jitcamp – Page 29

May 31, 2021

It’s Tha Circle

After hearing his name being shouted out on various 727 classics throughout the years, as well as dropping a classic collab EP “MUD!”in his own right with RodxThexGod, the time has finally come for his highly anticipated project. Playrunna AV is the “Motivator”.

Playrunna AV makes the sort of Trap Music that made me fall in love with genre back in the day when I was a jit. The lyrics are more about the trap mindstate and the hustle that comes along with that, rather than just talking about how many guns you got and how many drugs you got. Playrunna’s cool delivery allows the audience to take in all the game he’s putting down. I just picture him in a smoke filled booth with the shades on.

Playrunna is no stranger to making those street anthems, and the homie found another one on “Get Ya Money Up”. This track hands down is gonna be the anthem of the summer, especially if he’s got a video in the works. If this song doesn’t motivate you to wanna get your ass up and go get that bread, than you must just be a buster.

“Ballin On Purpose” is one of my favorite Playrunna AV tracks already. I really loved the song structure as well as the different sounds that pop up throughout the beat. This is definitely one of those flexin tracks you throw on while your gettin ready for the club or function.

On “No Love” we get some introspective vibes from Playrunna. Dealing with success can be hard for some especially for the people around you. Eventually a hater or buster is gonna pop up in the circle but it’s all good cause we ain’t showin them “No Love” like AV says. It’s the sort of boss lessons like this that separate Playrunna from the rest.

The final track “Believe” ends the album out on an inspirational note, with the man himself spitting facts on the intro of the track. AV’s flow on this track is impeccable. I like how at the end AV still shows y’all he can hit ya with that drug talk when he wants.

It would be really dope if AV shot a mini movie with like a blaxploitation vibe featuring all the songs. At Jit Camp during PE we only bumping that Playrunna AV to keep everyone motivated through the work out. This EP is fire front to back of some of the hardest music ever to come out of the 727. Always trust in Tha Circle!

May 28, 2021

You Ain’t Right With REACH, If You Ain’t Right With God.

Coming off the “Script” collection one of my favorite drops of the year, the homies from REACH are hittin y’all with the uppercut on this “Testament” collection that was just made for them sunny Tampa Bay summer days.

The Tampa Bay Tropics color way is brazy.

The slogan that inspired the capsule was made famous in the “Cigar City Champions” fitted commercial. The collection is made up of two tees featuring “You Ain’t Right With REACH, If You Ain’t Right With God” on the back, and the REACH logo on crucifix. The shirts come in Ocean Blue and Creamsicle color way. The shirts are accompanied by two ski masks both featuring the crucifix logo in color ways mentioned before.

Perfect for the “Cigar City Champions” fitted

The “Ocean Blue” color way is very similar to my favorite “Ocean Blue” Cigar City fitted, making the outfit options pretty much endless on this drop. I am not the biggest fan of ski masks but they are a great addition to the shirt, as well as being used as a beanie when needed.

The “Orange Crush” color way is on some Bucco Bruce shit. You know Jit gonna be rocking this one all summer and into fall, maybe if we got a throwback Bucs championship hat down the road it would add even more to the drop. The ski gives off an orange cream vibe with the all white and cross logo in orange. The mix and match capability for this collection is next level.

Other than the “Torment” drop because of my love for the film “Motel Hell”, I think this is my favorite collection the homies have dropped to date. If you follow the brand and have been rocking with them for a minute, you really understand the theme and story for this drop which takes the capsule to a different tier. Already got the shirts but will be back next week for the skis. Don’t sleep on this drop, once they gone they are gone. I know for sure that these are gonna be the fit of the summer, so don’t get caught slippin. Everything is made in REACH.

May 28, 2021

The Syrup Sommelier

DJ Dabs is an underground legend in his own right and one of the only people truly keeping it Trill, legit checking everyone’s pints, not necessarily to call them out but just to put them on game. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Dabs, he’s also been a staple of the FLA Hip Hop scene for a minute now landing some high profile production credits as well making some really dope music in his own right.

I am not the biggest of Spaceghostpurrp as a person but I am a huge fan of his music. There was a time after BMW when his shit wasn’t really hitting the same so he reached out to some other local FLA producers to get his sound right. DJ Dabs flawlessly delivers one of the dopest beats SGP has rapped on before and even since that isn’t his own shit on the “Perfect” beat.

One of DJ Dabs most underrated beats is “Up All Night”, this shit literally transports you back to the 95. No one is really doing this type of production any more or even at this level.

Some of DJ Dabs best work I my opinion is on his own project PVRPLX LXVN. One of the singles “Narcotics” has a really dope rattling beat but Dabs flips it with his melodic flow, adding his own slowed vibe to the track. “Plot On Me” is also really dope. The airy production and the way Dabs spits over the beat, it’s almost like I’m floating on the top of the double cup in a purple oasis.

At this point DJ Dabs is a FLA Hip Hop institution. I am really hype to see whatever new music he puts out and am really digging the direction he is going vocally. There’s only a few of us left keeping it Trill and DJ Dabs is for sure one of them.

May 27, 2021May 27, 2021

727 Classics Review: Zhudaru1963- Sky Zhone

It’s been about a year since I dropped my original review for the Zhudaru1963 album “Sky Zhone”, so I felt now was the right time to finally canonize the album in the place it truly deserves to be, as a 727 Hip Hop classic.

This album was one of the first St.Pete Hip Hop albums I reviewed on my site, introducing me to not just the man himself Zhudaru1963 but also to the entire Zhudaru collective. On this project Kayo Da Beast & Mackey Emmanuel a pretty much on every track, with bits of HeyeYella, Acoupstix, ABR, and Kalixo Rachet. Each artist in the collective brings their own unique sound, but it all still fits under the Zhu umbrella.

Off rips the first thing you should know is any project recorded in the Zhudio has the best sound quality in the area and Sky Zhone is no exception. The first song “Myself” showcases Kayo Da Beast. Kayo is definitely one his introspective shit on this one. Known for his more club friendly records it’s nice to see Kayo get in his conscious bag.

Now this project has birthed several 727 anthems but the first one is “No Cap” featuring Kayo, Mackey, and the infamous Playrunna Av. Mackey Emmanuel is hands down my favorite melodic rapper but he can also hit you with them bars. Kayo is always able to get a track hype as well, with one of the craziest flows I’ve heard from him. Anytime we get blessed with a Playrunna AV verse we should always appreciate it. This hook is by far one of the things I’ve caught my self singing all year.

My favorite tracks from Zhudaru1963 himself are those dancehall island hits like “Slow” and “Mi Luv Yuh Body” both featuring Kayo. Anytime Zhu & Kayo get on a record it’s guaranteed to take over the clubs. This one is heavy in the summer party mix.

“On Go” featuring Kayo, Mackey, and HeyeYella is one of the more chiller vibes on the album. This is the track you put on when everyone smokin vibing out after killing half a bottle of hen. I always will remember this one from the “Sky Zhone” commercial that would show up on IG.

Every classic album needs a smoking song and “Burn Slow” is just that. Imma need another Alexis Julianna & Mackey collab cause they brought big Neo Soul vibes. This that late night smoking with your girl type song, shit maybe even put a movie on.

Ever since I heard “True” I’ve been patiently waiting for a Kalixo Ratchet project. This is the definition of that 727 street shit. Would love to see Playrunna AV and Kalixo jump on a track together, that shit would be classic.

It wouldn’t be a Zhudaru project without an appearance from Acoupstix. “Arrogance” is one of the most triumphant tracks I’ve heard in a minute. I just picture Acoupstix chillin in the jungle riding on an elephant, maybe even smoking one with him.

HeyeYella is hands down one of the top lyricist in the entire scene, “Real Spill” is a perfect example of that. It’s brazy how much yella switches up his flow on this track, even referencing it in the track.

“Go Off” is the big anthem/posse cut on the project with Mackey delivering one of my favorite hooks on the project. I can spit the ABR verse word for word and can’t wait to see him and the rest of the crew perform it live. HeyeYella snapped on his verse as well, building the anticipation even more for that secret EP they keep telling me is out. Shout out CLP Nation!

The closing track on the album is one of the best songs ever created in the scene and is by far my favorite track on the album. From the out of this world hook by Mackey to his even brazier verse what is their not to love. Kalixo also does his thing on the track adding into that hustler vibe the beat sets up. But Foreal though that Mackey Emmanuel verse is one of the hardest verses I’ve ever heard in my life no bap. Also peep the video directed by Moji it’s classic.

Think of this project like the 727 version of Wu’s “Enter The 36 Chambers”. That project introduced us all the members of the crew and had us waiting to see what each member would do on their own project. After “Sky Zhone” I couldn’t wait to hear Acoupstix “Couped Up” and Alec Burnright’s “Mofongo+”. With other projects from HeyeYella & Playrunna AV rumored to drop soon I can’t wait to see what comes out the Zhu next. Also shout out to Quanzaah, Rishi Beats, Smokey, & Johnny Adama.

May 26, 2021

Curated Market: May Edition

With two insanely successful “Curated Markets” under their belts, the homies from Curated Heat are back for the newest installment of the vintage market pop up series, per usual the vendors list is stacked with some familiar and new faces.

Despite being the ones curating and hosting the event, the Curated Heat crew will be bringing some fire to their booth this month. I know for sure Frank will have some exclusives and new product on display, fingers crossed on a dope old school film piece.

Fresh off a successful “Drip Con”, Proper Jones is ready to bring some brazy product to this months “Curated Market”. I am sure he stashed away some exclusives he’s been waiting to drop on everyone, but patience is the key. At months event he came through with some insane wrestling pieces, fingers crossed on some old school ECW gear!

Someone I also look for on the vendors list is @selvagemchic. Her tent set up is always so welcoming and she is bound to have some next level custom pieces available. Who knows what kind of hidden gems she didn’t roll out for “Drip Con”, that she will unveil at the “Curated Market”.

Fresh off their appearance on the Bonfire Podcast and sick commercial, Takeo & Moose are bringing in the big guns for the “Curated Market”. Plenty of “Carry Your Adventure” bags will be on display as well as product from both of the homies. I am so hype to see the new Aqua logo tees Cowboy has been hinting at, as well as the rouges gallery of fire arm plushies Moose has been cranking over the past few weeks. Pretty sure TK is brining out some of the statement piece “Cowboy Jean Jackets” he has been working on as of late, but the only way to find out is to pull up on the homies and show love, tell em a Jit sent ya!

I tried Matt’s Fat Cookies at the first “Curated Market” and have been raving about them ever since. They had me at the “C.R.E.A.M.” Wu cookies but after I got through half of a birthday cake cookie I was sold. Fingers crossed on another REACH collab/ Pop Up, Jit is highly anticipating that one. Maybe we will even see an exclusive “Curated Market” cookie on the table.

With such a stacked and versatile vendors line up, it’s safe to say this is the biggest “Curated Market” to date, being on Memorial Day Sunday might add in to the excitement as well. Big shout out to Curated Heat for putting these events on and helping build the culture in the Tampa Bay Area, but especially in Jit’s home, in the sunny 727.

May 26, 2021

Long Live The New Flesh

After dabbling with a few NFT drops over the past year or so, Robert Gallardo is dropping one of his most ambitious collections, with some new NFTs based on 7 pieces of artwork he created on vintage digital.

Inspired by some of the work Warhol did with Blondie, using a desktop computer, Rob did his own take on that concept but in Cybermonk fashion he spread the concept across various digital platforms both from past and present.

The Marilyn Monroe piece done on the Mac Book Laptop has the biggest Pop Art vibe to it, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen Pop Art done so well from a digital aspect.

The Mona Lisa iMac piece might be the most ambitious in the entire collection. Many won’t understand just how dope this piece is, as well as its meaning and connection to the rest of the pieces in the collection.

The more surreal or abstract piece done on the old school desktop is hands down my favorite in the collection. The weird Microsoft Paint esthetic takes it to the next level. Whoever is able to get their hands on this one def is getting the crown jewel of the collection.

The remaining pieces in the collection are done on Etch A Sketches and old school Texas Instrument calculators. I am not really sure how he did that shit, but I guess that what makes him the Cybermonk am I right?

The entire the collection will be available for sale as NFTs on June 1st, purchasers of the NFT will receive the physical copy of the piece from the man himself. Please someone give this man his own art exhibit or just a solo installation he definitely deserves it, but until then Jit Camp will continue to spread the word of $GREY throughout the Burg and FLA!

May 25, 2021

Philly Vibes In FLA

Straight out of Philly, Niiks has touched down in sunny Orlando, ready to prove he has a place in FLA Hip Hop.

Adding to his successful single “Hold It”, Niiks decided to drop a small EP/deluxe edition for the single including 4 new tracks. “Hold it” is still one of my favorite tracks from Niiks, I really love the way he flows over the more up beat tracks. His melodic vocals add to the vibe of the tracks, many of them are still stuck in my head. All the production on the project is solid, complimenting Niik’s vocals.

“Say Sum” starts off the project, with Niiks brining a faster flow on this track than on the others. Niiks has proved himself on various tracks and singles, now y’all can’t say nothing to him.

“Rubber Bands” was destined to be the next single, this one is a smash. The hard hitting flute sampled beat slides. Niiks doesn’t come off as corny at all, he’s definitely 100%, I feel that’s what separates him from a lot of the others artists out there, “Walked in with a brick in my pocket”.

“Again” might be my favorite beat on the project. This is another banger for sure, but Niiks is versatile enough that the tracks don’t become tired out played out.

“Nails” is on some more melancholy type shit but it’s still a vibe. Niiks flow on this one is more slowed down, allowing the listener to take in everything he is saying. The beat is still hard hitting but not necessarily in the trap sense like the previous ones.

Niiks is on to something for sure, he makes just really dope music to vibe out to, totally fitting the FLA vibe while still retaining his Philly roots. Be sure to check out his new video “Color Blind” featuring some Balaclava Boys gear, we running it up all summer in the 727.

May 20, 2021May 20, 2021

727 Classics Review: Lil Keis- Turn Me Up

The late Lil Keis is one of the most important figures in the entire history of St.Pete Hip Hop, his 2009 mixtape “Turn Me Up” is an undiscovered gem to many in the scene so Jit had to shed some light on it and the legend that gave me my start. Lil Keis on da beat boiiii!!!!

Whether it’s from his immortal “Wonton Soup” beat for Lil B or pretty much being the foundation for many of us who are still keeping this shit going as the head honcho of Paper Chasers ENT, which I actually was a member of the PCE street team. At the time if you wasn’t affiliated with Local, So Excited Ent, Kid Killa, or Hussch Boy you really wasn’t doing shit in the city. Everybody was on Paper Chasers back in the day from Keis’s brother Yung Choppa, to the OG BTMVLE Jotta who at the time went by Gata, shit we even had a magician rapper on the team Mentalv.

“Turn Me Up” starts out with one of my favorite intros of all time with Keis shouting out all the homies and everyone that has showed him love so far, pretty sure all the beats except the freestyles are made by the man himself.

The “Ain’t I Freestyle” featuring Lowkey Riez is actually better than the original version with Keis going crazy on the beat, Riez talks that shit on the end making it for than a freestyle.

I would say Keis’s biggest song possibly as strictly an MC is “Cash On Me” I remember when this shit dropped way back in the day we knew it was the anthem. This along with that “Top Drop” song featuring Gata & Choppa are low key my fav PCE songs. Man I wish we had a video for this one its definitely a classic track.

It’s always a problem Ikonz and Paper Chasers Ent come together on “Hit Da Club” and “Killa Remix”. The “Hit Da Club” is that turn up shit and back in the day Mah Cita was the hottest female MC in the city. The “Killa remix” is a standout for me with Keis brining one of his best verses on the project, especially that “I’m great” line.

“I Got Swag” was for sure one of the realest signs to come out in 09. This along with “Cash On Me” shows Keis ability when it came to making them hits. You know if this shit went off in the club back in the day, the city would have went brazy.

“Hustle” might be my favorite beat on the project, with Keis bringing that triumphant shit. This one is about Keis’s grind and hustle in the rap game and how he’s made it from the top after coming all the way from the bottom.

“Sit Back” and “Take U There” reminds me of some Kodak Shit but definitely way ahead of his time. This track definitely proves Keis has some versatility as an artist. Def would have been interesting to see if Keis would go on to make tracks similar to this one.

Hands down the hardest track on the project is “Money Talking” featuring Gata aka BTMVLE Jotta and Yung Choppa. From the beat to the hook by Jot, to how all the MCs snap on this one. This is the definition of that Paper Chasers ENT shit. I would have loved to see a big PCE compilation project but the scene was still in its infancy at the time. Yung Choppa always been nice on a track and he’s still doing his thing to this day.

At the time Keis was pushing “Cleaner Dan A Whistle” and “Do It Big” as some of his bigger songs, especially the latter having that Johnny Juliano. These tracks are very nostalgic for me and show just how big of a star Keis was destined to be.

Just wanted to thank the legend for everything he has done for the Jit and the entire St.Pete Hip Hop community, shit if it wasn’t for him who knows where Lil B would be at. Check out the project on Datpiff, R.I.P. to the legend 🏕💯💰🏃💨.

May 20, 2021

Keep it 💯

With the momentum building in the St.Pete Hip Hop scene, South St.Pete’s own DRZ Cagee & DJ Blade’84 kick down the doors on their new project “Everythang 10K”.

Off rips DRZ Cagee & DJ Blade’84 come through on some gangsta shit. The only one out here doing that real gangsta shit is Playrunna Av so it’s nice to see someone else’s take on the genre for the city. The song “Stick Up” is on some ride out shit. The beat is hard hitting but doesn’t over power DRZ’s vocals.

The next track “Same Amount” is on some intergalactic shit. The beat sounds like some video game shit but I def vibe with it. The hook on this one is really ear wormy, with me chanting “Same Amount” over and over. Loved the Tampa Bay shout out on this one we doing it for the whole area.

The final track “Cash Thoughts” is by far my favorite track on the project. From the Ancient Egypt sounding beat provided by DJ Blade’84 to the brazy guest feature by Meiigo this one is going up. It sort of had that Mac Dre pimp vibe Johnny Adama has been experimenting with lately but the flows on those type of joints are always nuts.

Pretty solid EP from DRZ Cagee & DJ Blade’84, these guys definitely have staying power in the scene and I look forward to what they have up next. I know for sure the city needs a video for “Cash Thoughts” A$AP!

May 17, 2021

727 Classics Review: Ameen Spade- ‘06 Stride

Following up his 2014 album “Passion”, Local Muzik’s own Ameen Spade crafted a scene defining album, painting a lyrical picture of life in my city St.Petersburg, FLA.

The soulful intro sets off the album with some old school vibes. Spade touches on many themes on the album, from the death of his mom and other loved ones to the daily grind of living in the 727. There is also a runner theme to the album, I am not sure if Spade has a track background but the theme meshed well with the other topics he touches on.

The Kool & The Gang “Summer Madness” sampled “Stride” continues the track theme. Spades flow is next level on this one, once he’s in his pocket no one can really touch Spade on the mic.

“10 Years” featuring fellow Local Muzik member Mari So Dope has a beat that sounds like some shit off of “Yoshi’s Island” soundtrack. Putting Mari on the boastful hook was a nice touch.

Hands down one of the most important songs to the city is “Life In St.Pete”. Once again Mari is on the hook to hold it all together. Spade paints vivid pictures of life in the city from just smokin with the homies to gettin bothered by 12 in Kennth City. Spade captures the duality of our city in such a beautiful way. This song is immortal at this point.

The snippets on the album really tie in all the themes perfectly. “Giving My All (Oh No)” is on some triumphant shit. This track could definitely be on NBA 2K or some shit like that, you just want to ball out.

“2 Swigs” is on some trill shit. I love the airy chopped and screwed beat. Spade even states this shit is a classic on this track, so we both on the same page.

“Ramblin” is one of my favorite tracks on the album. From the dark eerie beat to the slow hard way Spade flows on it, dare I say I feel “Ancient Barbarian” vibes on this one. Spades storytelling makes a slight return on this track.

The track “RIP (I Heard)” really hits home. Despite all the sunshine and beauty some really dark stuff really goes down in the burg. I actually knew a couple of the people Spade touched on in the track I actually knew in real life, giving the track another level. Shout out Southside Middle School.

By far my favorite track on the album and potentially my favorite solo Spade track is “Playa Playa”. From the airy trap beat with those insane vocals to Spades brazy hook. You really feel the confidence and emotion in Spade’s delivery. So many quotables on this one, from the “Long Fellow Deeds” line to the cookin in front of momma line, Spade crafted an immortal track.

“Flava” feels like it’s on some Florida Underground shit, with the dark menacing beat. Would definitely like to see Spade do more tracks like this in the future.

Reminiscent of the Lil Wayne classic “I’m Single”, “Sola” I believe is sampled by that track if not it sounds mad similar but still very dope. Spade takes a more melodic approach to this song, giving the album a large amount of versatility.

“Made It Out” is on some futuristic Local Muzik shit. The Locals always been ahead of the rest when it comes to sounds. Tracks like this are perfect examples of the sound the St. Pete Hip Hop scene represents.

The album ends out with “Words From OG”. I wouldn’t expect everyone to understand this album but you can’t say it isn’t dope as hell man. If you can’t relate iz you really local?