Author: jitcamp

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Stay In Tampa Bay.

With the rumors of the XFL being revived via a new buyer, the Dallas Renegades packed up their facility, bringing more credibility to the San Antonio relocation rumor from earlier this year. Orlando was rumored to be looked at as the relocation city for the Vipers, for the leagues second season. Will the Vipers be moved to Orlando, this die hard fan is here to say, Get Your Own Team!

The Vipers are always looked at as having one of the lowest attendances in the league, despite only having two home games one of which was a Sunday night game. The first game had 18,117 fans the second only had 12,249. For having a winless record at the time I felt those were decent numbers for an upstart spring team.

I imagine the league saw the untapped potential for Orlando to have pro football with the USFL’s Orlando Renegades averaging 25,000 fans. More recently the AAF’s Orlando Apollo’s averaged about 20,000 fans per game. Former Apollo’s coach Steve Spurrier has said on record recently if the league did come back to Florida he would be down to coach. Spurrier coached the Apollo’s to the leagues only championship.

Not saying that Orlando shouldn’t have a team but I feel it would be better to just revive the Apollo’s or make a new team as an Expansion team to usher in the new rebranded league. With teams in Tampa and Orlando a rivalry is definitely set up allowing fans to travel to both games, making what could be some of the leagues best match ups. Back in the day the Bandits averaged 43,000 fans per game, proving Tampa Bay is a market Spring Football can thrive in.

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Y’all Can Keep The Craft Beer, I Got Exotic POP.

For me instead of sitting around drinking a shitty Bud Light or some fruity craft beer, I rather be sipping on some Big Moe Bar Yar grape soda or some exclusive lychee Fanta out of Japan. My friends might ride on me for it but who cares I’m the one sipping on unique beverages.

Earlier this year I covered the rise of Team Exotic POP in the community. With the Rap Legends soda line adding Mac Dre and Big HAWK sodas, the team is finally ready to open up distribution. With the Exotic Snax line bringing back Dunkaroos the entire Team Exotic POP is looking to continue doing big things in 2020.

Operations are going live June 27th in honor of Dj Screw and S.U.C. You already know the good people over at Jit Camp have put their application in to become the official Exotic Pop distributors in the Tampa Bay Area. The goal is to spread my love of unique beverages and exotic sodas with my entire community as well as bring Team Exotic POP to an untapped market. I know for a fact the city is ready.

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Life Is Good Being A Tornadoes Fan!

Despite their Inaugural Season being put on hold, the Tampa Bay Tornadoes and the rest of the AAL are showing no signs of slowing down.

The Tornadoes recently hosted a few scouting and try out events to get a look at some untapped local talent from the Tampa Bay Area. I am sure many former players from some the the areas top high schools came out to see if they have what it takes to play in the AAL.

Right now my favorite player on the team is lucky number 7 Brion Carnes. The former 4 year starter at Manatee High school showed what he had on the pro level putting up 2,780 yards and 55 TD for the Cedar Rapids Titans of the IFL. I definitely need to add a Carnes Tornadoes jersey to the collection.

As of now no word has been officially said if the 2020 season is canceled but with the NAL and IFL both making cancellations of their season’s I am sure the AAL will follow suite. An announcement on the season is supposed to be made on July 25th.

If I have to wait until the 2021 season to see my Tampa Bay Tornadoes take the field against the rest of the rising AAL than so be it. It just gives the team more time to put the best product on the field, hopefully bringing more Championships to the Tampa Bay.

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Rays Build For The Future.

With the 2020 MlB Season in doubt, the league still held its annual draft. Since the Tampa Bay Rays did pretty well last season, winning 96 games, the team had the 24th and 37th picks in the first round.

Scouting this season was even harder due to COVID 19 cutting many baseball seasons shot as well as not being able to physically scout players. The Rays pride themselves on having great scouting and building the team through the draft, rather than paying big money free agents like our AL East Rivals.

With the 24th pick the Rays selected Nick Bitsko RHP out of Central Bucks High School East. A lot of data on him was collected on the soon to be 18 year old virtually, with him throwing pitches up to 98 MPH. With his eligibility changing, he was projected to be the top prospect of the 2021 Draft, so if you look at it that way Bitsko is a steal. Some believe he doesn’t have the stuff to be a starting pitcher in the league but after a few years in the Minor Leagues, I am sure he will be a great addition to the already stacked Rays pitching staff.

With the 37th and final pick of the first round the Tampa Bay Rays selected Alika Williams SS out of Arizona State. Some felt the Rays might have reached on Williams, but I think the club was drawn to his skills on the defensive side of the field. His hitting is lacking but I think being on the same team as the No.1 pick Spencer Torkelson hid some of his offensive deficiencies. Last season he had a .333 average and was walked more than he actually got hits. If the Rays use him more from a defense aspect, I think he will be better off. With top prospect Wander Franco already playing his SS position and on the brink of being called up to the Majors, I think we won’t be seeing Williams in Rays gear for a minute. Plus team leader Willy Adames is already a staple in the organization so we are good from a SS perspective.

With the Rays remaining picks I’d like to seen them beef up the closing pitching rotation. Also other than Choi I feel the club always lacks when it comes to hitting power. I would like to see them pick up a big bat in one of the later rounds.

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Undiscovered Classics: Xavier Wulf & Bones- ダサい

For me this album is the definition of Cloud Rap, and defined the genre shaping it into what it is today. Dark airy production is at the forefront of the production coming from some of the sub genres best like SuicideYear and Akira. Xavier Wulf at the time known as Ethel Wulf was fresh out of Raider Klan and Bones was just building the TeamSesh brand, both which still dominate the underground and SoundCloud scene to this day. This album was heavily influenced by Acid but I feel like it was the only way this masterpiece could be created.

Songs like “Persian Palace” and “Acid Man” show what Cloud Rap has to offer. Both feature airy sample based beats with glistening trap hi hats accompanying them. A lot of the lyrics the duo talks about on the project deals with acid and other drugs but the amount of quotable bars each rapper has still sticks with me to this day. Like “I got $87 for some LSD!!!”.

“Bloody Gown” and “Fuck Fashion” showcase the pair over some more aggressive hard hitting production. Xavier Wulf is one of those rappers were it doesn’t matter what he’s saying it’s how he says it that makes it raw.

The duo has continued to dominate the underground while still staying true to the sub genre they defined. I hope one day this album gets the recognition it deserves for being so influential and helping to cement Cloud Rap as not just a wave.

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This Is Griselda.

For the last two years a group of rappers out of Buffalo, New York have been taking the rap game by storm. Griselda composed of Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, and Benny The Butcher are easily my favorite rappers right now. The group brings that authentic New York Boom Bap and Mafioso vibe that is similar to that of Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. With classics under their belt as solo artists the group released their debut album WWCD last year. So to put people on game I decided to make a list of the Top 10 Griselda songs as a group.

10. Nitro

This track off Westside Gunn’s album “Hitler Wears Hermès 4”, shows all three members using more of a slower flow than normal but the grimy guitar rift beat brings it together. Benny is my favorite out of the group but each member held their own on this track. I liked Conway’s bar about ripping out people’s throats.

9. Headlines featuring Dj Premier

Premo still has it after all these years, a legend and pioneer of Hip Hop Dj Premier lays down a lush boom bap track for the trio to just drop bombs over. For me Westside sounds the best over more lush production, but Benny always leaves me with the most quotable lines.

8. Chef Dreads

The first real track of their group album WWCD, Chef Dreads is just a barrage of bars from all three members. Usually when all three members are on a track they don’t use a hook, which for me works because at the end of the day I go to them for dope beats and even doper bars.

7. Dr.Birds

The first single off the WWCD album, Dr.Birds has that Wu Tang vibe with a more slowed down beat. What I like most about this song is just how much each of them flex’s on the track. In some cases like Chef Dreads the group mostly talks about selling drugs and beating up people, but I also dig when they get into that braggadocio style like flexing about how much shit they have. Plus the line “ Tell Virgil write “Brick” on my Brick” will forever be classic.

6. May Store feat. Keisha Plum

Anytime Keisha Plum on a track you know her spoked word section will but the whole track in perspective, painting a picture over the grim production. Daringer and Beat Butcha really put their foot in this whole project but especially on this beat. The piano sample in the background next to those hard hitting boom bap drums. Benny’s line “ I really beat white, I’m Mr. T from Rocky 3” is one of the coldest lines.

5. Moselle

This song is the closet the group comes to capturing that Wu Tang sound. The glistening piano beat sounds like water hitting glass. This is definitely my favorite track off the “WWCD”. I think Conway had it on this one.

4. Tito’s Back

Had this track on repeat as soon as I heard it. Conway and Benny go bar for bar, in the way Styles P and Jadakiss would flow together on a track. The piano beat is just so simple and menacing. Westside doesn’t have a verse on the track, but him talking shit on the end of it is all I really needed.

3. George Bondo

One of the newest tracks from the crew off Westside’s “Pray For Paris” album, this track is one of the hardest songs I’ve ever heard. I think each time I hear it I have a new fav but Benny’s hockey reference on his verse sold it for me. Once again all you need is a menacing piano sample over some hard hitting drums to make a great track.

2. Brutus

I love when the group uses wrestling references or samples in their songs. I jumped once I heard the old Monday Night Raw siren go off at the beginning of “Brutus”. I think Westside had the best verse but Benny hits you in the face right away with his. The distorted glitzy production on this track is what makes “Supreme Blientele” a classic album to me.

1. Allah Sent Me

This track was sent by Allah for sure. Ever since I heard this banger it’s been my favorite track of the year. I listen to it at least three times a day. Conway slides on this one but Benny’s verse about building a statue up from the gravel might be one of my favorite lines of the year. If you don’t listen to any of the songs on this list at least check this one to get what Griselda is putting down. Flygod is an awesome god.

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Introducing The Heavies!

2020 has been a big year for the guys at Toy Pizza, we are already mid way through AFOTM 2020 with this year’s installment expanding and introducing the Knights Of The Slice lore.

Cyber Mama and the very mysterious Azu Lado have both made their debuts this year on the hero side of the universe with Cyber Mama playing a big part in the plan to track down Marson while he was in search of the Blood Capsule. Azu is definitely one of my top 5 figures of the year, I like the fact that so far their is only one, which has me thinking who is Azu Lado?

Rumored from the very beginning of AFOTM 2020 the heavies are finally upon us. So far these have been my favorite figures of the KOTS universe. Raddick is straight out of “Miami Connection” with his shades and power pack Fanny pack. I could definitely see Raddick becoming one of the most popular characters in the KOTS.

With all that being said after receiving my two new Hackermans I think I have a new favorite. With a Mad Max style about him, Hackerman is no joke! This is a fig that definitely needed to have more heft to it. The chain saw arm and sword make a great combo to slice and dice opponents. The Meat Ambassador colorway adds to his horror movie esque look. Not sure if Hackerman is on the side of the Knights, but he’s a badass for sure.

Not sure what Toy Pizza has in store for the rest of 2020 but I will definitely be following. I would highly recommend becoming a Patreon subscriber, it’s a great way to stay up to date with Knights Of The Slice, as well as get some exclusive goodies. After missing out on AFOTM 2020, Patreon is a good consolation prize. Keep up the great work Jesse and everyone at Toy Pizza, keep the heavies coming.

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Top 5 Scooby-Doo villains

Scooby-Doo and the gang have one of the coolest rouges galleries of villains throughout their history. This top five list is only from the original “Where Are You?” Series from 1970.

5. Ghost Of Captain Cutler

Making his debut in episode 2 of the series the Ghost Of Captain Cutler is most known for his glow in the dark spelunker suit, which leaves a trail of glow in the dark foot prints. The glow is from a glowing seaweed found in the Graveyard of Ships where Captain Cutler supposedly died. The meddling kids discover the ghost is actually Captain Cutler himself who faked his death to steal yachts around the beach area.

4. Witch Doctor

The Witch Doctor makes his appearance in episode 5 of the series The Doctor doesn’t really have any cool powers other than he can teleport. He can also make holograms appear out of nowhere. His main goal was to kidnap dogs that might beat his own dog in a dog show competition. The super sleuths eventually foil the Witch Doctor’s plan revealing him to be the dognapper Buck Masters.

3. Ghost Clown

Using his power of hypnosis the Ghost Clown tricks the gang into doing various circus stunts in order to get his revenge. The clown rhymes a lot and makes a bunch of jokes The Clown is actually revealed to be Harry the Hypnotist who is seeking revenge for being sent to prison, after stealing from the circus.

2. Witch Doctor

Another Witch Doctor makes it on this list but this time it’s a tiki one. The Doctor can levitate and disappear and that’s about it. His powers kinda suck but I love his tiki mask. The gang foils the Witch Doctor’s pearl poaching scheme by revealing that its John Simms and his accomplice.

1. Spooky Space Kook

Just off the laugh and design alone, the Space Cook had to make the top spot. His power of glowing foot prints and finger prints. He also used a spaceship to scare away the folks at the local air field. The meddling kids eventually figure out that Henry Bascombe a neighboring farmer was behind the scheme, in order to get cheap land to expand his farm.

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A Rowdie Return For 2020.

With one game under their belt for the 2020 Season, it seems the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the rest of the USL will resume play on July 11.

Like many other sports leagues the USL season was put on hold due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. My team the Tampa Bay Rowdies had already pulled off one victory and with a playoff appearance last year, a run at the USL cup was definitely in the teams sights.

As of now there is no word on how the season will continue as far as schedule and broadcast options due to no fans being allowed at the games. As a Season Ticket holder it is sad I won’t be able to see the team live but if they somehow include like a streaming option to watch all the teams games I would be down for that.

No matter how the season unfolds I am just glad to have Rowdies soccer back. I will always support the Rowdies as well as Ralph’s Mob and Skyway Casuals for many seasons to come. Either way it’s gonna be a kick in the grass!

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Undiscovered Classics: Blu- Her Favorite Colo(U)r

After finishing up my top 20 albums of the decade list their were quite a few albums I felt should have made it on the list or ones on the list that are for others. This new undiscovered series is going to be me going more in depth about some of my favorite albums. This weeks pick is from the West Coast MC Blu.

Gaining popularity in the underground for his classic “Below The Heavens” with Exile, Blu would drop a few lo-fi projects in the underground, but it was not until 2011 when his self produced and personality my favorite album of his was official released.

To me “Her Favorite Colo(u)r” is what a 2000’s Indie Film would sound like if it was made by a rapper. Using samples from scenes in films like “Closer”, “Punch Drunk Love”, and “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou”. This technique is used masterfully on the track “Morning” which even though it’s just a clip from a film over a beat it’s still super dope to me. Like who would think to sample that on a Hip-Hop album.

Some of my favorite parts of a Blu album is when he samples the word Blue into a beat, like on “Amnesia”. For me I feel the album is about Blu and his girl, making Blu her favorite color.

The more jazzy tracks like “Amnesia” and “Vanity” have a riding your bike on a cool night watching the sunset with your girl type of vibe. On the track “Pardon” Blu shows his Madlib influence with a more soul sampled based track. “Beggars/BlackGold” has a J Dilla’s “Doughnuts” feel.

Sometimes I need a break from NY street rap and Trap music, Blu is my escape from that. I wish Blu would produce more of his own work but at least he still drops projects on an independent level. Even though he’s never been able to capture the magic on this project I will always continue to follow and support Blu because he gave this project to the world.