jitcamp – Jit Camp

June 5, 2024

A Gulf Coast Revolution In Real Time

Over the last seven months or so a group of about 20 like minded folks have been operating an independent online radio station in the Gulf Coast of Florida, called Sector FM. The station has garnered a cult following with a few hundred listeners tuning in each Sunday. The station and its residents are our neighbors ushering in a movement most of us can relate to on a daily basis. This is what makes my connection with Sector FM so special.

A majority of the residents broadcast for about one hour weekly, which translates to about 15-20 tracks per episode. The station usually goes live for the entirety of Sunday but also splices in some shows on Wednesday for a mid week vibe. If you have missed out on past episodes or want to relive some of your favorite moments, check out the archive found on Mixcloud.

I think the diversity of styles found amongst the residents is what makes Sector FM so special. You can get put on to the station by Radio NHO, but throughout your stay can end up getting put on to shows by Johnny Champagne and Alien House. Now I look forward to hearing all the shows from each resident, to indulge in whatever new tracks are fancying them as of late.

Some of my favorite new shows I have been put on to as of late are Champagne Radio hosted by the one and only Johnny Champage, and any time Zoo Ghostly drops a dedicated Hip Hop mix like the Nas episode and most recently the Madlib episode. The Alien House shows have really been sparking my interest as of late so add them to the list as well.

Of course I have my favorites though. Radio NHO hosted by my brother Raheem Fitzgerald is a must listen each show. Reminiscent of his “Fix My Brain” playlist each show puts you into the mind of the Abstract Poet, crafting a bridge between his musical influences and his art. The Searchers Hour hosted by They Hate Change is always bound to either put me on to a new track that gets put into the weekly rotation, or reminds me of one I had deep in my brains archive like Jet Life “Still”. Cowboy Radio hosted by the homie Takeo Faison is always a vibe. It’s dope to see Cowboy flex his muscles in a different arena other than on a canvas or cloth.

The movement has gained so much steam around the Gulf Coast that residents have been popping up at live shows, further brining the community together by getting us all under one roof. If I know one thing, the Gulf Coast supports its own and will definitely show out at each of these live events.

The revolution is real and it ain’t stopping. With new residents being thrown into the mix at a rapid pace, and live events rocking out, Sector FM is in a special place right now. I look forward to seeing the station and its residents grow as well as the thriving community we call home in the Gulf Coast.

May 30, 2024May 30, 2024

Behold The Grave Mix Site!

Behold The Grave Mix Site, the homie Deezy Wee The Reaper cooked up an online pop up shop for all those that indulge in the Grave Mix!

From tees, to swim trucks, to bucket hats the Grave Mix site as it all. It’s really dope to see all this dope merch being made so we can rep the Grave Mix at all times.

One of my favorite items added to the store is the black tee with the green Grave Mix logo. This is a standard tee to rock when you wanna rep the mix. Can’t wait to rock this one on a podcast. Fingers crossed on a grey tee with a purple logo next drop.

With summer upon us these black swim truck with that green Grave Mix logo will be essentials. Shit even if you’re not hitting the beach or the pool these have a daily rockability to them when you just want to cool down. Plus with the matching tee, you cant miss.

The white and green slippers are too cozy. These joints are made to just kick back and relax. Definitely see a pair of these in my future.

The bucket hat is a Deezy staple. What better way to rep the mix than the all over print bucket hat.

Add a little something extra to your phone with the all over Grave Mix print phone case. Protect your phone and rep the mix all at the same time.

Deezy been putting people on to the rally towels man. It’s hot out here in sunny Tampa Bay. What better way to cool off than a Grave Mix towel. It also makes a dope statement piece to go with the bucket hat.

With items ranging at all price points, picking up at least one piece from the drop should be a no brainer for supporters of Deezy and the Grave Mix. In the future I would love to see that grey and purple tee, as well as a dad hat option for the Grave Mix hats. Grave Mix shorts and slides would be a dope touch as well. The Grave Mix is a crucial piece of what makes the Tampa Bay Hip Hop community what it is so show them some love.

May 6, 2024

9henom- Sex, Lies, & Videotape

Ushering in the “Prism Media” era, 9henom delivers his first solo masterpiece “ Sex, Lies, & Videotape”, a film inspired project filled with honesty and introspection.

Following the transition from “Playground” to “Prism Media” I was interested to see what route 9henom would approach following up his 2022 effort “Playtime!” a nod to the former company, as well as Jacques Tati’s French comedy classic. Once the title dropped paying homage to Steven Soderbergh’s 1989 debut classic “ Sex, Lies, & Videotape”, I knew I was in for a treat. Each track on the album has a title referencing a few of my favorite films as well, so I already dug the direction 9henom was going.

The project starts out with “Rushmore” featuring Aja Iman & Kay Dank. Giving a nod to Wes Anderson’s classic “Rushmore” the intro track sets the stage for the album, setting up like one of Max Fischer’s plays from the movie. The soft piano has a nice vibe, elevating 9henom’s sped up flow. The part when 9henom gets quiet was a nice touch on the song. Great tone setter.

“Prisoners” a nod to the Denis Villeneuve film if of the same name, takes us back to 9henom’s child hood days locked in his own mental prison. The vocals on this track are so on point adding to the emotion. This is probably 9henom’s most introspective track to date and I really respect him for going all out on this one. Mad bars on this one especially the cartridge line. Real melancholy track but it really hits your soul.

“Silver Linings Playbook” sharing the name with the David O. Russell film, puts 9henom in a more warped slowed down realm. This joint has a more laid back stoned out vibe. OK Tav and the homie Stoney Hoop came through and did their thing on this one. The production on this one is wild.

“Requiem For A Dream” might be my new favorite 9henom track. The vibe is all there for me. Really dope flow and bars on top of a chilled out beat. The video teaser for this one is also very dope. Not as dark as the Aronofsky film it’s based on but it’s a bop for sure. All bars no hook.

“Dirty Dancing” is on that soulful boom bap shit. You already know when the homie BTMVLE Jotta gets on a track it’s going to be a bar fest. Can’t wait to hear what’s cooking from these to in the future, they brought up the anticipation with this one. 9henom hits us with that sped up flow once again over that lush production. Jotta takes us to church with qutoables for days. That award shows line was picture perfect. And yes you already know shout out to them Bucs baby. Jotta is for sure in contention with verse of the year for this track.

“Birdman” takes us back on a darker note, with a more menacing beat than anything else on this project. The background drums remind me of the score of the Iñárritu film of the same name. Short but sweet, I dig the change of pace this song provided at this point in the album.

“Ex Machina” featuring JC Tha God is a certified banger. The Alex Garland film is one of my all time favorites so when I saw the title I got hype, and with JC on it you already knew it was going to be a bar fest. The voice switches by 9henom was a nice touch on the hook. 9henom’s flow on the second verse is impeccable, he went crazy. JC did his thing for sure proving why he is the “Hidden Gem” of Tampa Bay Hip Hop. That tic tac toe line was nuts. That water line was even crazier, on top of the craziest flows I have heard from JC to date on the beat switches. Another verse of the year contender.

“Yojimbo” the first single released off the project instantly caught my eye with the nod to Akira Kurosawa’s classic samurai filk “Yojimbo”. The beginning notes from 9henom set the tone for one of my favorite songs of the year. The somber beat is the perfect soundscape for 9henom to free his mind. Don’t ever stop bro.

The project closes out on a happier note with uplifting piano rift on “American Hustle”, another nod to David O. Russell. The video for this one set a nice tone as well, with 9henom roaming around the city. The different vocal transitions on this track are what make it stand out, that’s not to say it’s not an onslaught of bars, but a perfect blending of the two. Amazing way to end out the project, and watch the credits roll.

The growth is crazy on this project. All the different styles and sounds 9henom has been working on with his past projects all marinated so well together on this one. The singing and vocal transitions complemented the sick flows and bars that are sprinkled throughout the whole project. Not to mention the film references, that I haven’t heard tackled so well in a project since West Coast Emcee Blu’s masterpiece “Her Favorite Color”. I appreciate the honesty and heart 9henom put into this project, and that’s why it will be no surprise when it appears on my end of the year list.

I wish I made it out to the show “Rose Colored Lenses, And How They May Fall” show to get the full experience but maybe we will get some footage dropped or better yet an encore of the show for audiences in the 727. Big shout out to the homie 9henom, can’t wait to see what’s next with Prism Media, the growth is unreal.

May 6, 2024May 6, 2024

#Collective: A New Age

The age of the Crucible Collective is upon us. The clergy has blessed us with an inaugural scarf drop that is bound to have you dripped up above the masses.

Featuring the name sake Crucible Collective on one side, and an all over Crucible monogram print on the other this is a go to piece for anyone throughout all seasons. With custom woven brand tags and top tier quality this is a can’t miss drop for folks looking to add that little extra to their fit.

In the Crucible I trust. This drop is very limited and only available at this point through DM only, so hit up the homie Moose. I am sure a good amount of these are already gone so don’t sleep on this one.

With an upcoming website, drops, and roll outs the future is looking bright for the Crucible Collective. With jewelry at the forefront you let the Crucible Collective introduce you to “Alchemy At Its Finest”, ushering in a new age. “The individual is the collective, the collective is the individual.”

May 2, 2024

Knux & BTMVLE Jotta- Medicine Man Single Review

The cult favorite artist and producer tag team of Knux & BTMVLE Jotta are at your doorstep with a brand new single “Medicine Man” featuring a 70s horror film esque beat and bars that could kill.

No strangers to each other the team of Knux and Jotta are building on the sound they ushered in on their last track “Figure 8”, merging dirty south flavor and values with 90s Boom Bap sampling and sensibilities.

On this new track “Medicine Man” KNUX provides a dreamy yet haunting soundscape for the “Medicine Man” himself BTMVLE Jotta to deliver his prescriptions in more ways than one.

Once that initial trailer dropped with the technicolor 70s vibe they had me with this one, being a big fan of film I caught the references instantly. Jotta for sure is a contender for top lyricist on both sides of the bay, with this track being one of his many stakes at that crown. With lines like “When Hellfire rain down we need bullet proof umbrellas” his words are undeniable.

Whether it’s with his words or the herbs BTMVLE Jotta is the “Medicine Man”, healing all that care to listen and striking fear in those who don’t. I dig the artist producer bag Jotta is in right now working with Knux, Bauxmonk, and 9henom respectively. Hopefully down the road we can get collab projects with Jot and all of these producers down the road but time will tell. For now we can all bask in the beats and bars until the “Medicine Man” returns with our next refill.

April 22, 2024

Deezy Wee The Reaper- Unholy Revenge

The creator of the “Grave Mix” Deez Wee The Reaper drops his highly anticipated debut project “Unholy Revenge”.

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”!

April 18, 2024April 18, 2024

Johnny Adama- Moonroof

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”.

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.

April 18, 2024April 18, 2024

AUXHILARY

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.

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.

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.

August 18, 2023

Madmanbeatz & Nico Suave- Random Delusions EP

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”.

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.

July 30, 2023July 31, 2023

Big Racks- Lift-Off EP

Big Racks gives fans a taste of what’s to come on his latest effort Lift-Off EP.

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.