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.
Last weekend I checked out The Factory’s monthly Second Saturday event. Featuring a pop up from Before The Storm Studios, a new piece from i.B.O.M.S., and some dope pottery from Fsquared Ceramics.
We are all storm chasers
The main reason I went to the event was to pick up some exclusives at The Before The Storm studios pop up, and chop it up with the crew. BTS is made up of Laurent, Abstract Poet, and Chaddy P, with each member having their own brand within the group.
Very RvreDopest design of the whole drop.
The “Prepare” t shirt in the white color way was probably my favorite piece in the drop. The logo on the back gives off a “Cactus Jack” vibe but with a storm spin on it that makes it even doper. The subtle storm chaser van on the front is a nice touch. The van is becoming a staple of the brand. The camcorder tote bag added some variety to the drop, the zipper addition was fire.
Quality on these are crazy.
A piece I personally picked up, the “Storm Chase” tee is essential. The blue color way is not often used so I really dug it from that aspect, but for me the different storm icons on the front are what make it.
Crazy embroidery on the BTS logo.
The tees are really dope but if your looking for a statement piece from the drop I would say pick up the “Staff” button up. These will have you feeling like your a member of the BTS team.
Concealed United
Chaddy P had some crazy product on display for his brand “Concealed United. Along with some art pieces on the wall, select graphic tees where available but the true gem was the crazy patchwork jeans.
The Abstract
Statement pieces
Chad snapped on these jeans man. Someone bought the jeans and went to change to rock them instantly cause that’s how dope they are. Each piece is unique and handmade by the man himself. Really excited for the future of Concealed United, I’ll for sure be supporting.
City Xf Gxd$NHO
Abstract Poet is by far my favorite collage artist and artists period. His approach pushes the idea of what a collage can be to the next level. If your not getting your album cover done by him your sleep af, I would love to have a custom A$AP Yam$ piece made by him, on some cozy vibes. Not sure if it’s in the works but would definitely rock some Narcotics Half Off product.
The entire BTS team killed it for their first pop up, it’s nice to see The Factory giving such dope creatives a place to showcase what they can do.
Calling My Spirits
It’s always a treat when i.B.O.M.S. showcases a new piece. At this point it’s safe to say i.B.O.M.S. is my favorite living artist and his new piece “Calling My Spirts” further solidifies that. I loved the globe like head with the sun inside, as well as the abundance of blooms on display. The headless birds are becoming a staple of his work. Whenever Jabari adds in a little ice to his pieces they just hit different. The icy bite mark as well as the drip on the neck and wrist are standouts of the piece.
My favorite all time work from i.B.O.M.S.
Over time this piece has really grown on me, to me it is the perfect example of i.B.O.M.S. style. I love seeing it every time I go to The Factory. From the Dragon Balls in Ashi’s hair to the ones in the ball pit, this is a master work.
Fsquared Ceramics That’s just the Wave
It was really cool meeting and chopping it up with Fsquared Ceramics. He’s got some really amazing pieces on display. Might need to pick up one of his pieces for my cacti.
Can’t wait to come back next month for the Rishi Beats cypher featuring the homie Johnny Adama, as well as the other awesome creatives being showcased.
The 727’s biggest mover and shaker RodXTheXGod captures West Coast G-Funk vibes but with a 100% St.Pete flavor on “The Ricky Spanish Collection…”
Space Age Pimpin
This hands down has got to be one of my favorite projects ever to come out of the St.Pete Hip Hop scene. I’ve always felt since we on West Florida we should have a little bit more of a G-Funk/West Coast feel to some of the music especially being a beach town. “Ricky Spanish” sound like it straight out of Suave House Records back in the nineties on some 8ball & MJG pimp shit.
With DJ IDEA creating the space age pimpin soundscape for Rod & friends to paint lyrical pictures of what everyday live in the city we know in love St.Pete, Fla is like. The title tracks all pay homage to local beaches in the area.
The first track “Vero Beach…” sets the tone for the project. The “ just admit it” hook will get stuck in your head instantly. The Broly and Vlone references on the track from Rod was really dope and relatable. JJ Da Jet snapped on his verse. Pretty much every line is quotable. RIP JJ!
The hooks on the project set up each track so your tuned into all the dope shit the rappers are spitting. “Valrico…” is on some players club shit. Really surprised no one had done a $lugg mix for this project yet, it would jam in the city.
It’s always a lethal combination when you get Rod & Playrunna on a track, “Coquina Keys…” is the perfect example of this. Playrunna sounded really dope on this production on some like B.G. old school New Orleans sounding flow. That hook by Rod might be the best on the project.
“Tierra Verde” featuring $lugged $xund$ member Jerry Nova is my favorite track on the entire project. The beat is a straight banger. That burger line on Nova’s verse was crazy. Rod killed it from both a hook and verse aspect. Not many producers are able to be such a one two punch but would expect anything less.
The final track “Davis Island” featuring the homie Jotta end out the project well. Jot is one of the best spitters in the 727 scene so you know his verse goes crazy. Him and Rod have another track on Jotta’s “Cheap Vacation” project that might have my favorite RodXTheXGod verse to date.
RodXTheXGod and the entire Aqua House, Wynners Circle family has really been killing it lately. I for sure see “The Ricky Spanish Collection…” going down as a St.Pete Hip Hop classic, helping craft a signature “Burg-Funk” sound for the St.Pete Hip Hop scene. to stand alongside the “Slug Rap” movement.
Fresh off his set as apart of Slugged Sounds “Slugged Nites”, Tre Butler proves why he is one of the top spitters in the entire St.Pete Hip Hop scene on his new EP “To Whom It May”.
Whole diff type of time
Tre Butler is the type of artists that reminds me that people can still be conscious and lyrical without sounding corny or like they are preaching. You definitely can feel that J.Cole and early Logic influence but Tre still stands on his own as an artist. I am a big fan of when an artist sticks with one producer for an entire project, Tre teams up with Six Ave to bring that lush atmospheric production to set the back drop for his bars.
The first track “These Dayz” is just straight bars over a string heavy beat. The story telling on this track is really dope, you can visualize everything Tre is spitting. Despite not having a hook the track doesn’t drag and starts the project off right. The basketball references were a nice touch.
On “L2L” Tre teams up with one of the burg’s finest Onlyonetwo to make what could potentially be a St.Pete Hip Hop classic. The city definitely needs a video for this one, everyone would pull up.
“Live” featuring Ray Champion sounds like some shit that would be on the “Creed” sound track. That Gemini line Tre dropped on this one was dumb cold. The hook from Ray Champion was a nice change of pace this point in the project. It had a bit of a West Coast vibe to it as well.
I was blown away when I first heard “Guardian Angel” the second verse on this track is one of the hardest I’ve heard this year. The atmospheric beat from Six Ave brings this track to a next level, going all in on that heavenly vibe.
After hearing “To Whom It May” I am really hype for whatever Tre Butler has coming up next in regards to a full project. The city also needs a collab track/EP with Josiah Odin. Be on the look out for another performance from Tre at many of the upcoming “Slug Nites” events.
Coming off his No.1 album on my Top St.Pete Hip Hop Albums of 2020, Onlyonetwo is bringing the Leo energy on his latest project “Fire EP”.
This one is for the Fire signs.
The project takes inspiration from the fire signs of the zodiac, Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries. Being a Leo it was only right for Onlyonetwo to start with the Fire signs first, not being biased or nothing.
The first track “Poison” I feel is meant to represent the Leo side. Not sure if that’s because I could personally relate to the toxicity of the relationship, Onlyonetwo describes on the track. The hook on “Poison” might be his best to date.
To me “Streets Of Rage” captures that fiery Aries energy, this one is the anthem track of the project. If Onlyonetwo does a video for this one he should get a group of people just running in the streets on some “The Warriors” vibes.
The final track “Downfall” seems like it was meant to be on more of a Sagittarius vibe. “Downfall” is on some street conscious shit. So many quotable lines that stood out like when Onlyonetwo spits about a dude that “went up the road and turned troll”. That “imma sing to ya bitch like I’m Liberace” line was the coldest on the entire project.
Each time a listen to “Fire EP” my favorite song changes, each one has a different feel and vibe while still sounding cohesive as a project. Can’t wait for some visuals for at least one of these tracks. If you already wasn’t hype for the next album these “Sign EPs” will contain the burg for now.
Local Muzik founder and St.Pete Hip Hop pioneer shows the evolution of the Local Muzik sound on “It’s Not You, It’s Me”.
Local Muzik runnin them hoes wild.
I have been rocking with Mari and the Local Muzik Group ever since I was a Jit. All the way from the “Lake$ide Local” days with Crown and Ameen Spade. Back then Local was the only ones really doing shit in the scene, when it came to music and visuals, the latter blessed by the legend Rob Gallardo.
With “It’s Not You, It’s Me” Mari pins down his sound. The vibe is like a little bit of southern hip hop with a hint of Jet Life energy, while still remaining Local Muzik, oh yeah and a dash of “Seinfeld”. What I like most about Mari’s approach is he always gives off a very St.Pete sound, expanding the one he created on in the past.
The production on the project is all top tier provided by Smoke Dawg, who brings in that wavey Local Muzik sound while still adding in those bangers like my stand out track “Lil Bad Lil Bih”.
“Chanel” brings back those old school Local vibes with super lush production and Mari does his thing on the track. The video roll out for this one was next level with the old “Chanel” ad.
It was cool to see Ameen Spade and Mari link up again on “Embedded”, with only a couple features on the album it was a nice change up to hear a different voice. Plus it’s a nice nod to the Day 1 Local Muzik supporters.
The Ari Chi vocal assisted “YKTV” again brings in that lush Local Muzik vibe but Mari’s flow and rhyme scheme is really impeccable on the track. Ari Chi killed the hook as well. I think they hinted at a video, but the city definitely gonna need that.
Another stand out track is “Off The Shits” that’s gotta be one of the craziest beats I’ve heard in awhile from Smoke Dawg. Mari has huge confidence on this track which shows in his delivery.
You guys are for sure going to see “Its Not You, It’s Me” on my end of the year list. I just really loved how St.Pete af this album was, proving once again that Local Muzik Group are still the top dogs when it comes to this St.Pete Hip Hop shit. This just the beginning!
Taking influence from RuneScape, Final Fantasy, The Legand Of Zelda, and Card based games, the homies from Garbäj Clothing are back with hands down their most ambitious drop to date. Which route will you choose The Cleric or The Gate Keeper?
The LightThe Darkness
The drop consists of two long sleeves, “The Cleric” one featuring a baby blue color scheme with hits of yellow on the side to represent the “Holy Espee”. “The Gatekeeper” comes in black with hits of purple and red to represent the “tool of sin”. As far as the product goes this is by far my favorite drop from the brand. I am a big fan of long sleeves, you already know the material is gonna be top notch. Plus $5 of each purchase goes to help Suicide Awareness and Mental Health. I personally plan on picking up both of these pieces but the roll out in which Garbäj dropped for the collection taking the RPG video game approach while adding in the environmental aspect is what brings the release to life.
The choice is yours. We need this in the upcoming Exotic Pop machine.
Garbäj released a video game esque trailer, bringing us deeper into the world of Garbäj as well as expanding the lore. In this first person adventure you take a sip of the Garbäj Juice, transporting you to Garbäj mountain, were you choose whether you want to enter the “Recyclical Basilica” or the “Caustic Castle”!
I can hear the castle flutes. Garbäj saved the game.
The “Recyclical Basilica” is what we all strive for. The structure is built from recycled materials built from clerics who’s mission on earth is to stop pollution. The bonus stats for this card are pretty awesome supporting your stats and allowing resurrection.
Stinky!!!!!!Chum Bucket vibes.
For those who embrace the darkness I would choose the “Caustic Castle”. The Gate Keeper watches over the stinky almost monster like structure. Pollution spews from the castle spreading death and disease to all inhabitants. Those that dabble in sin will gain bonus attack from the castle.
The Gate Keeper But what is he guarding? You triggered my trap card!
If you choose the “Caustic Castle” you will be greeted by “The Gate Keeper” who shall decide the ultimate fate of your soul. Armed with his tools of sin “The Gates Chains” The Gate Keeper will grant you all that you desire or blind you. What lies behind the castle walls?
Shout out to Clergy. Blessings on blessings on blessings. Let there be light.
For those of you who choose the “Recyclical Basilica” will be greeted by “The Cleric” the keeper of everything light restoring faith to the earth. Armed with his “Tools of Prayer” The Cleric uses the “Holy Espee” to heal all.
With many cards at play it is uncertain what will happen next in the world of Garbäj. It is up to the player to decide which path is best for them on their environmental journey.
Beyond the algorithm, above the likes and engagement, Pollex World still remains despite a brief hiatus, the gateway is now unlocked enter Pollex World Order!
P.W.OStill rendering
Taking influence from themes of dystopia and cyber space Pollex World is able to capture the unrendered vibe other brands just can’t grasp. It’s not just about the product it’s about the individual.
Who, what, where? Pollex propaganda
Pollex spreads propaganda through various outlets such has product, posters, cards, and messages on your feed. The always popular Pollex World TV is when Pollex takes over full control of your senses, mind, body, and soul. It starts out small with just one Pollex World tee, but eventually your entire fit is Pollex Wolrd, it’s best to just embrace this.
The Pollex I Met One eye above all 👁
It’s comforting knowing that Pollex World is always watching with one eye open. When you embrace Pollex World instead of rejecting it, decisions and actions become second nature. Instead of going for other brands and lifestyles you will be drawn to Pollex, going deeper and deeper into the truth.
Don’t be a drone be a Cowboy!
With back to back drops pretty much selling out in March, Pollex World is showing no signs of slowing down. It is futile to try and escape, so just sit down, relax, and embrace P.W.O.
Ever since his days in St.Pete Hip Hop legend Lil Keis’s “Paper Chasers Ent”, BTMVLE Jotta has been a staple in the St.Pete Hip Hop scene. After dropping a few EPs in the past Jotta is ready to stake his claim at the top of this St.Pete Hip Hop shit on “Cheap Vacation”.
Jotta’s style to me are street conscious vibes 100% out of St.Pete, Fla. His rhymes paint a vivid picture of what street life in the 727 is about, but not necessarily on some flexing shit, the flexing is all in Jot’s delivery.
Shout out to my Slugs.
The opening track “10-4” has that vibe of riding your bike throughout St.Pete potentially making a play or two, either way the sun is shining. The production is top notch throughout the entire project.
“Scary Hustle” is for everyone waiting to take that final leap in whatever your hustle is. That “captain clueless” line is cold. Jot said it best “scared money don’t make money”.
“Good Karma” first time I heard this track was in a Balaclava Boys promo video but just the last snippet of it. It all makes sense now. The piano beat is the perfect backdrop for Jotta to put us all on game. “Im backin up and stackin up my good karma!” just hits different when it’s slugged.
“Purple Clouds” is just a bar fest between Jotta and the homie RodXTheXGod. Jotta starts the track off with probably his most spitterific flow to date. I also like how the title didn’t really fit the content of the song, based on the title you would have thought it would be a weed song. It’s rare to get a verse from RodXTheXGod so you know it was gonna be special. From the purple bandana line, to the pay for a verse line, Rod might have verse of the year, and that’s On Godzilla!
Tropicana
“In The Dust” is just on some groovy shit. Jot is definitely repping Pinellas County on this one. For me this might be my favorite hook on the project, every hustler can relate to this one.
“Keep It Goin” is on some story telling shit. The line about the not so great whip was very clever. The talk of 34th St S and 54th Ave are very relatable to me, and should be to anyone who is or have lived that lifestyle. This one for all them I275 road runners. The beat has West Coat elements to it while still remaining West Florida not Cali.
“H.I.T.M” featuring Nasja Mone was a nice change of pace at this point of the album. This one has probably the most conscious feel to it. The hook is really dope and well executed. Really loved the song structure of this joint in general it’s on some early TDE shit.
You know there had to be some Slug Rap on a Jotta project and “Lolo” is just that. One of the coldest lines is when Jot says “Made my dream girl my baby momma”. This might be my favorite track on the entire project, I am a sucker for airy production. Jotta’s flow is next level on “Lolo”.
GF2
To hold y’all over til that “Good Fellas EP” drops, Jotta and fellow slug Jerry Nova team up on “Yesterday”. The beat has a very triumphant feel allowing both Jot and Nova to do their thing. One of my favorite lines from Nova was “we rollin up for all them rainy days, we stackin paper but can’t take the pain away.”
“Run It Back” was a perfect way to end out the album, plus that campfire introduction was pretty dope. This one is kind of on some spoken word shit at different moments, that rugrats line was super dope. What really makes all these songs feel genuine is the confidence in which Jotta delivers his lines. The mellow beat is one of my favorites on the project.
“Cheap Vacation” is a great introduction project to get people familiar with Jotta’s vibe. This project was only the initiation of what’s to come, having you on the edge of your seat waiting for the “Good Fellas EP”, and whatever the Slugged Sounds movement is has up its sleeve.
Bridging the gap between street wear and high fashion, shit at times high art, Pins&Pluses is cementing itself as one of my favorite brands in the scene.
Honor is born amongst thieves.
The inaugural drop for Pins&Pluses was 2019s “Time To Breathe” t shirt collection. Focusing on the themes of unity, reflection, and creativity. The photo shoot and accompanying video is what really captures Pins&Pluses vision and vibe for the brand. It’s on some high fashion shit without feeling like it’s doing to much. Def wish I would have picked one of these up when they dropped.
Have fun outdoors
The white logo t shirt is a simple design for the brand but sometimes you just want to rock a straight up logo tee of your favorite brand. The aspect I like the most about Pins&Pluses vibe is their minimalist approach to design.
A night in the country. Shout out Garbäj. The brand with three pluses.
Following up the pair of summer releases the brand rolled out their most ambitious collection to date for Fall and Winter “A night in the country”. The gray hoodie is my favorite piece in the collection, working as a piece both man and women can rock. The gray color palette was a nice touch. This was a necessary evolution for the brand moving out of just the straight up logo tees into more of a lifestyle brand, while still keep that high fashion esthetic.
The Abstract Collage
The brands last release at this moment is the “Pink Sky collage” t shirt that dropped top of 2020. Yet again another home run from the brand. Since it’s Florida most of the time all I’m rocking is a t shirt, so this collage design shirt was made for sunny spring days.
The brand has been on a bit of a break over the last year but that is understandable with the virus and everything. I’ve been hearing rumblings that Laurent and Chadddy.p are back in the studio work on some next level product. Now a days if it’s not Tampa Bay Sports gear, I’m only rocking product from homegrown designers. Pins&Pluses is definitely apart of that select few.
