Drogotdoe- IPhone Gang Pt.2 Video Review

Drogotdoe follows up his classic track “IPhone Gang”, with a sequel track and video, but this time he’s brining the gang along featuring YZM, Richie Guapo, and Hussein. You already know Kushh Newton is back on production, and the one and only Cmpser sets the vibe with visuals.

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The original “IPhone Gang” off Dro’s second 813 Essential Album “No Call 4 Help” is one of my favorite tracks of all time, so you already know I was hype for the sequel, especially with the rogues gallery of artist Dro and Kushh enlisted for the sequel. The beat on this installment is a bit more laid back, giving off a feel good beach casino vibe. Dro did his thing as always on the track, delivering one of the best hooks of the year.

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The way the verses are spliced up throughout the song was very clever, giving each artist their own time to shine. Guapo brought that Prettyboyguap esthetic he has been perfecting all 2022. It was dope to hear him on some more laid back production, reminiscent to the “Hot Boy” days.

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“The Icon” YZM did his thing, brining some gravitas to the already stacked record. The rage god always comes through with mad quotables, and catchy ad libs that will have you reppin gang with each listen.

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MACIBISION’s own Hussein was a real stand out on the track. His flows and word play was real off the cuff, with some solid imagery to make it click. Some of my favorite lines where the ones describing Hussein’s liar and weaponry. Can’t wait to see what’s next from the homie.

If I wasn’t already hype for the upcoming Dro project this track definitely solidified that even further. Really dope way to go about making a sequel for a classic record that still resonates on both sides of the bay to this day, doing what a sequel should do, be bigger.

Palm Pact- Emerald Era

One of the most consistent collectives in the burg Palm Pact, releases their follow up to 2020s “Armada”, with “Emerald Era” a project packed with beats and rhymes dedicated to the locals.

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We officially enter the “Emerald Era” with “Soul Of Emerald”. Ryan Rev is one of a kind on the hook adding, a soulful melody to the triumph beat. Low key a posse cut, Euphemistic brings a more lyrical take to the track, while Bomber comes through with the hazy punch lines. Kai Ken closes the track with a barrage of bars. Hook of the year contender.

“Sad In The Morning” is a bit somber, but I dig the way Bomber rides over the bouncy beat. Ryan Rev does his thing once again on the hook. That “blasting off like team rocket” line by Euphemistic is a stand out.

“Catch Me Rollin” is that late night smokers anthem. This hook from Ryan Rev is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. The storytelling elements from Kai Ken and Euphemistic, make the track fee a bit more personal.

“Eye Of The Storm” is on some cloud rap vibes. The slower flows fit the slowed drugged out feel of the song. I really mess with Euphemistic’s sped up flow towards the mid point of the track.

“Nauseous” features Bomber on the beat. Ryan Rev is usually known for his vocals but he pulls up on the track with a sped up flow and some hard hitting bars. Bomber did his thing on the hook.

“Tell Me What You Want” features one of my favorite beats on the project. Once again Ryan Rev snaps with the vocals, bro is a hook master. Anyone can relate to this track. Things pick up a bit once the beat switches up and Euphemistic pulls up on the track.

“How Ya Feelin’” is a nice smooth track. Bomber comes through on the first verse, brining a different vibe than he normally does. That “Yabba Dabba Doo” line from Ryan Rev was a stand out for sure.

“8 Rings” is an ode to the GOAT. Hands down one of my favorite hooks on the project. This one is a certified banger. I dig that low key west coast vibe on the production. Just a barrage of bars and flows from the whole Pact.

“Going Against the Grain” has a melancholic tone to it but at the end of the day if you keep it 100, shit will be straight. I really enjoyed how personal Euphemistic got on his verse.

“Selling Pot In The Parking Lot” is an anthem. Straight banger from the homie Bomber on production. I could just hear a whole crowd chanting the hook. We definitely need some visuals for this one.

“Sold Again” features a hazy island beat. Kai Ken had a dope flow on this track. The song concept is a really nice idea, very relatable.

“Pan Out” has that bouncy vibe. This song is all about growth. If you never take a chance, who knows what will happen. This album has a couple tracks for the ladies on it and this was my favorite one.

“Top Tier Titan” features a glitchy banger from Bomber. Between the group some of my favorite tracks are when Kai Ken and Bomber collab.

“Who It Is” is so wavy mane. Easily one of my stand out beats from the production. Ryan Rev did his thing on the backing vocals, adding some heft to the song.

“Mountaintop” is a very uplifting song. We all have goals in this world, using each day to its fullest to reach the mountaintop. Whenever Euphemistic and Kai Ken are on a track together, you can expect sick flows and catchy lines here and there.

The project ends with the “Palm Pact Cypher IV”. All the members of the Pact show what they got going bar for bar over a Jolly Green beat. It was dope how they made the cypher into an actual song, rather than just spitting. The double time flows from Ryan Rev and Euphemistic really stood out.

There is definitely a place in the Tampa Bay Hip Hop scene for Palm Pact. I enjoy there feel good local vibe, with tracks on smoking and good vibes. My biggest takeaway is Ryan Rev though, that boy did his thing with the vocals, taking a lot of these songs to another realm with his hooks and backing vocals. Whether it’s solo efforts or another gang project, I’ll for sure be checking back in to see what’s next from the Pact.

Chase Your Ave

Built on the philosophy of “Chasing Your Own Avenue”, Ave89 Clothing debuts its brand new slide and hat collection, for all the Ave Chasers to enjoy.

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Coming in black as well as orange color ways, the new Ave89 slides are the epitome of style and comfort. Ave Chasers can keep it simple with the black and white combo, or spice it up a bit with that orange color way.

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What’s a dope pair of slides without the hat to match. Hats are a key component to solidifying an identity, and Ave89 hit a Bullseye with this one. Both color ways have rockability at all times but, I would personally go with the classic black and white for that smooth look.

Agent Orange

Ave89 Clothing continues to push the limits with each release, furthering the story and philosophy that the brand has bestowed in onto the community. Remember Ave Chasers, keep chasing your Avenue to the fullest.

AI Of The Beholder

Multidisciplinary artists DATASYNCED is pushing the boundaries of what AI technology can handle, peaking into the future, on the cusp of bringing our wildest dreams to life.

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While the focus is on the future, DATASYNCED has used AI to get a glimpse at what vacation spots, wild life, spas, as well as what a dystopian pollution filed future could hold for Earth.

Heal
Wellness

In a future filled with remote work, what will a traditional work space or place of business look like. Would these experimental work retreats be the norm. Once your subconscious is numb would humans be able to go back to their past habits

Water

These experimental concepts for Alkaline Water & Desalination Plants. Due to miss use the risk of losing our clean water supply down the road is a real possibility. It’s time we take the necessary steps to try and figure out an alternative. The desalination or removing the salt from saline water could be one answer to that problem. DATASYNCED has used the AI to generate what these Desalination Plants could look like.

Take A Deep Breath
Relax

With all the recent reports of our air quality getting worse, DATASYNCED locked in with the AI technology to create Oxygen Priority Suites designed to increase air quality. Being a person with asthma I can relate to the answers DATA is searching for.

Health
Hospital

With hospitals these days being so drab and undesirable places, what if the hospital was a bit livelier, would it result in a better environment for those on deaths door, or even those for a short stay. What if you could make your hospital room, feel more like home at the touch of a button.

Mask Up

Depicted in the above scenarios is what the AI spit out when DATASYNCED inquired about 2030 climate change. You thought the masks during COVID where bad, imagine having to use them at all times due to how polluted the air is. Long sleeves and jumpsuits will become the norm, to protect our entire body from contamination. Due to the harsh changes, the sky’s color will begin to change, almost decaying.

Filter that
Who Am I

If y’all think privacy is an issue now just wait until the future. Filters on your phone are just the beginning, wait until we are able to utilize them out in the real world, merging what is real and what is fake. People bitch about finger scanners, it’s only a matter of time before you will be Face ID to get into your records.

Spa
Hot Springs

It’s not all bad in the future! These Artificial Geothermal Spring images could be the cure for ultimate relaxation. The hot springs and tub are all one. What if there was a way to make these springs available in all areas, sort of like a deluxe spa experience. Who knows it could even be possible to have this experience in your own backyard.

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Wild Life

With various species of wild life being depleted each year it could only be a matter of time before we need to rely on AI animals and insects to take their place, continuing the flow of the ecosystem like nothing ever happen. Personally I feel like this would be a sad outcome. If cloning isn’t up to snuff by then this system could be used to replace animals that are used more for labor, but imagine a whole AI based rainforest, kind of eerie.

The possibilities are vast for what AI technology could do for us in the future. From music, to art, to aspects that will effect our daily routine, it is crucial for artists like DATASYNCED to keep pushing to boundaries of what AI can handle, furthering our journey into the future faster than we know it,

Messenger Tasks

Following up their inaugural “China Shop Bull” release, Concealed United is back with the “Messenger Tasks” collection.

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With Fall in full swing and Winter just around the corner, I was hoping Concealed would come through with some gear aimed for the colder months.

Good For Nothing
Essentials

Every good messenger needs a bag to carry their messages, now this is all possible with the “Good For Nothing” tote. The purple on purple hits real well on the cream colored bag. Purple is one of my favorite colors so it’s a winner for me. The tote itself looks pretty sturdy, allowing for it to be packed to the brim.

Protector Ringer
Concealed

The brand new “Protector Ringer” tee is essential for any fan of the brand. Featuring the “Concealed Protector” on the back of the tee, and the Concealed Untied logo we all know and love on the pocket. It’s not often you see the ringer look being used instead of a basic tee but I’m for it.

Rogue
Team Grey

The “Rogue” crewneck is my favorite piece Concealed has dropped to date, other than the statement piece patchwork denim. I am big on crewnecks, especially this time of the year. Not to mention anything Grey is guaranteed to catch my fancy, you already know it’s Team Grey 4L. I also mess with the through the woods graphic on the front.

Once again Concealed Untied did it again with another amazing drop. I like that Chad & the team are focusing on quality small drops, with a variety of pieces, rather than just dropping a bunch of tees. The brand is slowly forming its identity, and I am happy to support it, watching the story grow before our very eyes.

813 Essential Reviews: Asaru- All Praises Due

Tampa Bay newcomer Asaru proved he could hang with the scenes top emcees on his sophomore effort “All Praises Due”, delivering the city an 813 Essential Album, during one of its darkest times.

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2020 was a rough year for everyone and that can be felt throughout this project. In a way I am sure these songs acted as therapy to help the listener but also the man himself get through life’s struggles.

The project starts with “Amen”. News footage is played depicting the rise of COVID, the death of George Floyd, and other major moments that happened in 2020. Being from NYC, Asaru has a great voice for Hip Hop. That sound is really missing in Tampa Bay and I am glad he is adding that flavor to our growing melting pot. Bars and flows are mad on point, he’s spitting the truth but it doesn’t come off as lyrical miracle. Once the 808s kick in towards the end, we get a little Down South flavor.

“Pray” features a piano laced beat with hard hitting production. Asaru is a very relatable emcee. Everyone needs a prayer sometimes. The hook could come off corny in the wrong hands but Asaru pulls it off with ease. With the odds stacked in his favor Asaru is able to overcome all the obstacles.

“Need Sun’n” is a certified banger. I really dig his interpretation of “Ha”. Once he spits “Oh it’s lit”, bro just goes crazy over the beat. Asaru hands down has one of the best flows in the game once he hits that pocket. Some could feel Asaru comes off as preachy on some tracks, but he’s just spitting that real talk.

The title track “All Praises Due” brings Asaru back to his Boom Bap roots, and I’m all here for it. Hard hitting beats and even harder bars. I feel down the road this is gonna go down as one of Asaru’s classic records.

“Underdog” is for anyone coming from the bottom. The flute based sample adds a bit of a bop feel that works as a nice change of pace at this point in the album. One of my favorite hooks on the project. Really dope way for the beat to just ride out.

The “Hallway” interlude puts a lot in perspective, allowing Asaru to gather his thoughts.

“Everyday” featuring Michaela Paladio and DJ Sandman is a Tampa Bay Classic at this point. From the scratching of Sandman, to Michaela providing those nostalgic vocals. Asaru pretty much gives us a slice of life in one song. Amazing record showing love to both his old and new home.

The project ends out on the melancholic “Look What He Did / Amari”. More thought provoking lyrics from Asaru, contemplating money and fame with a simple life. Asaru sees his true potential, and will continue to strive to be the best. Yo that beat switch at the end is a moment foreal. The last few bars are a shout out to his younger brother, making the album feel a bit more personal.

With the 1 Year Anniversary of this project just passing I wanted to show it some love. Asaru is really carving out his own lane in the Tampa Bay scene, showing that you can come from the outside and still make shit shake, if you got the bars and bravado to back it up.

Zhudaru1963- Skin Tone Single Review

Zhudaru1963 delivers something for the ladies on the DJ Donnie Luv assisted “Skin Tone”.

Following up one of the years best singles “Trap Marley”, I was interested to see what would come next out of the Zhu. With no full project announced as of yet, I’m cool with loose singles dropping from time to time just to show the rest of the game what’s up.

I like as of late that Zhu is having fun, becoming a bit more playful with his latest tracks. If “Trap Marley” was for the streets, than “Skin Tone” has got to be for the ladies. That’s not to say that fellas can’t get down to the track as well, the beat is to good not to get ya moving, plus that hook instantly will get stuck in your head.

The Sluggs come to the Zhu, when Donnie Luv comes through to add some ad libs, and talk that talk. Her gravitas added to the song for sure, and you know I had to get hype when two of the burgs biggest collectives come together.

I can almost assume we will get some visuals for this joint soon so be on the look out for that. You can already bet this is going to get heavy rotation on “The New Tampa Bay” playlist, so don’t sleep.

And Ya Say Drop City

Conceived back in 2020 prior to COVID, Gat$ had the idea to get all the rappers in Tampa together to create one big gang project for the city. At the time this project was dubbed “Drops & Robbers”. With COVID putting a stop to that plan, the idea has been revived as the “Drop City Collective”.

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With a slew of tracks in the cut the first joint to put all of Florida on notice was the “XXL Freestyle” featuring artists from Tampa, as well as the 727s own Dabron Kain. The Key Kartel’s own Heavykev provided the piano based beat for all the emcees to go in own. Lil Fancy always kills it over a Kev beat, it was nice to see him start things off. Gat$ did his thing, spitting that wrist talk. I was unfamiliar with The Black Ace but he did his thing. Barely Legal brought their zany attitude to the freestyle, and it was dope hearing them in this environment. REASY brought that southern esthetic to the freestyle. Jay Browne ripped it as always. That “Marcus Camby” line was a standout. It was nice to see the burg get some representation with the homie Dabron Kain coming through. It was dope how he changed up his flow mid verse. Flex Winter closed the freestyle out with some street vibes, since it is Drop City. Contender for Posse Cut of the year.

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The second single “Cujo” brings out that feel good vibe from Tampa. The Heavykev and Gat$ produced track has a feel good vibe. Tampa Bay legend Famous Kid Brick pulls up to add some gravitas to the song.

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Working as the collectives first EP, this installment features one of my favorite tracks “Keisha” featuring heavy hitters Scxtt Aye & Asaru. It was dope to hear Benny The Butcher pop up in the beginning. Pretty sure he was supposed to have a verse but Def Jam bullshitting. Gat$ returns again on production providing a subdued beat and verse but you have no choice but to nod your head. Scxtt Aye is having a Hall Of Fame year in 2022, and this verse adds to it. Asaru is one of my favorites in Tampa Bay right now. It’s always a treat when a bunch of spitters get together.

“Diamonds Dance” is my shit yo. Perception killed it with the beat. If Lil Fancy doesn’t get you ready for war on the opening verse I’m not sure what will. Not gonna lie I think this is my favorite Jay Browne verse now, I just love his confidence and energy, you really feel it when he’s touches the mic. Gat$ snapped with that “Contra” and “Blanca” rhyme scheme that probably went over most of y’all’s head.

“Trauma” was featured on Gat$ edition of Saturday Sermon for beatsnchill813. It was nice to hear the official track version on this EP. Gat$ is really slept on as a producer, and I’m glad this project gives me an opportunity to hear other people on his beats.

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“Kiccstand” is giving me big Ybor City energy. Gat$ and Heavykev out did themselves again on a production tip, especially on that horn beat breakdown. Glad to see Flex Winter pop up again, he’s always been one of my favorite spitters. Haven’t heard much from Perception but his work with Drop City has definitely put me on. The homie Richie Guapo finally pulls up on a Drop City release, fitting the vibe to a tee. Famous Kid Brick adds that catchy flavor at the end, as well as that gravitas he always brings to a single.

Despite being just a demo “Fake Opps” is a big vibe. The feel good island vibe is bound to get any party moving. It was nice to see Zae pop up on a track, he’s been doing his thing lately. When I head the beat I instantly thought Pusha Preme should be on this and I got my wish. Gat$ brings more of an introspective vibe to the song which was a nice change of pace.

With the next Drop SZN on the horizon it’s only a matter of time before we get more from the Drop City Collective. Between the making of docs and the small samplings so far, the idea of unity and just making dope music for the city will only make us stronger. Tampa will win!

Saturday Sermons S2

With the end of Season 2 of the Saturday Sermons live performance web series powered by beatsnchill813 I decided to highlight each edition of this latest season.

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Saturday Sermons highlights one producer and one emcee, each week to come on and spit a freestyle. Each emcee brings their own style to the Sermon, allowing each installment to have a different vibe. It’s also a great opportunity to hear some of your favorite artists over different production, or in a different setting.

Ep.1 REASY

Season 2 kicked off with REASY, who brought southern vibes to the triumphant beat provided by Six6ThAve. REASY exudes confidence on the mic. Towards the middle of his verse REASY comes through with the sped up flow. I haven’t peeped any of his projects but after this sermon I have no choice but to do my homework.

Ep.2 Sam E Hues

The homie Sam E Hues pulled up for episode 2 of the season. Guy Avrg brings out a hard hitting beat for Same, who is no stranger to Avrg’s production, with the man producing Hues’ latest effort “When Tigers Used To Smoke.” Mr.Hues is always guaranteed to bring Down South vibes with his southern twang flow, and pimp tyte bars. It was nice to see Sam really go off on some hard hitting production.

Ep.3 Tre Butler

Yessir repping the 727, the homie Tre Butler puts on for the burg, ripping one of the best sets from the entire season. Young Swedish Prodigy handled the production on this one, which caught me off guard since Tre & Six6ThAve have worked in the past. Tre spits a damn near 5 minute set over the “Phantom Of Synths” like beat. The storytelling is next level. If it wasn’t made clear before Tre is one of the best lyricist on both sides of the bay.

Ep.4 Vern SR

Vern SR provides that laid back vibe for his episode, over his own production of coarse. Vern’s smooth energy was a nice change up, from the bar heavy episodes prior. That’s not to say Vern isn’t spitting that shit, he is just with his own game and style. Every time I hear some new shit from Vern I get even more excited for his next project.

Ep.5 Pusha Preme

One of my anticipated artists to see on the Saturday Sermon platform was Pusha Preme. I don’t think I have heard Preme over Guy Avrg production yet but they are a match made in heaven. This shit reminds me of “Before I Say, I Do” era Preme, where he was letting dudes have it. Preme can still come through with the bars, and this sermon put everyone on notice.

Ep.6 Gat$

Mr.Rolling Loud himself Gat$ has been on a crazy run as of late. His edition of the sermon added to that with him providing one of my favorite sermons this season, over his own production. The piano laced beat was used for a lot of Saturday Sermons promo this season, so it was dope to see things come full circle on this episode.

Ep.7 Nico Sweet

Episode 7 featured one of my favorite artists of 2022, Nico Sweet. Her energy and feel good vibe always gets me hype during a live show, and her sermon was no different. With Beat Gawd handling the jazzy production, this sermon is full of life. Nico keeps it short and sweet, but it definitely got me intrigued to see her over jazzier production.

Ep.8 Jay Browne

The season finale for Season 2 featured the one and only Jay Browne. Bro has been the king of feature verses for the past few years, so I was instantly hype when they announced he’d be closing out the season. SixThAve returns to finish of the season as well, delivering a hard hitting sample based beat for the Bay Area Bully. That “Clone Wars” line was so cold. Just like Tre, Browne damn near reaches the 5 min mark, which is a feat in its own right.

Other than the podcast and events they throw, big shout out to beatsnchill813 for providing artists and producers a platform to just spit their stuff without restraints. Can’t wait to see what Season 3 brings, fingers crossed on some of my favorite spitters like BTMVLE Jotta, Deleteeglitch, Sunny Fritz, and Junkyrd making the cut for next year.

9henom- Playtime!

The multitalented 9henom takes us on a ride with his latest demo project “Playtime!”.

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“Applause” starts things off, with 9henom hitting that double time flow. The subdued beat allows you to fully take in 9henom’s vocals. I really mess with that echo effect used towards the end of the song.

“Plastic (Rough)” brings that playful vibe 9henom is known for when it comes to production. The wonky beat fits 9henom’s scattered flow on this one. The beat on this track reminds me of some Wii sports vibes.

“Mc Royale With Cheese” has a funky vibe to it. 9henom hits the double time flow a bit on this track, hitting the listener with a barrage of bars. You can really hear the fun 9henom is having just spitting off the dome. I’d like to see visuals for this one.

The “Palm Trees (Interlude)” is a different vibe. I dig the almost disco vibe from the production. Not many people can pull off a track like this but 9henom has the vocal range to nail it.

“Faded” has a bit of a grungy vibe to it at first, but when 9henom starts spitting it comes of more lighthearted. Dope track to sing along with.

“Piggyback” produced by 7spellz has a bit of Soufien3000 sound to it. The touches of chopped and screwed elements add to the more braggadocious tones in the song. The vocal change up towards the end of each verse are a nice change of pace.

“My God” is hard hitting but also soulful. Some of my favorite 9henom tracks are the one that have a bit of Drum and Bass sound, with his higher pitched vocals over it, giving the track a nostalgic almost disco sound.

“Dénouement” is so epic. 9henom’s flow and rhyme scheme fits the atmospheric beat. 9henom really brings it with the bars, showing he is a top tier emcee in the scene. One of my favorite songs on the album.

“Joker” closes out the project on some cool laid back vibes. This that song you just play chilling pool side. This track has a tad bit of West Coast energy which really works for me. That “Hills Have Eyes” line was so cold. Really chill song.

The only thing this project is missing is “Tru Story” but I feel that will make its way onto 9henom’s next project. For a demo album this is really good quality. It’s been a minute since we heard from 9henom and he picked up right where he left off. Shout out to The Playground.