In between hosting her various DJ events and running $lugged $ound$, DJ Don Rock puts her producer cap on with a late night beat tape “ With Luv, From Luv”, that will have everyone wanting to make it shake at the rink.
The intro track “Off Beat Flow” reminds me of something that could have been on her previous tape “WTPC”, really dope soul sample chops on this one.
The strings on “Better Left Unsaid” paired nicely with the 808s that pop up later into the beat. A beat like this shows Don Rock’s versatility as a producer.
“I $till Luv” has more of an airy, Cloud Rap style sound to hit. That being my favorite genre of Hip Hop I was all for it. Donnie had me once she added in those washed out vocal sounds, had me feeling like it was 11 Clams Casino, which is the highest complement I can give.
“U Shld Be Here” has Don in her $lugged out soul vibes. This is that one you put on for tha late night creep. My favorite part of a Don Rock beat are her drops, “babyyyyyy”.
The “For U” Sade track hit me right in my heart. Anytime Sade is sampled or used in a track you got me, she’s a living Angel and can do no wrong.
“$lugg Luv” is back on that airy production I love so I was all for it. It’s like I’m floating in the clouds with Don Rock on the way to Astro Skate, and you know we finna rip shit up.
You know Donnie had to close the tape out with that jiggy roller rink sound. This one is gonna have everyone in the line doing all types of stunts. Shit if you can’t meet us at Cascade pretty sure Astro will do, we pullin up on the pink bus.
Personally I am a huge fan of beat tapes so when I heard the $lugg founder dropped a new tape for all the $luggs I had to do a write up. Really hype for whatever project Donnie has up next for the set.
After dabbling with some different sounds and sticking to the Valentines Day theme on “Conflicted”, Johnny Adama is able to capture a sound of his own on “The Adama Effect”.
The album starts off with “Above The Rim” a dope joint to get you tuned into the vibe of the album, really airy hard hitting production, my type of beat for sure. Adama’s bars are always top tier.
“Real Deal” featuring the infamous Playrunna Av is the street banger off the album. Playrunna and Johnny go bar for bar over a slick trap beat. Playrunna’s verse is filled with quotable lines, that bar about the timbs is cold af.
My favorite song on this project switches almost daily but for the past few days it’s been “The Last 1” featuring Tjaru. Being real this might be my favorite Adama song to date. The way he flows over the lush boom trap production is unfuckwitable. I am unfamiliar with Tjaru but his verse went in as well, and will pretty much be classic cause of how dope this track is. I got a brazy idea for a video on this one. Let’s make it happen Adama.
The entire project was mixed and engineered by Zhudaru1963, not sure how much input he had on the production but “Tom Fords” sounds like it was out the jungle. The way Johnny rides the beat is flawless whether it’s more uptempo for the hook or slowed down for the verses.
“Menu” is one of my standout tracks for sure. I love the icy shimmering beat. Johnny’s chill flow and bars of smoking, finessing, and chilling with his ladies pairs well with the slow knock of the beat. We def need a video for this joint.
The track “Secret” is on a different vibe than some of the rest of the tracks on the project, with Johnny brining probably his fastest flow. This track had tons of quotables, but my favorite line is the “got a plug in St.Petersburg…. Russia”.
“Made 4 This” featuring JT Skye is on some flexing shit. I love how many times Adama references Jit in the track. JT Skye’s verse is pretty dope, complementing the first verse and hook from Adama. If you know Johnny the Cali trips line is true to life, Jit really doing his thing foreal doe.
So there are two tracks specifically on this project have a dope Hyphy/ Mac Dre vibe to them. These tracks switch up the album well the first being “Need 2 Know”. Johnny is definitely channeling his pimp shit on this one.
“Policy” is slowly becoming one of my fav joints on the album. The way Johnny rides the beat at the end of each verse is mind blowing. He can slow it up and speed up his flow whenever he wants, almost chameleon like. There are points on this track where he finds his pocket and just snaps on the beat.
“Think About” is a must listen on the album, if you don’t listen to any tracks at least peep this one. From the hard hitting icy beat to the ear worm hook from Adama, I hope he continues this style on his next project.
The final track on the album is “Passion”, dabbling more into that Hyphy sound Adama sets the mood for the track. Between the beat and Adama it sounds like he’s flexing in a Arabian strip club with hella bad belly dances, making it shake for him. Personally I love when Johnny gets on that pimp shit, no body else out here really bringing it like that. Video shoot at Turbo would be lit.
Adams’s style and sound on this project is what I feel the evolution of the quintessential St.Pete Hip Hop sound should be, building off what J Goodie, Ameen, Mari and Crown Marquiss built with their classic albums. His earlier album “Conflicted” was already my No.1 album of the year so far, but this project is fully the Johnny Adama sound. This one of the best projects to ever come out of the city, and already an instant classic in my mind. Keep droppin bombs on em Adama.
Following in the long line of Southern Hip Hop duos like UGK, Outkast, Goodie Mob, and 8ball & MJG, BTMVLE Jotta and Jerry prove on “Good Fellas EP” that Florida can produce dope traditional Southern Hip Hop as well.
Both Jotta and Jerry are no strangers when it comes to this Hip Hop shit, both have been staples of the St.Pete Hip Hop movement for a minute now as well as being founding members of $lugged $ound$. Southern Hip Hop is more than just trap shit, it’s about southern living and the good and bad that comes with it.
The intro track “Gf2” sets the album off with some summer time FLA vibes, that are guaranteed to get your St.Pete Beach cookout jammin. This was the first single released off the EP, so fingers crossed on a video soon.
“Think Tank” might be my favorite track on the entire EP, it’s just some life shit. Both emcees spit some of the realest bars I’ve heard in awhile. Jotta’s verse focuses on his new role as a father, painting a vivid picture of seeing his new born son. Nova’s went brazy on his verse, I really loved the sports references and his delivery at the opening of his verse was top tier, worddddd.
I dug how introspective the duo got on “The Table”, this is a perfect example of how Southern Hip Hop can have substance and be more than just flossin your grill and chains. We all have lost ones and this track is for them.
“Tango” reminds me the most of some old school “Ridin Dirty” H Town trill shit. This is the one you jam while you swang through 34st traffic. Shout out to Don Rock at the end, she was an essential addition for the outro.
The hook for “Dumb” is a standout for sure. The funky southern instrumental came off as psychedelic at points. It was dope that the intro and outro tracks had more of an upbeat vibe, while the middle portion had more of the introspective tracks.
“Good Fellas EP” is hands down one of my standout projects of the year so far, not only in the 727 scene but just in general. Jot & Jerry captured the Southern Hip Hop vibe 100%, cementing that St.Pete and FLA have a place in the story of Southern Hip Hop.
In the middle of hosting 4 straight days of Pop Ups, the homies at REACH dropped a small “Script” capsule, reminiscent of early 2000s era brands like Sean John and G-Unit.
Big early 2000s vibes
The capsule is made up of a white tee with the brand in red font paired with red shorts with a white font. Also a black tee and black shorts are available with white font. I would definitely mix and match both of these color ways but the black shirt with the red shorts might be the move. Anything in red just is just synonymous with the brand.
Yup in my white teeSuper clean
Not sure if the brand was inspired by that 2000s era of clothes for this capsule but that’s the way it came off to me. That’s totally a compliment by the way and super nostalgic for me. When I was a Jit all anyone knew about were brands like Ecko and Sean John that you could get at the mall, so that’s what you had to rock. It was a really dope change up for the brand and seems like a very different drop than anything they have done before.
The red is essential Be careful what you REACH for
I personally plan on picking up the entire capsule but I will probably start off with the black shirt and red shorts combo. All the pieces are extremely limited and made in house so don’t sleep, once they gone they gone.
Over the past year or so the The BTMVLE studio has grown into one of the dopest spots for just mad creation. Whether it’s hosting Slugg Nite$ events or housing the numerous brands, each representing their own style and take on the culture, BTMVLE is the foundation!
🏕💯🗿🌎 🤠 🐊 😈 🐌This ain’t no Swamp People Biker jackets going brazy
Taking time away from just doing outside work, the BTMVLE team has been building towards some big FLA themed pieces to have all the jits ready for beach season. I’ve seen some sneak peaks of the all embroidered gator biker vest, which is definitely an essential piece for any FLA rider.
Capi Flvcko Jit$ Never WxrryNew Choppa New Choppa
Just when you thought the Cowboy By Takeo X Balaclava Boys collab was done they come at you with some of the dopest plushies I have seen in a minute. Every Jit in Pinellas county is gonna want one of these fire arm plushies. These are all hand made in house at the studio. My personal favorite is the yellow choppa.
Bandito pouch might be my favorite in the line up Carry Your Adventure 📸 by Snorlaxguerrero
The newest addition to the Cowboy By Takeo X Balaclava Boys lineup is the “Bandito Pouch”. After seeing the entire squad rock them at the NLB 3 year anniversary pop up, I was kind of sold on these being my favorite bag in the line up. Tons of new colors are available and the homies are always open to help create a custom bag for you for the right price.
Statement Piece 21st Century Cowboy
The latest splatter jean jacket collection from Cowboy By Takeo are some museum worthy pieces. Each piece has its own flavor, but my personal favorite has got to be the yellow one. Really hype to see what Cowboy will bring to a black jean jacket.
Everyone that wants Cowboy will get Cowboy 📸 by jpg_jack
That red and yellow Cowboy logo tee is one of my favorite pieces I own. What makes Cowboy By Takeo logo tees so special are their ability to be worn in any situation or in any setting, whether it’s casual or a little more dressy, anyone that wants Cowboy will get Cowboy.
A master at work Lostboy vibes
One of the newest collaborators to come through the studio is Lost Boy. Bringing a darker more metal vibe to design, I really dig all the recent jean work Lost Boy has been doing lately, especially that collab with Cowboy. The tag work on all of his shirts is really dope, adding in leather hits when it feels right on a certain piece.
These Demon Boy plushies are essential for any fan of the brand. The handmade factor of each piece is what I admire the most.
PWO
After infecting everyone with a few drops earlier in the year it’s only a matter of time before Pollex World takes over full control of your system. Soon you will be rocking Pollex without even knowing it, almost like a uniform.
Keep it locked to the site for all the amazing work coming out of the BTMVLE Studio.
As apart of their global tour, YG Addie aka A$AP Ant & his Marino Infantry crew had to pull up to Champa Bay with some exclusive Marino ooze that are city specific. It was only right for REACH to play host to one of the biggest Pop Ups of the year.
YKHWR
I’ve been rocking with Addie & the Marino Infantry team since the A$AP Mob started back in the day. After being introduced to him on the immortal track “Bath Salts”, I was excited to see what the Baltimore native could bring to the collective. Now a few years after he’s dominating the street wear community with the hottest skate brand in the world. That’s not to say Addie slowed up on the music tip, within the past year he’s dropped two of my favorite projects in the last five years “I Am Underground” & “Lil Black Jean Jack 2”. I love the fact that Addie is always trying to push the music and culture forward with the best production and out of this world rhyme schemes. My favorite is when Addie & Lulu P come on a track, going bar for bar, no one is doing that type of shit nowadays.
Best Beach in the world 727 baby.
For the Marino Infantry exclusives available I would have to say my favorite drop is this St.Pete Beach inspired white shirt featuring the best beach in the world. It was really dope for the Marino team to show love to both sides of the bay. This is a must have for any 727 native or Tampa Bay native in general.
7 rings like an NFL Playa
Most of the city exclusives feature at least one sports drop, the Bucs and the GOAT. This one is more of a statement piece in my opinion than the first but if by some chance you are available to get your hands on both city exclusives I would definitely look into that.
We need Addie for the next Super Bowl Halftime
Just want to thank Addie, Lulu P, and the entire Marino Infantry family for coming out and showing love to the city and even inspiring me to start my own brand one day. Also thanks for blessing us with the dopest exclusives on the tour. The homies at REACH are really doing some special shit for both sides of the bay man, 4 days straight of different pop ups, ending it off with one of the most influential people in the culture today for a double up.
REACH kicks off their weekend long installment of Pop Ups with a vintage Pop Up featuring select pieces from ALMACÉN.
Vintage as always been a staple of the culture but it seems within the last few years it has really taken off. The dope part about vintage pieces are it allows you to get the piece another life.
Goth Boy Clique
Vintage drip can come from anywhere, May it be old band tees, old movie promo merch, or even like hotel or cruise ship merch. My go to items I am always look for, are just pieces that are nostalgic for me or ones that are just dope, even if I am unfamiliar with the product it’s representing.
Mi Amor
Prices on many vintage pieces can get pretty crazy but for the most part vintage dealers are doing it for the culture, so they will likely bless you on a piece or cut you a good deal if you shop big. Another aspect of the vintage game that is unique is the randomness of it all. All this product comes from different areas and regions, allowing the chance for you to pick up a rare piece to be even greater.
On Godzilla 🙏
I am so hype for all the weekend of Pop Ups REACH has set for the entire Tampa Bay. They are not really known for the basic vintage stuff, mostly getting vintage Supreme and BAPE items, but it’s dope to see them dabbling with vintage.
With two successful pop ups to start off the year featuring brands 2001 Odyssey and the immortal Vlone, REACH is ending out the month of April with a double up pop up featuring brands “General Public Streetwear” and “Korrupt Anarchy”.
Ohio’s own General Public Streetwear has been dropping some really dope product in their area for a minute now. My favorite pieces from the brand are anything with the Dawg featured on it. They didn’t just use a regular dog for the logo, they added their own flavor with intricate details in the face and collar.
Where my dawgs at? Those General Public sweats are a vibe
Korrupt Anarchy aka KRPT is bringing their own flavor to the culture by providing a more anarchy punk vibe. The “Gun Club” collection is really solid, especially the red color way. The brand new neon “Karma” collection is a different look for the brand, dabbling in an unexpected color way.
Love that gun sound Anarchy rules
REACH is consistently working with other brands outside of their own, whether it’s selling the product in the store or hosting a pop up, they are always showing love to the culture. I was unfamiliar with both brands prior so they definitely put me on. Really hype to see what both brands have to offer at the pop ups, fingers crossed for some exclusive Tampa Bay product.
In honor of the 3 year anniversary of The Next Level Barbers, the entire NLB family is coming out to throw the biggest party on 4/20, filled with an all star line up of artists and vendors.
Just in time for Pokémon Shield & Sword
Enter the $10 raffle for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch Lite. This is a great deal and a quick little come up for the winner.
The man himself OVO vibes
Shawn and BTMVLE teamed up again for any even crazier drop than last time. I’ve seen some of the exclusives Moose and Jotta have been cooking up, and they 100% have that NLB flavor.
All the way fromThe Bottem to your door stepBoat day ready
The BTMVLE team likes to keep their drops on the hush hush, but I hope to see some of the Jew “Swamp Tour” line they have been working on. The embroidery on the gator head is top notch.
Beat game Mazinger Z
Fresh off his “$lugg Nite$” performance Rishis Beats is ready to bring out some of his best beats and newest tracks for this upcoming NLB event, shit maybe even a cypher will start up.
Carry Your Adventure Choose your weapon
The Cowboy By Takeo & Balaclava Boys “Carry Your Adventure” collab is one of the biggest drops of the first half of the year. I know Moose is gonna have some exclusives on hand as well as some new plushies. Super hype for that new bandito pouch addition to the bag collection.
Statement piece Everyone that wants Cowboy will get Cowboy
Cowboy By Takeo has been snapping on the paint jean jackets lately. You can’t really go wrong with any of the pieces in the collection, by far my favorite is the blue and yellow paint splatter.
Showing love to the Bay Run up that raffle
Rico Ebert out of the 813 has been killing the paintings lately. From his hip hop legends cartoon series to his various pieces that show love to Tampa Bay, Rico’s work is next level for sure.
Flip rhymes, flip beats
Valentino XIII will be showcasing some of the new futuristic beats he’s been working on lately. Really hype to see what he brings to his set.
Vocalist vibes
Impulse The Gawd is a really dope vocalist. Really excited to hear Mr.Hookah for the first time, I know he will be a great host for the event.
I love Garbäj
Super hype to see what Garbäj brings to the pop up, pretty sure it’s gonna be the Cleric and Gatekeeper long sleeves, so if you missed out on those pick one up. Looking to maybe pick up one of those slept on “I Love Garbäj” tees, those are very rare.
Really dope brand
Really hype to see what Tasi bring out to the pop up, a lot of his designs are really sick. Hopefully he brings out some exclusives.
Stupid custom pieces
Designer Don is rolling through with some exclusive custom designer product. Everything is custom made 1 of 1 so your gonna have to bring the bag.
Jit been waiting on a plateThe plate says it all
Potato Papi will be holding down the food game at the event. Haven’t had a chance to check out his food, so I’m for sure getting a plate.
What’s in my cup is in my cup
Ocha will be on hand serving up the best kava drinks in the city. Perfect for a mellow 4/20 vibe.
Huge shout out to Shawn and the entire NLB family as well as all the amazing vendors pulling up. This is the can’t miss 4/20 event.
Over the past 3 years REACH has established themselves as not only one of the premiere brands in Tampa Bay but in the entire Florida scene, with the states finest rockin the essential “Cigar City Champions” Rays fitted and product in various videos and photo shoots.
This what happens when 727 & 813 come together. Wok star lifestyle might not make it
One of the biggest artists in Florida Smokepurrp reps the REACH brand hard. Whether it’s rocking the fitted on Full Size Run, flexing on everyone with the jeans in the “200 thou” video, or even doing a Pop Up of his own personal collection, Purrp is definitely behind the movement.
Photo by Kelltoodope
727 Hip Hop pioneers Rod Wave and Famous Kid Brick have also been seen donning the Tampa Bay Rays “Cigar City Champions” fitted. Pretty sure like myself Brick has the entire collection, on some Pokémon shit, rocking them in a slew of photo shoots and videos. This the type of energy we need more of in Tampa Bay, St.Pete is definitely rocking heavy with REACH.
Not a Yankees fan but REACH snapped
Not a Yankees or Angels fan but the homies snapped on the other REACH fitted pieces. Love the concept of the “Many Men NY” fitted, D Savage went brazy rocking it in his video, a dope look for the brand.
They praying on our downfall. Whole Lotta REACH
It’s not only just the fitted hats that are getting love. Onlyonetwo showed love by rocking a hoodie in his “Downfall” video, one of my favorite songs off his “Fire Ep”.
YKHWR
Huge congrats to the homies from REACH on 3 years, they are for sure one of my favorite brands in Tampa Bay and I greatly appreciate everything they do for the culture. I will continue to do my end on the 727 side of things and continue to support the brand for many years to come. Btw we also need a restock on the REACH AF1s, Jit need em for the collection.
