The annual Complexcon is looking a little different this year. Due to COVID 19 restrictions the culture juggernaut had to move their 3 day convention to a new virtual marketplace called “Complexland”.
This is the Complexland experience.
Usually the con is filled with panels, booths, and product drops from some of the industries biggest creatives and personalities. All that is still here in “Complexland”, but on a smaller scale. I like the aspect that now anyone can basically enjoy the con but due to that, the drops this year just aren’t hitting besides a few.
Keep telling y’all rugs are the next wave. Louis De Guzman had the best drop of the whole con.
By far the best drop of the entire con was the “BBC/Ice cream X Louis De Guzman” collab. That rug and sculptures are must haves, the sculpture captures both the brand and Louis’s styles perfectly blended.
RSVP is the brain child of Chicago creatives Virgil Abloh and Don C.
Kristopher Kites takes his first crack at an RSVP Gallery piece as their resident freshman creative is a huge moment for Kites. It would have been nice to see him do something bigger than a shirt but I have my “13 Projects Rug” to hold me over until my “Gigantor” chain.
Everyone loves Murakami.
The Takashi Murakami X Perrier is just a fun collab. Pretty much all the merch and water is free m, making it a very hard drop to come by, but with restocks constantly you might be able to grab a bottle. This is very similar to Virgil Abloh’s collab with Evian water company.
The 2020 sneaker of the year is a toss up with so many dope drops.
Most of the panels seemed lame, expect the “Sneaker Of The Year” panel but that’s about it. I am excited about the new “Sneaker Of The Year” book that Complex released.
The Gondek “Asto Boy” piece is a favorite.
The Matt Gondek book “American Terror” is a release I am looking forward to picking up after the con. Filled with tons on Gondek’s artwork this one is made for your coffee table.
Complex can definitely build on the virtual con format in the future, allowing people from everywhere not just the venue able to enjoy the con. Hopefully in the future they can beef up some of the drops and add more interesting panels, I would definitely go back to “Complexland”.
With his most ambitious project to date under his belt with “Where this Bloom Begins” mural, iBOMS is set to showcase some of his newest pieces with the “Ego Death” installation at Mize Gallery in early January.
This will be iBOMS first solo installation at Mize Gallery.
Sea Walls X SHINE Mural Festival tasked iBOMS with crafting a mural dealing with the themes of harmful algae blooms and red tide. iBOMS used his Ashi character as the centerpiece. Ashi is depicted floating in a body of red water, surrounded by dead fish and red flowers. The flowers represent the algae spreading toxins into the water, that Ashi is absorbing, causing his tattoos to form. Ashi is transformed from the toxins changing his appearance to reflect the environment he is in. Although he is now toxic, Ashi can change the way the way he presents the toxic side of him to the world.
The ice on all of iBOMS pieces are next level, meticulous with every stone. The signature iBOMS tag.
My favorite thing about iBOMS work is the cartoon world he has created with his Ashi character. For now I know he has created some female characters, one of them named Badi, to live in his old school Disney meets The Boondocks style of artwork.
Badi made her debut in this piece.
Other than his newest mural by far my favorite pieces from iBOMS have got to be his mega Draco and mega Mac 11 resin casts of mega blocks. These stand alone pieces are essential for any iBOMS fan, I definitely need one of each in my collection. I am hoping one day iBOMS and Chicago based creative Kristopher Kites can do a collab on a Draco chain.
The mega Draco & mega Mac 11 mega block resin casts are game changers.
With an upcoming installation at the debut of St.Petes new “The Factory”, I am looking forward to seeing what new pieces iBOMS has created. This year was about the brand, next year is about expanding. I hope one day he can create the signature Jit Camp jit to be the sites new mascot.
From Rugs, to jerseys, to balacalavas, Jit Camp has you covered on what Holiday gifts you should get for that special Jit in your life.
Release of the year hands down. Hopefully it didn’t sell out just yet.
Kristopher Kites “13 Projects Rug”.
After Lebron rocked his shirt Kris Kites had no choice but to create a rug based on his now famous “13 Projects shirt”. The rug comes in sizes of 30 inches for $225 or 65 inches for $445. This piece is essential for any creatives work space.
The 04 Stanley Cup championship patch hits different.
Tampa Bay Lightning Reverse Retros.
Fresh off the Stanley Cup victory, Lightning and Adidas collaborated on a small capsule for their “Reverse Retro” series honoring the 2004 Stanly Cup championship. The jersey is a must but there is tons of other dope product in the release.
“This only the beginning” Crown Marquiss voice.
Jit Camp X BTMVLE collab- “Trapicana Field” crewneck
This one is on the pricer side but you could be wearing the Rays inspired release of the winter. This one is perfect for any Tampa Bay Rays fan, honoring the St.Pete side of the bay.
The shirt that started it all.Customizations are available for the right price. New patches available.
BTMVLE- “Trapicana” tee and “275” hats.
The BTMVLE “Trapicana” tee was a staple of the fall and will continue with even more colorways dropping for the winter. I bet if you throw the right price at Jotta he will bless you with a 1 of 1. BTMVLE “275” hats are now available with various patch customizations.
The perfect blend of both brandsLocated at 6880 46th Ave N. St.Petersburg, FL
The Next Level Barbers X BTMVLE- NLB release.
A cut from one of the NLB barbers and this new merch will have you feeling major league.
This upcoming NLB X BTMVLE release is going to be a game changer. The drop fully embodies the sports vibe of the shop. Also having a fresh haircut for the holidays is essential, so call The Next Level Barbers to get the hook up.
The “OVO” esque colorway is my favorite of the entire capsule, essential for the upcoming a Raptors games.
To switch it up from the standard grey and blue long sleeves, a “OVO” style black and gold colorway is one I’m personally picking up for the Raptors games. A “Miami Nights” colorway is available for those Miami sports fans.
The splatter hoodies rep that OG NLB flavor.
Also available from The Next Level Barbers are the splatter NLB hoodies and long sleeves. The quality and embroidery on all the product is top notch.
Custom merch is now available from Boho Beauty Bar.
The Boho Beauty Bar located at 616 4th St N, just dropped their new line of merch now available at the shop.
The color palette on this drop was crazy. At $7 this one is a no brainer stocking stuffer.
Vulgar Culture “WMCXXX” collection and Tyler Blair’s Ebook “7 Things Skateboarding Taught Me About Business And Life”.
Vulgar Culture brings us one of the dopest concept of the year with their “WMCXXX” drop, combining the sexual and psychedelic. This all female artist inspired collection is perfect for any creative. Tyler Blair’s first book “7 Things Skateboarding Taught Me About Business And Life” is great for not only skaters but for any creative trying to build their brand and business. At only $7 it’s a no brainer stocking stuffer.
The perfect stocking stuffer.
Balacalava Boys Combo Pack featuring “Don’t Be A Hero” & “Babushka’s Big Break” releases.
Since both drops are so dope why not get the combo pack. You get tons of propaganda included as well as one handmade balaclava per order. I’m blessing one of the homies this year for sure.
This that lemonade Cowboy shirt. With an endless font pallet, the color combos are your choice.
Cowboy By Takeo Yellow & Red Cowboy logo tees.
Cowboy By Takeo is dropping a run of yellow and red logo tees with various font palettes available. Soon everyone is going to be wearing Cowboy, don’t miss out on this one.
Pin No.2 “Art That Kills”Pin No.3 “Donald’s Dimensional Drip”
Paradise Pin Co. – Pin No.2 “Art That Kills” and Pin No.3 “Donald’s Dimensional Drip”.
To hold you over until the Jit Camp X Paradise Pin Co. collab pick up some of the past drops from the Bay Areas best pin company. At only $8 this is a great stocking stuffer.
TRiBE is on the rise.The new TRiBE jumpsuit was made for cold winter nights.
TRiBE tie dye bleach winter drop.
Just in time for those cold winter beach nights,TRiBE comes at us with a tie dye bleach jump suit drop with matching beanies.
My favorite Garbäj release to date. The purple colorway is slept on.
Garbäj Clothing- Gundam tee and Faerie Ring drop.
If they are still available I would definitely pick up the “Gundam” tee while you still can. If not to hold you over until the next drop, Garbäj’s new Faerie Ring release has a number of pieces just in time for winter.
Zhudaru socks comfy and colorful.
Everyone needs new socks for Christmas, Zhudaru1963 has got you covered. With various colors and styles the socks make a great stocking stuffer. Also pick up a backpack or shirt while your at the store. If you want to buy someone studio time it’s only $40 an hour.
I need that “Victory Monday” shirt ASAP.
For The Bay Clothing Co.- Any of their releases.
For The Bay Clothing Co. makes the perfect gear for any Tampa Bay sports fan. From baseball, to football, to hockey they got you covered. I can’t wait for their upcoming soccer and hopefully basketball releases.
A GD Pre Roll is my go to stocking stuffer.
Green Diamond CBD Pre Roll.
Bringing top quality locally grown Florida CBD to numerous locations throughout the Tampa Bay Area, Green Diamond pre rolls give you the full euphoric body effects of other marijuana products without the intense head high side effects. The joints are essential stocking stuffers for family and friends.
“Kiss My Ring” Gunna voice.
Florida Witch- Kiss The Ring mojo bag.
If you have started a new endeavor recently or need a power boost, the new “Kiss My Ring” mojo bag for the Florida Witch will have even non Leo’s on their king and queen shit. Recommend to be carried on your left side or place on your alter. A go to stocking stuffer in my opinion with the new year upon us.
A majority if not all of these items on the gift guide are from local creatives or josh creatives in general, something everyone can get behind this holiday season.
As apart of their Perfect Pair Series, Green Diamond CBD has teamed up with Funnel Vision Food truck to create funnel cake pairings with Green Diamond CBD pre roll joints.
Green Diamond CBD is locally grown in Florida, with pre rolled joints available for only $2.99.Looks like one of Yukon Cornelius mines.
First up is Funnel Vision’s newest seasonal creation the “Peppermint Mine”. Two funnel cakes topped with “Publix Premium” peppermint ice cream, topped with strawberry and white chocolate drizzle, and candy canes. The cooling factor of the peppermint will heighten your GD pre roll experience. I would recommend enjoying one after your cakes.
A staple of the Funnel Vision food truck the “Claw Dog”.
On the savory side of the menu, one of my favorite staples from the truck is their “Claw Dog”. That’s right a lobster claw meat corn dog served with siracha lime aioli on a bed of Funnel Visions signature purple slaw. Since this one is more on the snack side I would say enjoy your GD pre roll before or in between bites.
The “Bananas Fosters Funnel Cakes” are my favorite dessert of the truck.
When I hit up Funnel Vision the “Bananas Fosters Funnel Cakes” are a must. The brûlée banana and caramel drizzle that tops Funnel Vision’s homemade cakes is out of this world. Usually it takes me two sittings to finish off these cakes so why not take a break and enjoy a GS pre roll, working as calming reliever setting you up for seconds.
Funnel Vision makes it extra crispy every time throwing my noncrispy insecurities out the window.
My favorite part about Funnel Vision is I can get my savory and sweet fix at the same time. On the savory side the “Bang Bang Chicken” is to move. Crispy chicken topped over fries with Funnle Vision’s signature Bang Bang sauce and purple slaw. I like to kill these right off the truck, I recommend enjoying your GD pre roll after you get that bang bang fix.
The “BedRock” cakes will have you feeling like Fred Flintstone.
The signature Funnel Cake to come out of the “Wacky Dinosaur” food truck. Two funnel cakes with vanilla ice cream, topped with fruity pebbles, strawberry and marshmallow drizzle. I would say enjoy a GD pre roll before consuming the “Bedrock” that way the ice cream will melt, fusing with the fruity pebbles.
If your looking for a smaller snack item I would say get the fries Oreos or Reese’s cups. They each go hand and hand with a GD pre roll.
Next time Funnel Vision is in your area be sure to pick up a Green Diamond CBD pre roll to pair with your funnel cakes.
Inspired by the film “The Players Club”, The Queen of “Slugged Music” Dj Don Rock, creates a blueprint for the 727 specific “Slugged Music” sound.
The J Dilla style alarms and Bernie Mack sample set the stage on the intro, providing the trademark slowed down “Slugged Out” style of not only the production but also the MCs. This mixtape was made to just crawl down Central Ave at 1 A.M. hot boxing a blunt of St.Pete’s finest.
What separates Don Rock’s “Slugged Music” from others sub genres like “chopped and screwed” its the wavier lush esthetic of each track. The production feels more like a slow swim in a cup of lean, rather than totally sinking to the bottom with “chopped and screwed”.
Tracks like “Fantasy Freestyle” and “O.W.N” deal with the trials and tribulations of late night romances.
With everything being slowed down that’s not to say Don Rock it’s bringing the heat when it comes to her bars. “Trifecta ft. Jerry Nova” captures that versatility, having us second guessing our circles after 2020.
Like all of us on “The Players Ball”, Don Rock shows the emotions of a late night in the city we know and love St.Petersburg.
Coming off his “Beach Bum” album that dropped earlier this year, St.Pete native Young Mop out of the Tribe Collective brings us his darkest effort to date on “St.Creaturesburg”.
The intro “Witchez, Crowz, & Wolvez” sounds like Mop is spitting from a graveyard bringing that old school Bone and three six vibe. The track starts off slow and somber but by the end Mop comes through with a barrage of bars.
“Martian Beam Freestyle” at the beginning feels like it could be “Unsuccessful 2” with an insane video game style beat.
“King Of The Jungle” hits different when your a Leo.
“King Of The Jungle” is my favorite track off “St.Creaturesburg”, being a Leo it hits a little different. The swampy sounding horn beat from Nictunez. It would be dope if we could get some visuals for this soon.
“$peed it up!!!” has more of an underground NY style vibe reminding me off how Da$h used to spit on his old tapes. This one prob my second favorite on the project.
On “State Fair” Mop comes with a new street anthem. This one will have you chanting “we don’t fight fair, we don’t play fair” all day. We definitely need some visuals for this one.
Kmon Beats comes through with one of my favorite cloud rap beats he’s done on “Stardust”. From the hook to the verses mop paints a picture of what happens when your off that stardust.
“Don’t Lose Hope” is one of the more introspective tracks on the project. The glistening hi hats are spliced throughout the hazy production that Mop floats over. This one is more about the vibe it gives off rather than the bars.
The break out your shell metaphor on “Snail Shell” furthers the darker themes on “St.Creaturesburg” that Mop has touched on throughout the project.
The “Siamese Twinz (outro)” has Mop on his storytelling shit to end out the project. This project fits the Underground Florida Hip Hop esthetic that acts like Robb Bank$, Denzel Curry, and Raider Klan put out back in the day, but with a fully St.Pete Hip Hop spice to it. Mop has stated this will be his last “trap” album, taking a shift in his musical direction. Be on the look out for other dope St.Pete Hip Hop and projects from Young Mop and Tribe in the future.
Crown Marquiss has been on top of the St.Pete Hip Hop scene for over a decade now. I remember my first time hearing him on the Smooth Hines track “All I Got”, that my homie John would sing all the time. These are my top 10 Crown Marquiss tracks to date.
“2 Houses” is a classic album for the St.Pete Hip Hop scene.
10. Sane- 2 Houses
The intro off “2 Houses” is the perfect way to set off this new phase of Marquiss. He dropped the debut with “Hit Wonder” and then dropped the compilation with “Lake$ide Locals”, “2 Houses” is the I’m the best rapper in the burg album. “Sane” is the wake up call the rest of the burg needed.
Lake$ide Locals is more of a Local Muzik compilation.
9. Pam Grier- Lake$ide Locals.
One of the Marquiss solo tracks on the Local Muzik compilation, “Pam Grier” has Marquiss on his seventies pimp shit, dreaming of a girl that’s as bad as Foxy Brown. I just really dug the concept of this one.
8. Please… No Secrets- Two Houses
“2 Houses” is Marquiss hardest project, it’s an artist who at the time sounds hungry but also confident. The harp style beat with that squeaky element put Marquiss in his story telling pocket. It also fits with the theme of “2 Houses” on Marquiss new found fame.
“Let The Movement Speak, We Ain’t Giving up.”
7. Unarmed- Single
The newest single from Marquiss is also is most political, showing his stance on the recent racial injustices of the country. This track shows Marquiss at a different stage of his career a more wiser Marquiss than we last heard him. If this is what he’s bringing in 2020, his next project will be a classic.
6. Elegant (Interlude)- Hit Wonder
At the time this was the first project we had seen from Marquiss. This one has a more playful vibe, but Marquiss is still bringing the bars that made him the 727s best, just a dope little interlude.
5. Wicked- Hit Wonder
From the Jay- Z “D’evils” sample to that menacing beat, Marquiss paints a mental picture of late night St.Pete streets. He spits “I’m like CNN, I’m bad news” is one of my favorite lines.
4. All Wood- Lake$ide Locals
The wood chipper video and game show style beat is the charm of “All Wood”. It might not be the most lyrical Crown Marquiss track but it definitely has a fun campy vibe. I would make “All Wood” the Jit Camp TV show song.
“Live From The South Side” showed Crown Marquiss could take that next step.
3.Satchmo- Live From The South Side
With the accompanying record store video, “Satchmo” is one of my go to Crown Marquiss tracks. This breakout single showed Marquiss could deliver a project with a higher production budget and along with some heavy weight features like Famous Kid Brick on “FAF” off “L.F.S.S”.
2. Unsuccessful- Reminisce & Muse with J Goodie
If this was a top St.Pete Hip Hop songs list this would be number one but since he’s only featured I could make this the number one track. His verse steals the show and I can still quote the thing this day. At the time the video was at another level. This song was so ahead of its time and the impact is still felt today.
1. Color Scheme- 2 Houses
If someone asked me what Crown Marquiss track defines his style I would say it’s “Color Scheme” the lead single of his classic “2 Houses” album. From the horn filled beat to the cool laid back video. “Color Scheme” on it’s own should be known by every St.Pete Hip Hop fan as it’s one of the best tracks to come out of the 727.
With the St.Pete Hip Hop scene gaining some momentum what does every rapper need? A dope producer that can deliver a beat worthy of their rhymes. These are some of the best local producers the burg has to offer.
“Origami” shows Quanzaah can hold his own when it comes to bars.
Quanzaah out of the Zhudaru1963 collective has been making appearances on various Zhudaru1963 projects for awhile but after his production and bars on HeyeYella’s “Pressure” I think Quanzaah can definitely deliver on a solo project. Shit after that Kingdom Hearts piano vibe beat I’d be down for just a solo beat tape from Quanzaah. An HeyeYella project entirely produced by Quanzaah would go hard.
Kmon Beats is the main in house producer for all of UAC’s projects.
Kmon Beats of UAC is the in house producer on a majority of the projects the collective puts out. My favorite beat from Kmon has got to be “Orbit”, for me that song, beat, and video fully embodies the UAC vibe. If your looking for a deep cut Kmon and UAC drooped a track called “Call Me” that has a crazy sample and sort of Bones/Team Sesh style. With a couple features under their belt I am certain UAC will be dropping a new project very soon.
Master Rishi on the beats.
Rishi Beats is Master Rishi of chopping beats. His anime influenced production and style is right up my alley. I could see an artist like HeyeYella snapping on a couple of Rishi’s tracks. Would be dope to see Rishi Beats make an entire beat tape sampled around old school Go Nagai giant robot anime.
Hit up any of these producers if you need production work on your next album or mixtape.
Green Diamond CBD is spotlighting one of their flag ship locations Shiso Crispy by doing the Perfect Pair series, highlighting some of your Shiso favorites, that pair perfectly with Green Diamond CBD pre rolls.
Green Diamond CBD pre roll joints are now available at Shiso Crispy for $2.99.This is the standard menu, but the specials are always out of this world.
Ahi Tuna Dirty Rice & a Green Diamond CBD pre roll is the essential perfect pair from Shiso Crispy. After a generous portion of fresh seared Ahi Tuna over the Shiso girl’s homemade sticky rice, a GD pre roll joint gives you that euphoric post meal feeling your looking for without putting you to sleep like other products.
Most places burn their Gyoza but the Shiso girls make it just the right amount of crispy so you get some crunch in every bite. All of their Gyoza is homemade. The Pork Gyoza with an extra side of Gyoza Sauce hits different after a GD pre roll. For the Vegans I would stick with the Vegan Sausage Gyoza also with an extra side of Gyoza sauce and a GD pre roll.
The purple slaw on top of the Bao Buns adds a little extra crunch to the chicken.
When it comes to Bao Buns, Shiso Crispy by far has the best steamed buns around. Depending on what the special is I usually order the Bang Bang Chicken Bao Buns with my favorite purple slaw on top that adds the perfect sweet and savory combo. I would recommend smoking a GD Pre Roll before you eat the chicken baos buns for a heightened flavor. The BBQ Beef Short Rib Buns also pair well, so why not get an order of each.
The new Japanese Doughnuts are made for those late weekend nights.
For dessert I would say start with a GD CBD Pre Roll, then enjoy an order of the Shiso girls newest creation “Japanese Doughnuts”. The cinnamon cream cheese that comes on the side is heaven sent. The best time to enjoy this pair would be as a night cap, both the doughnuts and the pre roll are great for sharing.
Next time you hit up the Shiso Crispy food truck be sure to try out these pairings with Green Diamond CBD pre roll joints.
Why buy candy from a vending machine when you can get some dope art instead.
From Zapp’s Chips, to Speed starting Keanu Reeves. Lucid Vending machines contain a variety of goodies. Some of the items come in from out of state, so be on the look out for rare finds.
Kayla Cox and Chance Ryan brought the “Lucid Vending “ concept to the Tampa Bay Area about a year ago, with their first machine “Flower Maiden” making her debut in Studios at 5663. Unlike regular vending machines “Lucid Vending” has their machines stocked with local art, abstract items, some vintage pieces, as well as my late night go to “Zapp’s Voodoo chips”. Each machine is custom painted to be the perfect pair for any brick and mortar location easily adapting into the vibe of the location, with the goal of building revenue for local businesses and artists.
“Flower Maiden” in all her glory.The “Flower Maiden” machine is located at 5663 Park Blvd.
A few of the artists featured in the machine have studios at the location. The first featured artist is John Gascot brings his “Latin Pop” flavor to the machine with these earrings, perfectly capturing his esthetic.
These earrings designed by John Gascot are now available in the “Flower Maiden” machine.
Loy the next artist featured in the “Flower Maiden” machine is all about the Feng Shui vibes. Loy’s work is all about the aura her pieces give off.
This Hip-Hop Buddha is one of my favorite pieces from Loy. The “Mothership” vending machine is looking for a home.
At the Lucid Vending is looking to put their second machine the “Mothership” in a local brick and mortar location. The machine is no cost and they even pay rent, as well as give your business free promotion for hosting the machine. Be on the look out for a huge collab between Jit Camp and Paradise Pin Co. on some dope NBA2TAMPABAY pins making their way onto the “Mothership” soon.
