One of Tampa Bay’s premier spitter JC Tha God, takes aim for the Top Album of 2022 with “Tha Hidden Gem”.
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The “Intro” takes place at an award show, awarding JC Tha God album of the year, for “Tha Hidden Gem”.
After that we are greeted with a bar fest on “Say Something” featuring Jajy. One of my favorite joints off the album, I dig the confident vibe coming from the beat and JC’s voice. The chopped and screwed aspect adds a southern vibe to the song.
“Tlk 2 Em” is another bar fest. One things for sure JC definitely came with the punch lines on this project. That David Blaine line was cold. JC’s flow on this joint is A1.
JC takes aim at the game on “E Money X Tha God Freestyle”. JC & E Money take y’all to church with a barrage of bars. Crazy punch lines coming from both sides.
“Trustworthy” is a bit more introspective vibes from JC. The beats and bars are still there but this time we get a bit more from the man.
JC sends a message to his haters on the “Interlude”, putting everyone in check.
“Judgement Day” is one of my favorite tracks on the project. I dig all the low key hip hop references throughout the song. The beat reminds me of something Apollo Brown would drop. We need a video for this one.
“Keepin It Close” has a groovy seventies vibe to it. JC keeps that thing on him so don’t over step. The vibe of this track puts JC as the star in his own blaxploitation film. This one’s definitely making its way onto “The New Tampa Bay Playlist”.
“What If” puts JC back in that introspective lane once again. This joint has an old school sound to it making it sound like it’s from the Golden Era.
“My Truth” featuring Krysis TheWord has a bit of a melancholic vibe to it. The added vocals towards the mid section of the track added a nice change of pace from the rest of the tracks on the album.
“Maze Of Life” puts JC back in that pocket where he really shines. The beat on this track is my favorite on the whole project. I’d like to see some visuals for this joint around the 813.
The project closes out on “Look At U$” featuring Jajy. It’s a guarantee the hook will get stuck in your head. This feel good track didn’t sound forced, which could happen on an album that’s mainly focused on bars. Solid track.
JC Tha God brought it with the bars on “Tha Hidden Gem”. I could definitely see him becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Tampa Bay scene. Can’t wait to see how he expands on his sound on the next project.
Tampa Bay’s sinner of the year 7Sinclair, gives a look into his life on “Stories Of A Sinner”.
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The kick off with mad energy out the gate on the title track “Stories Of A Sinner”. The violin inspired beat is pretty dope, giving a triumphant vibe to the song. Chicks think they can play 7Sinclair but he’s already got em. Really solid way to roll into “AMG”.
The strings on “AMG” give off a out west vibe. It’s dope to see the confidence 7Sinclair has in his bars, makes it feel authentic. The piano break down towards the end was a nice way to switch up the vibe. Crazy flows up and down this track, I can see why it’s a fan favorite.
It’s safe to say “Me, Myself, & I” is my favorite track on the project. I am pretty sure everyone can relate to what 7Sinclair is spitting on this joint. I really mess with the vocals on this track. I could hear this getting played everywhere from the clubs to the radio. This gotta be the next video.
“Gone” is a straight banger. I dig 7Sinclair’s take on the FL Drill sound that has been making noise in the Tampa Bay Area over the past year or so. The vocal switch up towards the hook is one of my favorite moments on the project.
The beat on “Open Door” gives off crazy cloud rap vibes. Once again 7Sinclair does his thing with the vocals, never over doing it. We need more tracks like this.
“Closed Door” seems to have a lot of anger behind it. Even when things look rough, 7Sinclair is gonna pull through and make it work. Even when things feel up, it can all come down just like that.
The project closes out with “Hero”. This one is a really inspirational joint. People slept on 7Sinclair before but he’s better than ever on the top of his game.
Really solid project from 7Sinclair. I like the fact I can play this project at pretty much any point in the day and it fits. The vocal ranges and choices he picked on this album really fit well with the themes and production behind them. 7Sinclair progresses more with each project, and “Stories Of A Sinner” is no exception.
For our closing article on the Threshold fashion event, we look at LittleBull4U, who closed out the show, focusing on the theme of movement.
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The main thing I dig about LittleBull4U is a lot of the looks give off a high fashion vibe while still remaining practical. Look 1 features long sleeves and pants, but the upper looks very breathable.
Look 2
It’s all about the sleeves for me when it comes to Look 2. The twirling esthetic adds to the movement theme LittleBull4U conveys. The grey pant/skirt was a dope look as well.
Look 3
You could really feel the confidence coming from Michela Paladio who pulled off Look 3. That checker board print jacket was one of my favorite pieces of the entire show. The boots made the whole look feel powerful.
Look 4
Look 4 is more of my vibe. The shirt looked very comfy, giving off that cool breathable vibe.
Look 5
The sewing work on Look 5 is amazing. Connecting the top to the bottom, was an interesting way to make the outfit flow. Really dope take.
Look 6
Look 6 by far looks the coziest to me. Everyone loves a bad ass hoodie and sweats! The fabric on these looks so soft. It’s hard to find sweats with a good pocket, so I appreciate that side pocket.
Look 7
The desert color scheme on Look 7 made it stand out. This like Look 6, gives off that comfy yet practical look that works for just chilling or training.
Looks 8 & 9
Looks 8 & 9 killed it with the grey vibes. The protective glasses was a nice accessory choice for the look. The grey tank top looks really comfortable, especially during those hot summer days.
The show closed out with a dance off, allowing all the looks to come to life. When I think LittlBull4U, I think movement and freedom.
Continuing our recap of the “Threshold” Fashion Expo, we finally enter the mind of Pollex World, with some of their latest experiments being unleashed to the masses.
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The musical choices added a lot to the tone of Pollex Worlds presentation, making it feel like a true experience from beginning to end, we really felt that shit. It was a nice touch to see all the experiments from a solo aspect, and then once again in a twin aspect, showing off the duality of the looks.
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Looks 1 & 2 gave off mad “The Shining” & “US” vibes. The patterns on both dresses both feature a row of white buttons down the center, adding a break in the pattern. Both these looks worked solo, but together it all comes together.
🏕️💯 🎰
Look 3 was pulled off by the one and only 7Sinclair. The cut and sew upholstery pants might be under seen due to the babushka and the face surgery 1 black hoodie, but it is the crown jewel of the look.
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Look 4 is reminiscent to a nun. The crucifix necklace makes the whole look connect. Really solid work on the mid section of the piece.
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Look 5 is next level. From the leather upper to the flannel like skirt.
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Looks 6 & 7 are two of my favorites from the show. Dinero Tarantino snapped with Look 6, I really dig the almost patchwork jeans. Really solid jacket combination. It’s all about the pants for Look 7, but the face surgery 2 hoodie stands out.
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The pants for Looks 8 & 9 are crazy. Look 8 as almost spider web like pants. Not sure how they made those but it’s a game changer. The homie Ethereal pulled off Look 9, featuring a ripped pant and goggle combination.
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Look 10 features a really dope crew neck like piece featuring Pollex World propaganda, furthering the point that they are always with us. The torn skirt times the whole look together.
🏕️💯☎️📟
Looks 11 & 12 really clicked when they came o it as a duo. The all white dress shirt features more propaganda, that can also be seen on the jacket for Look 12.
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The whole show came together once the good Doctor rolls up on the scene, rocking cut and sewn adjustments length water proof pants.
One of my favorite shows of the entire event. The whole vibe was really an experience. The connection at the end made it that much sweeter.
Whenever in doubt Pollex World is there to guide us. If at first we do not understand, Pollex will eventually reveal.
After taking a 2 Year break from fashion shows, Muse By Pablo is back like they never left for the Threshold event, presenting “American Wedding”.
Famous for their comfy shorts featuring your favorite sports teams jersey or other embroidery, Muse By Pablo went high fashion with their presentation, but if your a true fan of the brand you can see touches of their esthetic and themes in each piece. Going with the “American Wedding” concept each model representing a participant in the wedding.
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Look 1 featured a shrouded figure in red. Muse By Pablo snapped on the sleeves during their entire presentation, most notably on this piece.
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Look 2 featured an all white look with sea shell pieces for the bra. The way the model unveiled the look under the white drapes was what really sold it.
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The facial coverings where also on full display especially with Look 3. The skirt that transitions into a half pant leg was a really dope look, fitting for Muse.
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This all black piece for Look 4 was a bit for subdued, but again Muse continues the theme of very long sleeves add a baroque tone to each piece.
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Look 5 was a favorite of mine. The face covering was reminiscent of some of the work Ye did for the “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” roll out. I really dig how most of models were shrouded at first, subtly revealing themselves to the audience.
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The icon Famous Kid Brick rocked Look 6, playing the part of one of the groomsmen. Brick added mad gravitas to the show. I really dig the layers featured on his fit.
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Barley Legal’s own Kid Dre pulled off Look 7. I feel this one had the most current iteration of Muse By Pablo’s trademarks. The barque imagery on the chest piece is reminiscent to some of their past looks, which made me pop when I saw those themes make a return on a larger scale.
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Look 8 was a standout more me. The different cuts on the tux where really dope and unique. Probably the most traditional piece in the show but the approach they took with it might have made it the most relatable.
🏕💯 👰♀️ 🤵♂️
The Bride and Groom closed the show with looks 9 & 10. Once all the pieces are in place it was time for the bride and groom to make their entrance. The white tux on the groom was a nice contrast, I really dig the design on the side. The brides look gave a modern touch, to the traditional bridal gown we are used to.
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It was really touching to see Juan, Migna, and Baby Pablo make their way down the run way, soaking in the entire moment as a family. It’s been a minute since Muse By Pablo did a fashion show, but they didn’t skip a beat, continuing to edge their name in Tampa Fashion History for years to come.
For their Threshold presentation Garbäj Clothing takes us through the High Court Of Garbäj for their AW23 Runway Collection, with a particular focus on the Ouroboros.
🏕💯 🥁 🏰 ♻️
Things started off with Rishi Beats modeling for Look 1. Portraying the bard of the court it fits the model as well as Garbäj. The design of the Chronicle Drum Shield made it feel one with the fabrics.
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One of my favorite looks from the show was Look 2. From the Ouroboros bag, to the Garbäj Denim this look is gear for everyday use. Garbäj always knocks it out of the park with their crewnecks and this blue piece is no different.
🏕💯🐍 ♻️
Elliot Varon was the model for Look 3 featuring the custom Recyclical Ouroboros printed custom sewn button up. Continuing the Ouroboros theme with this piece Garbäj always brings it up a notch when it comes to a runway show, it’s the sleeves for me.
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One of the more simplistic looks from the show Look 4 is portrayed in an angelic way. The head piece wings are a true statement piece.
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For Look 5 we have the keeper of the orb. The distressed denim fit the vibe, with the hood of the keep shrouding the figure in mystery. The keep sees all despite it having eyes wide shut.
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No stranger to the world of Garbäj is Big NHO himself Abstractpoet pulling off Look 6. The power of the Ouroboros is in full effect for this look. From the crewneck down to the tote, the circular symbol can be seen, displaying a symbol of wholenesses and infinity, truly opening the door into the world of Garbäj.
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Look 7 is a bit more laid back. Could this be a prince or possibly a king in Garbäj Clothing? Reminiscent of past grey font crewnecks in the past, just like the theme of the show what is old becomes new again. The chrome shorts set everything off, appearing as comfortable knights armor.
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Look 8 might be my favorite of the whole show. The helmet and sigh show that the figure is ready to defend the kingdom at all costs. The images on his tunic feature the Ouroboros as well as a few other nods from the land. It’s safe to say you better steer clear of this guy if your hailing from Caustic Castle.
This runway show is something you feel in your soul. Being a long time inhabitant in the world of Garbäj I love seeing the lore expanded on with each show and gear drop, making all lovers of Garbäj feel one. The music set the tone, transporting the audience into the high court of Garbäj.
With one of the most monumental achievements in Tampa Bay Fashion history happening a couple weeks back at the Threshold event I figured it wouldn’t do it justice to compile all the looks from each of these six ground breaking creatives into one article. Instead I will be dropping five different articles breaking down each creatives individual show. For the first installment we had to start with the home team Cowboy By Takeo and Made By Moose.
Look 1
Look 1 modeled by VY has that casual luxury vibe to it. Off rips I was like I need those burgundy shorts featuring that Cowboy logo. It’s summer year round in Florida, so it’s never a bad thing to have a stash of shorts. The knit hoodie is a collage piece in its own right, with a plethora of different fabrics being meshed together. Moose also did his thing on the chest rig and jewelry pieces included in this look.
Look 221st Century Cowboy
Look 2 was modeled by the one and only Tayism. Cowboy is known for their custom trunks and jumpsuits, the later being what drew me to the artist in the first place. One of the standout moments from the entire show was when Tayism reached into the trunk, pulling out the Red Jacket that was crafted by Moose.
Look 3
Look 3 modeled by Ethan embodies what I feel Cowboy was trying to get across with this show as well as majority of the esthetic of the artist. The blend of Luxury goods like the trunks with the Americana esthetic symbolized with the leather jacket, logo tee, and painted denim is truly what it means to be a 21st Century Cowboy. This is also when the music really started hitting not sure what that Westside Gunn and Kanye West track was but it was a vibe for sure.
Look 4
Look 4 modeled by $KIBEEP continues the themes touched on in the previous pieces but this time with a bit more flair due to the rings crafted by Moose. The baseball Cowboy tee adds to the Americana esthetic. The statement piece hands down is that embroidered Year Of The Tiger Cowboy Denim Jacket. This look to Lil Wayne’s “Hustler Muzik” really hit.
Look 5
Look 5 modeled by Kamille is pure luxury. That silver paper clip chain is slowly becoming one of my favorite jewelry pieces of the year Made By Moose. It’s tough to say what my favorite painted Cowboy piece is but the Ink Coveralls are a top contender. The Cowboy Umbrella sets the tone, adding to the utilitarian esthetic Cowboy always sticks to.
Look 6
Look 6 modeled by _mvriv_ hits the Americana vibes out of the park. Pretty much an all painted leather look, this look was made to just ride on a Harley or whatever bike hits your fancy. The Kazama leather trousers are a big vibe especially with that flame on the leg. The silver rings add a bit of grit of course crafted by the man himself Moose. The collab tee between Cowboy and Dog Hunter 3k adds just enough white to make it all flow.
Look 7
The homie 7Sinclair was the model Look 7. The homie came through with the one of a kind statement piece patch strip leather jacket made by Moose as well as the silver lace locks on the kicks. That grey Cowboy sweater has been one of my favorite pieces for years, glad it made it into the show. Can’t go wrong with some Cowboy Denim either.
Look 8
Look 8 modeled by Raven was one of my favorite looks of the entire show. As a model she killed it, the smoking added so much. The Digi Camo chest rig made by Moose paired nicely with the camo Cowboy Jacket.
Look 9
We continue with camo vibes with Look 9 modeled by Jiggy. Yo that green Cowboy print is so fire I love that shade, it hit well on the camo print. The silver pieces included by Moose added some flair to the look but hands down one of my favorite looks of the show, big nod to BAPE which I thought was cool.
Look 10
I’ll never forget Kid Dre coming out to Benny The Butcher’s “One Way Flight” for Look 10. Gun to my head id have to go with the Year Of The Tiger leather painted jacket as my favorite piece from the Cowboy portion of the show, other than them damn Burgundy Shorts. The baseball tee really hits different when you layer it well. I felt the trunk was utilized well for this look.
Look 11 & 12
Look 11 & 12 was two looks in one modeled by Jo and pxpichulo.lxni. Cowboy snapped with the all blue jumpsuit and hand painted jeans. The hand painted aspect of Cowboys work makes each statement piece a work of art on its own. The puffer jacket is always one of the most asked about items in the Somewhere Store, it was nice to see it get some shine on the runway. Shout out to the Balaclava Boys X Cowboy By Takeo tee making an appearance in the show.
Big shout out to Jason Ryan and José Guerrero for the photos.
Au Revoir 👋
The homies definitely started things off with a bang. This show really hit home for me how much Cowboy has been tapping into that Americana esthetic, which is a reflection of both his American and Japanese roots. It was awesome to see some of the game changing 1 of 1 pieces Moose has made over the years make their way onto the runway. His jewelry pieces set things off as well, adding the finishing touches to many of the looks. I want to commend the team work between both Cowboy and Moose because I am sure that played a key factor in making this show as memorable as it was.
Taco Wizard a nomadic radical taqueria did their first pop up this Tuesday at Wild Child in St.Pete, offering travelers game changing tacos and other Latin favorites with a slight flick of the wand.
🏕💯 🧙🏽♂️ 🌮 Fish Tacos
Everything sounded fire so I had to pretty much get one of every item. I started off with the red fish tacos. The fry on the fish was nice not over powering the flavor, with the slaw topping adding a nice fresh crunch. The salsa was nice and spicy. I’d like to see their take on a Baja fish taco possibly at the next pop up.
Asada
Out of all the different flavors the Wizard had going on you can’t beat a classic Asada Taco. Nothing really crazy going on with these, just great flavor and a great price point which is sometimes all you need with a taco.
Pho Birria
I like Pho and I like tacos so what happens when you combine the two? All the herbs commonly used in pho added that same kind of vibe to the Birria Tacos. The brisket and ox tail combo went nicely with the abundance of flavors. Would easily get these again if they appeared back on the menu, really inventive idea.
It isn’t pictured because I ate it so fast but the Chili Lime Shrimp and Potato Empanada was bussin. Even if they dropped a traditional style empanada with just potato and chicken or pork would be nice for the next pop up.
Banana Horchata
When I saw this at the bottom of the menu I already knew it was mine. This fresh from the cauldron Banana Horchata is pretty dam near close to homemade. No artificial or mix flavors just rice milk cinnamon and banana. Could drink a gallon of this stuff it was so good.
I am really digging all the pop up food events happening in the city lately, and you can add Taco Wizard to the likes of Dusty’s and many others, bringing quality food and new flavors to the streets of St.Pete for locals by locals. There’s really no telling what flavors the Wizard will conjure up out of his spell book for the next pop up but you can bet the Jit will be pulling up again.
Photographer Stone is able to capture moments in time, with his Polaroid esthetic giving off a sense of nostalgia despite being in the now. I wanted to shed light on a few of his photos that highlight his artistic touches.
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This first photo I call “The Jungle” is one of my favorites. The faces being covered adds to the mystery, who are these men? The crispness of the photo gives it that 90s grunge vibe you would see on the streets of NYC.
Laid back
I dig how lived in this photo feels. It could be pre game or post game chillin but either way the homie is laid back. This one has a slice of life type feel we can all relate to.
Effortless
Backstage photo shoots are always a dope concept to me. Which photos make it and which photos don’t. Yes we always see the glamorous model with the edited photos but what if the raw cuts was the norm?
Red Ballon
This photo has EP cover vibes to me. It offers the viewer many questions. Who is this girl and why does she have the balloons? Are they her ballon’s or are they just wandering like a ghost throughout the streets.
August
This photo gives off that slice of life feel as well. The all white background makes the denim jacket stand out. Why is the fabric over the light is the first question that came to my mind.
Paralela
This piece reminds me of something out of a seventies exploitation film. The model fits the vibe to a tee with her luxurious esthetic. Her face gives off a sense of longing. Despite her luxurious life style she appears to want something more, not as content with her current situation.
Crisis
You can really feel the pain in this one. From the smeared make up, to bathing with clothes on. The viewer is not hip to why the model is in such a state of pain, but her longing gaze tells the whole story.
Shadows
A follow up to the “Crisis” piece, this next photo reminds me of Lelia Goldoni in John Cassavetes film “Shadows”. Not only does the model look very similar to her, but her current state matches many of the scenes in the film.
Museum
This one is some high fashion shit. The old school statue adds a baroque tone to the photo. The model like the statue comes off as a piece of living art, both now being captured in time simultaneously. Medusa faces turn me into stone.
Big NHO
Had to add this one cause it’s gang shit. Despite the Somewhere Store being something in the now, the way Stone shoots Raheem makes the moment feel lived in, with so much history already behind it. In a few years this one his gonna hit way harder, Big NHO shit.
What I love most about Stone’s photos is the sense of nostalgic they evoke despite being taken in current time. Deep down I am an old soul, so to see someone not using crystal clear filters, and looking for that perfect IG look puts a smile on my face every time. Hopefully I can lock in with the homie and have my own time capsule created through Stone’s lens.
Every once in awhile there comes a time when two of the undergrounds best come together and create an essential record. On “Sparxky & Dutch”, Vern SR & Deezy Wee The Reaper create a sonic adventure filled with pimp tyte beats and smoked out bars.
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The project kicks off with the eerie “Sockem Bopper”. Verb’s flow is so cool and laid back but the way he delivers each line is what makes them stick. Deezy has one of my favorite voices in rap, this beat was made for him to reap over. Deezy has quotables for days, but the Barney Rubble line was my favorite. Great way to start off the project.
“Bussin” is that ride around in the whip making plays type track. Despite being smoked out, Vern & Deezy still got that smoke, so you better come correct. One of my favorite Vern lines is on this track when he says “ I’m an alchemist, turning nothing into something”.
“Big Tokin” gives off that day time pool party vibe. Everyone chilling on floaties smoking loud having a blast, cannon balls and everything. This is how you make a dope song about smoking without it coming off as corny or played out.
“Tube” has a bouncy beat with some hard hitting bass. The concept of this track is dope with Vern & Deezy watching themselves on TV, possibly the latest episode of “Sparxky & Dutch”. Deezy keeps is flow slower on this track but Vern speeds things up a bit on his.
“Two Lics” is on that reap shit. If they catch you lacking, Vern & Deezy just might have to hit a lic real quick. I really enjoyed the more playful vibe on this track, with Vern & Deezy taking pleasure in finding a new victim.
Now let’s get into one of my favorite tracks off the album “Putty Cat”. This one has always stuck with me, probably due to the atmospheric beat. Deezy gets in the zone on his verse, with each line creating a visual in your mind. I like the way they went back and forth on the hook. Vern’s flow is pretty sped up on the track but he rides the beat with ease.
“Mattress” sounds like it was straight out of Miami Vice, that sax hits. Deezy’s rhyme scheme on this track is very inventive, especially towards the mid point of his verse. Vern pulls up on his pimp shit, putting all his bitches in check. Just a really feel good track, love the vibe especially when things slow down at the end.
“Bruce Willis” will have you chirping back for sure. Hands down the craziest beat on the project, the homies slide this joint bringing high energy and good vibes. Vern drops mad Bruce Willis references throughout his verse.
“Stuntin” low key has that Metro Zu vibe to it but through a Tampa Bay filter. Deezy has a more slowed down flow on this one but it adds to the laid back vibe, but once he comes back in on the third verse things keep speeding up. This the credits rolling at the end of the movie type vibe.
When it comes to 813 Essentials I would say “Sparxky & Dutch” is a cult classic. Both emcees have cult like following which only grew after this project. I also really dig how they low key made a stoner rap classic as well. With part 2 on the way fans on both sides of the bay will be running back this essential for years to come.
