, at any point in the day. Not to mention what could be one of the greatest songs in the history of St.Pete Hip Hop “Drunken Master” cementing this projects spot in history. Put that together with two rap epic tracks in “Steel Garden” and “Underworld Funk”, and you have the EP of the year. “Energy, Frequency, Message.”
