March 2021 – Jit Camp

March 30, 2021April 6, 2021

Local Muzik Dynasty

Local Muzik founder and St.Pete Hip Hop pioneer shows the evolution of the Local Muzik sound on “It’s Not You, It’s Me”.

I have been rocking with Mari and the Local Muzik Group ever since I was a Jit. All the way from the “Lake$ide Local” days with Crown and Ameen Spade. Back then Local was the only ones really doing shit in the scene, when it came to music and visuals, the latter blessed by the legend Rob Gallardo.

With “It’s Not You, It’s Me” Mari pins down his sound. The vibe is like a little bit of southern hip hop with a hint of Jet Life energy, while still remaining Local Muzik, oh yeah and a dash of “Seinfeld”. What I like most about Mari’s approach is he always gives off a very St.Pete sound, expanding the one he created on in the past.

The production on the project is all top tier provided by Smoke Dawg, who brings in that wavey Local Muzik sound while still adding in those bangers like my stand out track “Lil Bad Lil Bih”.

“Chanel” brings back those old school Local vibes with super lush production and Mari does his thing on the track. The video roll out for this one was next level with the old “Chanel” ad.

It was cool to see Ameen Spade and Mari link up again on “Embedded”, with only a couple features on the album it was a nice change up to hear a different voice. Plus it’s a nice nod to the Day 1 Local Muzik supporters.

The Ari Chi vocal assisted “YKTV” again brings in that lush Local Muzik vibe but Mari’s flow and rhyme scheme is really impeccable on the track. Ari Chi killed the hook as well. I think they hinted at a video, but the city definitely gonna need that.

Another stand out track is “Off The Shits” that’s gotta be one of the craziest beats I’ve heard in awhile from Smoke Dawg. Mari has huge confidence on this track which shows in his delivery.

You guys are for sure going to see “Its Not You, It’s Me” on my end of the year list. I just really loved how St.Pete af this album was, proving once again that Local Muzik Group are still the top dogs when it comes to this St.Pete Hip Hop shit. This just the beginning!

March 29, 2021March 29, 2021

The Duality Of Garbäj.

Taking influence from RuneScape, Final Fantasy, The Legand Of Zelda, and Card based games, the homies from Garbäj Clothing are back with hands down their most ambitious drop to date. Which route will you choose The Cleric or The Gate Keeper?

The drop consists of two long sleeves, “The Cleric” one featuring a baby blue color scheme with hits of yellow on the side to represent the “Holy Espee”. “The Gatekeeper” comes in black with hits of purple and red to represent the “tool of sin”. As far as the product goes this is by far my favorite drop from the brand. I am a big fan of long sleeves, you already know the material is gonna be top notch. Plus $5 of each purchase goes to help Suicide Awareness and Mental Health. I personally plan on picking up both of these pieces but the roll out in which Garbäj dropped for the collection taking the RPG video game approach while adding in the environmental aspect is what brings the release to life.

We need this in the upcoming Exotic Pop machine.

Garbäj released a video game esque trailer, bringing us deeper into the world of Garbäj as well as expanding the lore. In this first person adventure you take a sip of the Garbäj Juice, transporting you to Garbäj mountain, were you choose whether you want to enter the “Recyclical Basilica” or the “Caustic Castle”!

The “Recyclical Basilica” is what we all strive for. The structure is built from recycled materials built from clerics who’s mission on earth is to stop pollution. The bonus stats for this card are pretty awesome supporting your stats and allowing resurrection.

For those who embrace the darkness I would choose the “Caustic Castle”. The Gate Keeper watches over the stinky almost monster like structure. Pollution spews from the castle spreading death and disease to all inhabitants. Those that dabble in sin will gain bonus attack from the castle.

If you choose the “Caustic Castle” you will be greeted by “The Gate Keeper” who shall decide the ultimate fate of your soul. Armed with his tools of sin “The Gates Chains” The Gate Keeper will grant you all that you desire or blind you. What lies behind the castle walls?

For those of you who choose the “Recyclical Basilica” will be greeted by “The Cleric” the keeper of everything light restoring faith to the earth. Armed with his “Tools of Prayer” The Cleric uses the “Holy Espee” to heal all.

With many cards at play it is uncertain what will happen next in the world of Garbäj. It is up to the player to decide which path is best for them on their environmental journey.

March 29, 2021March 29, 2021

P.W.O

Beyond the algorithm, above the likes and engagement, Pollex World still remains despite a brief hiatus, the gateway is now unlocked enter Pollex World Order!

Taking influence from themes of dystopia and cyber space Pollex World is able to capture the unrendered vibe other brands just can’t grasp. It’s not just about the product it’s about the individual.

Pollex spreads propaganda through various outlets such has product, posters, cards, and messages on your feed. The always popular Pollex World TV is when Pollex takes over full control of your senses, mind, body, and soul. It starts out small with just one Pollex World tee, but eventually your entire fit is Pollex Wolrd, it’s best to just embrace this.

It’s comforting knowing that Pollex World is always watching with one eye open. When you embrace Pollex World instead of rejecting it, decisions and actions become second nature. Instead of going for other brands and lifestyles you will be drawn to Pollex, going deeper and deeper into the truth.

With back to back drops pretty much selling out in March, Pollex World is showing no signs of slowing down. It is futile to try and escape, so just sit down, relax, and embrace P.W.O.

March 23, 2021

Permanent Vacation

Ever since his days in St.Pete Hip Hop legend Lil Keis’s “Paper Chasers Ent”, BTMVLE Jotta has been a staple in the St.Pete Hip Hop scene. After dropping a few EPs in the past Jotta is ready to stake his claim at the top of this St.Pete Hip Hop shit on “Cheap Vacation”.

Jotta’s style to me are street conscious vibes 100% out of St.Pete, Fla. His rhymes paint a vivid picture of what street life in the 727 is about, but not necessarily on some flexing shit, the flexing is all in Jot’s delivery.

The opening track “10-4” has that vibe of riding your bike throughout St.Pete potentially making a play or two, either way the sun is shining. The production is top notch throughout the entire project.

“Scary Hustle” is for everyone waiting to take that final leap in whatever your hustle is. That “captain clueless” line is cold. Jot said it best “scared money don’t make money”.

“Good Karma” first time I heard this track was in a Balaclava Boys promo video but just the last snippet of it. It all makes sense now. The piano beat is the perfect backdrop for Jotta to put us all on game. “Im backin up and stackin up my good karma!” just hits different when it’s slugged.

“Purple Clouds” is just a bar fest between Jotta and the homie RodXTheXGod. Jotta starts the track off with probably his most spitterific flow to date. I also like how the title didn’t really fit the content of the song, based on the title you would have thought it would be a weed song. It’s rare to get a verse from RodXTheXGod so you know it was gonna be special. From the purple bandana line, to the pay for a verse line, Rod might have verse of the year, and that’s On Godzilla!

“In The Dust” is just on some groovy shit. Jot is definitely repping Pinellas County on this one. For me this might be my favorite hook on the project, every hustler can relate to this one.

“Keep It Goin” is on some story telling shit. The line about the not so great whip was very clever. The talk of 34th St S and 54th Ave are very relatable to me, and should be to anyone who is or have lived that lifestyle. This one for all them I275 road runners. The beat has West Coat elements to it while still remaining West Florida not Cali.

“H.I.T.M” featuring Nasja Mone was a nice change of pace at this point of the album. This one has probably the most conscious feel to it. The hook is really dope and well executed. Really loved the song structure of this joint in general it’s on some early TDE shit.

You know there had to be some Slug Rap on a Jotta project and “Lolo” is just that. One of the coldest lines is when Jot says “Made my dream girl my baby momma”. This might be my favorite track on the entire project, I am a sucker for airy production. Jotta’s flow is next level on “Lolo”.

To hold y’all over til that “Good Fellas EP” drops, Jotta and fellow slug Jerry Nova team up on “Yesterday”. The beat has a very triumphant feel allowing both Jot and Nova to do their thing. One of my favorite lines from Nova was “we rollin up for all them rainy days, we stackin paper but can’t take the pain away.”

“Run It Back” was a perfect way to end out the album, plus that campfire introduction was pretty dope. This one is kind of on some spoken word shit at different moments, that rugrats line was super dope. What really makes all these songs feel genuine is the confidence in which Jotta delivers his lines. The mellow beat is one of my favorites on the project.

“Cheap Vacation” is a great introduction project to get people familiar with Jotta’s vibe. This project was only the initiation of what’s to come, having you on the edge of your seat waiting for the “Good Fellas EP”, and whatever the Slugged Sounds movement is has up its sleeve.

March 21, 2021

Butterflies, Pins, and Needles.

Bridging the gap between street wear and high fashion, shit at times high art, Pins&Pluses is cementing itself as one of my favorite brands in the scene.

The inaugural drop for Pins&Pluses was 2019s “Time To Breathe” t shirt collection. Focusing on the themes of unity, reflection, and creativity. The photo shoot and accompanying video is what really captures Pins&Pluses vision and vibe for the brand. It’s on some high fashion shit without feeling like it’s doing to much. Def wish I would have picked one of these up when they dropped.

The white logo t shirt is a simple design for the brand but sometimes you just want to rock a straight up logo tee of your favorite brand. The aspect I like the most about Pins&Pluses vibe is their minimalist approach to design.

Following up the pair of summer releases the brand rolled out their most ambitious collection to date for Fall and Winter “A night in the country”. The gray hoodie is my favorite piece in the collection, working as a piece both man and women can rock. The gray color palette was a nice touch. This was a necessary evolution for the brand moving out of just the straight up logo tees into more of a lifestyle brand, while still keep that high fashion esthetic.

The brands last release at this moment is the “Pink Sky collage” t shirt that dropped top of 2020. Yet again another home run from the brand. Since it’s Florida most of the time all I’m rocking is a t shirt, so this collage design shirt was made for sunny spring days.

The brand has been on a bit of a break over the last year but that is understandable with the virus and everything. I’ve been hearing rumblings that Laurent and Chadddy.p are back in the studio work on some next level product. Now a days if it’s not Tampa Bay Sports gear, I’m only rocking product from homegrown designers. Pins&Pluses is definitely apart of that select few.

March 18, 2021

I’m Rockin With REACH!

Originally planned on including the homies at REACH in my “Across The Bridge” series but love everything they are doing so much I was like why not give them their own shit. Yes they are the premier Vlone location in all of Tampa Bay but it’s their own brands product that I vibe with the most. Everything is within REACH.

For me the essential REACH drop are the Air Forces 1s they blessed us with last year. These joints receive the highest complement I can give, feeling like they are an official collab directly from Nike. But that doesn’t really matter. The “Just REACH” ad campaign is what ultimately sets this release apart from pretty much anything else in the Tampa Bay Area.

From the hang tag to the REACH design on the tongue, the brand really pulled no punches. These small deatails as well as an incredible box design shows the love the brand really has in their product. These are super limited so I hope I am able to snag a pair on a restock.

REACH also drops limited pieces featuring numerous themes and designs. Has a horror fan this “Motel Hell” styled piece is a must have for me. They also dropped a few Tampa Bay Sports capsules featuring the brands take on some vintage Rays,Bolts, and Bucs pieces. We need a Rowdies and Raptors one for the summer.

This is the piece that started it all for me. After seeing Famous Kid Brick rock this piece in various pictures, as well as seeing it at almost every pop up or event I went to on both sides of the Bay, I had to find out what brand put out such a next level piece. From the Reach logo, to the palm tree, to the FL lotto sign on the side, this piece is essential for any Florida Jit. They go fast so don’t sleep on the next drop.

Besides their own product REACH is the main hub for everything Vlone, Supreme, and BAPE. They are really the only shop I know that has a good amount of vintage BAPE that is pre Nigo’s departure from the brand. The shops hosts a bunch of Vlone pop ups featuring exclusives from the brand.

Keeping it in the A$AP family, “Marino Infantry” YG Addie aka A$AP Ant’s Skate Team and brand is on the rise becoming one of the most sought after brands in the culture. Be on the look out for some big things to come between REACH and Marino Infantry.

Keep it locked to Jit Camp for everything REACH. The brand is doing some next level shit so tap in 727!

March 17, 2021

Across The Bridge Vol.1

As the St.Pete Sommelier, I decided to start a series were I check out some of the dope stuff the 813 has to offer. From food, to boba, to dope shops, the Jit has got you covered.

Wicked Oak BBQ is a spot I’ve been waiting to try ever since football season started. Due to only being able to attend games my trips across the bridge were shortened to only 2 games so now was my opportunity try Tampa’s best BBQ. I got the combo plate with ribs and pulled pork. The plate comes with two sides so you know I had to get the tots and greens, us Florida boys like our greens. The ribs were super on point falling off the bone, especially drenched with that Apple BBQ sauce. Everything at Wicked Oak is made to order so once they run out they out. Id highly recommend picking up a styrofoam cup of that “Wicked Juice”.

Next up on the hit list was Soleciety found in the heart of Down Town Tampa. What I liked most about Soleciety was the variety of items on display. They had your heat pieces as well as your general stuff anyone can pick up. They also had a nice vintage and Supreme rack to pair well with the kicks. Doesn’t hurt that they have a dope Tampa Bay Raptors shirt that they made themselves.

While in the DT area I decided to stop into “Fusion Bowl” a boba tea spot. Fusion doesn’t just have boba, they also feature a menu filled with some Vietnamese favorites like pho and Bahn Mi.

Haiku is one of my most anticipated new spots to check out in Tampa. Unfortunately I got their to early so they were not open yet, but their dinner menu and craft cocktails look life changing. Check back for a Haiku review on the next installment of “Across The Bay”.

March 16, 2021March 20, 2021

I’d Rather Jam Slug!

With the inaugural “Slugged Nites” on the horizon I wanted to take the opportunity to shed some light on the movement as well as my Jit Camp certified Slug Rap classics.

DJ Don Rock’s 2020 release “Welcome To The Players Club” is the blueprint for the Slugged Sound and the Slug Rap genre. Taking inspiration from the 1998 Bernie Mac classic “The Players Club”, The Don takes you on a slowed down ride throughout St.Pete.That’s not to say their aren’t some bangers on the project, Don Rocks music is what you get hype with in the club and what gets ya in your feelings after the club.

Not being biased but the record is super special to me. Laz Beats another key producer in the Slug movement, joined forces with me to craft the second essential Slug Rap project. Taking inspiration from the DBZ character we formed “Lord Slug”. Using the blueprint Don Rock gave us, Laz & I crafted the perfect Slugged Out mix that is guaranteed to have you “Jammin Slug”. Featuring tracks from some of my favorite artists like Bones and Freddie Gibbs there is something for everyone on the project. Laz did his thing on the mix, chopping up the tracks and hitting them with that reverb just like a Super Namekian. The vision all comes together with hands down the best cover art of 2021 crafted by the Abstract Poet.

Jerry Nova and BTMVLE Jotta will be hitting the stage performing tracks off their upcoming “Good Fellas“ EP. With plenty of solo work on the horizon for both maybe we can get a few sneaks peaks for their upcoming projects. Be on the look out for Jotta’s “Cheap Vacation” dropping soon.

At this point one of the most prominent figures in the St.Pete Hip Hop scenes, I know Tre Butler is going to kill his set. His 2018 project “What About Before?” is mad underrated and he’s got one of my favorite singles out right now “Guardian Angel”. If your a fan of crazy bars and flows, Tre is your guy.

The producers line up for the first event is crazy. Let me tell y’all now, this Rishi Beats set is about to be next level. Making a name for himself in the scene over the last few years, no one chops up a sample like Master Rishi. Diving more into the MC side of things I hope we get a sneak peak of what he’s been working on lately, if it’s anything like his new single “CHURCH” we are in for a treat fellow slugs.

Vinniethebeatdealer is one of 813 finest.

Whether you want that trap shit, boom bap, or some jazzy vibes Vinniethebeatdealer got you when it comes to production. Really hype to see what kind of vibe he brings to the set.

Hands down the food pop up king, Chef J.D. knows what flavors your palette wants before it even knows it. Who else out here making stuffed chicken wings with mozzarella. I am not the biggest fan of pasta dishes but anytime Chef J.D. is cooking you know the Jit has got to pull up. I heard Chef is blessing all the slugs at Slugged Nites with a loaded fries special you don’t wanna miss. Chef’s Choice is for the GOATS!

No one is killing the pop up pasta game like this.

The inaugural “Slugged Nites” event is stacked between all the artists, Djs, Producers, and vendors there is something for everyone, even Capi gettin on the ones and twos. So come out on 3/20 and support The Slugs and I, I guarantee you’ll be “Jammin Slug!”

March 15, 2021

St.Pete Hip Hop Pioneers: DJ Shurefire

Before he became the official DJ for YNW Melly, DJ Shurefire dominated the St.Pete party and club scene as the go to DJ. Bringing the best mixes and working with the cities top artists like Famous Kid Brick, Smoothie Bandz, and Playrunna AV, Shurefire showed how crucial a DJ can be in an artists career.

In the early days DJ Shurefire made a name for himself in the St.Pete Hip Hop scene as the go to DJ. Along with other big production companies at the time like So Excited ENT & Guta Sound Records, Shurefire was able to make or break the cities top artists. I remember him running the scene back in the day with Brick and Smoothie as well as with Black Boi and City Boi.

Once Shurefire became established he was able to start his own label “Call The Fire Department”, helping to break Florida’s top up and coming artists like Rod Wave & YMW Melly. Eventually touring with YMW Melly as his official DJ. No one talks shit on the beginning of tracks like Shurefire, especially on “Self Explanatory” with Playrunna Av.

Despite Melly and Smoothie being locked up at the time, DJ Shurefire has showed no signs of slowing down. Along with RodXTheXGod, Playrunna AV, and Cartier 500, Shurefire went back to his roots dominating the club scene most notably at Turbo Ultra Lounge. Shurefire always has his ear to the streets, so if he co signs an artist you better call the fire department!

March 14, 2021March 14, 2021

Second Saturdays At The Factory.

Every Second Saturday of the month The Factory St.Pete hosts an Art Walk showcasing some of the artists who have studios within The Factory and who have collaborated with The Factory in the past.

The main installation I was looking to check out this month was from bujikimo. I first saw the couch piece he made for the grand opening, as well as the piece he brought to Coastal for the “Lonely Fans” show. I saw some glimpses of the Bear Brick online but I had to see it in all its glory in person. By far my favorite bujikimo piece, it’s really dope how he added his esthetic to the bear brick canvas. The stop sign piece also on display was inventive as well as an unexpected canvas choice.

It always a joy for me to see some new work from Zulu Painter. I love how he is able to capture people’s faces. His versatility was really on display this month with the new clock piece he unveiled called “Time”. The eyes inside the clock are my favorite touch. The color pallet forms almost a kaleidoscope effect within the clock.

iBOMS is another main stay at The Factory. The main focus in both of these pieces are the blooms. In “Blooms of the mortal” The bloom appears to be taking the form of figure. Also notice the head is cut off. In “Unsweetened Love” the pig character can’t handle the taste of the blooms causing him to spit them out.

One of my favorite pieces still on display is the collab piece between iBOMS & Zulu Painter. Pretty much a mash up of both styles, since they are two of my favorite artists how could I not love this one. It’s the skeletor grill for me. Plan on picking this piece up in the coming week if it’s still available fingers crossed!

No one makes a collage like the abstract.

Abstract Poet is becoming one of my favorite artists. His collage style is like none I have seen before. I was lucky enough to have Abstract Poet create the cover art for the Jit Camp presents: Laz Beats- Lord Slug project. Hopefully one day I can get that actually made into a physical piece, that would be next level.

Beyo had a couple pieces on display. I am unfamiliar with his work but I really dug this Travis Scott piece. It was a dope touch to capture the cactus jack colorway esthetic for the piece.

The Nature Of Fire is doing some next level work.

Two of my favorite Factory residents Gio’s Typos & The Nature Of Fire are always a joy to see. Gio is a poetry guru. The Nature Of Fire had some new pieces she has been experimenting with on display, she definitely has a dope little collection on her hands.

Saint Paint has been killing it with the murals.

While I was at The Factory I had to show love and check out the new Saint Paint mural he just finished for The Fairgrounds. Each letter captures a piece of Florida, and who doesn’t love a good post card. Can’t wait to see what’s in store at The Fairgrounds but I’ll be picking up my charter membership this week.