st Pete hip hop Local Muzik crown Marquiss 727

July 11, 2021

727 Classics Review: Crown Marquiss & Famous Kid Brick- Local Fame

There are moments in music when two of the biggest artists in the game join forces to create a classic. Whether it’s Jay & Ye on “Watch The Throne” or Drake and Future on “What A Time To Be Alive”. In my city of the 727 two St.Pete Hip Hop pioneers Crown Marquiss from Local Muzik and Famous Kid Brick from FAF join forces to create the classic “Local Fame”.

At this time in the St.Pete Hip Hop scene Brick was and still to this day was the biggest hit maker in the city, from classics like “I B Rollin” and “I’m On It” just to name a few. Crown and the rest of the Locals was taking over the city in their own right with immortal projects like “Live From The Southside” and the best visuals in the game courtesy of the $GREY GOAT Robert Gallardo. When FAF and Local Muzik come together it’s destined to be one of them ones.

The opening track “Woke Up” is for sure on some Local shit with the beat provided by old school Wiz regular Johnny Juliano. This was a great way to start the project with both Brick and Crown in their bag. Brick really went in on his verse and hook. A dope animation video for this track would have been a vibe back in the day. One of my favorite lines from Crown was “I’m shining like I’m embedded in Crest”!

The self titled track “Local Fame” is definitely one of them ones. I really dug how both Crown and Brick went back to back on the hook and then ripped their verses. This track reminds me of the way Jadakiss and Styles P would spit on a track but if it was on some 727 shit. Dis the anthem, dis the dis the anthem!!!!

“Brief Intermission” has both Brick and Crown on their spitter shit. No hook no bullshit, both of em went so brazy it’s hard to say who went in the hardest. It was a nice touch was how the the track went on the tempo of their flows went faster until the end.

When FAF and Local Muzik get in the building you know they had to do one for the ladies. “Make It Right” was a nice change of pace for the album at this point, after the barrage of bars.

“Sippin” featuring Traxx will still knock in the club to this day. Brick’s hooks always get stuck in your head and you’ll be singing them all at work and shit. Traxx was a really nice addition to the song adding in some streets shit.

“I Do This” is one of them old school dance records. I could see jits now making a jerk or dance video to this one. That tricks line Brick had was bonkers. I love hearing Crown on these more hype tracks it shows how versatile he can be.

“Hands Down” is my shit man. The best part is during like mid verse Crown will just say “Hands Down”. Brick comes through on the end of the track and does his thing. Brick had a cold ass line when he said “These Hoes trusting me and Crown like we running in the election”.

“Bass” is just on some flex shit. When you ride down Central Ave this shit needs to be on full blast so the whole city can feel the bass. Crown always has those wacky lines like “I’m a vampire but I eat garlic” that has you rollin, he’s always been on that abstract shit.

I really enjoyed how Brick and Crown changed up the hook with both of them on “Trickin Off” . This one is sort of like best of both worlds. You get the hard hitting verses from both emcees but then when they come together on the hook it’s still some anthem hype shit.

The final track on the project is produced by the legend himself Lil Keis “R.I.P”. Crown’s flow on “RNS” was brazy. I love the confidence in his delivery, you can really feel he knows he’s one of the best. Brick slowed down his verse as well so we can peep everything he is saying, on some FAF shit.

Almost a decade later and Brick and Crown are still two of the most revered artists not only in Tampa Bay but in the whole game. Local Muzik and FAF til you get annoyed.

June 27, 2021June 27, 2021

727 Classics Review: Local Muzik- Lake$ide Locals

With a special $GREY edition of the “Bonfire Podcast” dropping later this week, I felt it was the right time to finally give the foundation of St.Pete Hip Hop the immortal classic status it deserves. In my city the 727 we treat this like our “Diplomatic Immunity”. If you ain’t local can you really relate?

At the time only a few people were out here really putting on for the 727 when it came to Hip Hop. You had pioneers like Skroodle, Famous Kid Brick, Smooth Hines, DJ Shurefire, and Lil Keis ( R.I.P. to the legend) all doing their own thing making it shake for the city. When Local Muzik came onto the scene their style and sound painted the picture of what life in the St.Pete was really like. With Crown Marquiss, Mari So Dope, Ameen Spade, and Robert Gallardo bringing the rhymes, style, visuals, and local lifestyle to life. Shout out to the homie King Quel.

The project is a compilation of songs from the collective, some featuring all the members some are just solo efforts. A majority of the videos for this project are directed by Robert Gallardo, as well as the iconic cover art. Down the road “Honcho” should be added as a bonus track but for now it is just a rvre CyberMonk artifact.

The project starts out with “Juicy Freestyle” featuring Mari So Dope. This was the best way to kick off the project taking us back with some old school shit while adding in that local flavor. Someone told me this is their favorite track from Mari and that’s hard to argue. The video by Rob is the perfect companion piece.

The next track “Changes” featuring Crown Marquiss is a perfect example of the experimental style Crown and the other Locals dabbled with. Who else back then and still to this date is rapping over this type of production. Crown always kills it with the slow flow.

“Dream on” featuring Ameen Spade for me perfectly captures the St.Pete Hip Hop sound. Spade is one of my favorite lyricists of all time so anytime he graces a track you better listen up. This track is super nostalgic for me.

“Badd” featuring Mari So Dope is on some “Fear and Loathing in St.Pete” type shit. Mari needs to perform this at a festival or something all the jits would go wild.

“Trippin” is the first posse cut off the project. Crown, Mari, and Spade all spazzed on this one. Big shout out to FAF on that Spade verse, that’s another potential classic review down the road. Not sure if Hit Wonder made the beat for this one but it definitely has that vibe.

“I’m Preferred” is another posse cut with all three going brazy over some jazzy production. The storytelling approach each one took with their verses was a really dope touch. The way the beat changes after each verse is on some futuristic shit. Definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album.

“Gameboy” by Mari So Dope is one of the most important tracks in all of St.Pete Hip Hop, if this shit ain’t classic than I don’t know what is. This song is super nostalgic for some many jits in the burg, whether it’s the brazy beat made by Goodie, or the iconic video directed by Rob. Not sure if this is my favorite Mari song but it hands down is my favorite track on this album. “ I Got Game!!!!!!”

“Early Bird Special” features Spade and Crown on one of the more chilled out vibes. To me this track has more of a west coast influence, something that has always been a fixture of the Local Muzik sound.

“Searching” by Ameen Spade is a classic in its own right. So many quotable to mention but if you understand “Searching for the Goodie like the Mob in the building” I’ll shout you out lol. The beat by Hit Wonder fits Spade’s style perfectly. The video by Rob brings the song to life. It’s always a treat when Rob and Spade work together.

“Avenue” featuring Crown and Mari is on some grungy Southside type shit. Like I said before the experimentation when it came to a production stand point is still not being touched today. Crown and Mari snapped on their verses with some of the hardest lyrics they had spit at the time.

“Local Muzik Houseparty” is what we are jamming at all the upcoming functions from now on. It was only right to make this one a posse cut, and you can definitely feel how much fun they had recording this track.

“All Wood” is one of my favorite Crown Marquiss songs of all time. The abstract beat and style he had on this one is still timeless. I will never forget when this video first dropped from him and Rob, iconic.

Anytime Spade jumps on some boom bap shit I am all for it. “Still Searching” features a sample from my favorite Pac song of all time “Temptations” so the love was there off rips. Honestly I like “Still Searching” more than its sequel. The way Spade rides the choppy beat is unmatched.

“Splitem” is also an essential track. This one is on some video game shit, with spade flowing over a futuristic beat from Krikkes. The video from Rob brings it all together with all the “Space Invaders” vibes. I love of Spade can go from being on his introspective shit to just spazzing out on a track, that’s what makes him one of my fav artists.

“Pam Grier” is on some 2000s rock type shit. Crown always snaps when it comes to the storytelling, painting visual pictures with his words, allowing the listener to understand the St.Pete vibes. I’ve said it enough but I’ll say it one last time, who was or still is rapping over this type of production.

This project is so important to me, to the city, and to St.Pete Hip Hop. This project is one of the reasons I do what I do, and I want to thank Crown, Mari, Spade, and Rob for everything they do and have done for the city. The Local Muzik Dynasty lives!

May 17, 2021

727 Classics Review: Ameen Spade- ‘06 Stride

Following up his 2014 album “Passion”, Local Muzik’s own Ameen Spade crafted a scene defining album, painting a lyrical picture of life in my city St.Petersburg, FLA.

The soulful intro sets off the album with some old school vibes. Spade touches on many themes on the album, from the death of his mom and other loved ones to the daily grind of living in the 727. There is also a runner theme to the album, I am not sure if Spade has a track background but the theme meshed well with the other topics he touches on.

The Kool & The Gang “Summer Madness” sampled “Stride” continues the track theme. Spades flow is next level on this one, once he’s in his pocket no one can really touch Spade on the mic.

“10 Years” featuring fellow Local Muzik member Mari So Dope has a beat that sounds like some shit off of “Yoshi’s Island” soundtrack. Putting Mari on the boastful hook was a nice touch.

Hands down one of the most important songs to the city is “Life In St.Pete”. Once again Mari is on the hook to hold it all together. Spade paints vivid pictures of life in the city from just smokin with the homies to gettin bothered by 12 in Kennth City. Spade captures the duality of our city in such a beautiful way. This song is immortal at this point.

The snippets on the album really tie in all the themes perfectly. “Giving My All (Oh No)” is on some triumphant shit. This track could definitely be on NBA 2K or some shit like that, you just want to ball out.

“2 Swigs” is on some trill shit. I love the airy chopped and screwed beat. Spade even states this shit is a classic on this track, so we both on the same page.

“Ramblin” is one of my favorite tracks on the album. From the dark eerie beat to the slow hard way Spade flows on it, dare I say I feel “Ancient Barbarian” vibes on this one. Spades storytelling makes a slight return on this track.

The track “RIP (I Heard)” really hits home. Despite all the sunshine and beauty some really dark stuff really goes down in the burg. I actually knew a couple of the people Spade touched on in the track I actually knew in real life, giving the track another level. Shout out Southside Middle School.

By far my favorite track on the album and potentially my favorite solo Spade track is “Playa Playa”. From the airy trap beat with those insane vocals to Spades brazy hook. You really feel the confidence and emotion in Spade’s delivery. So many quotables on this one, from the “Long Fellow Deeds” line to the cookin in front of momma line, Spade crafted an immortal track.

“Flava” feels like it’s on some Florida Underground shit, with the dark menacing beat. Would definitely like to see Spade do more tracks like this in the future.

Reminiscent of the Lil Wayne classic “I’m Single”, “Sola” I believe is sampled by that track if not it sounds mad similar but still very dope. Spade takes a more melodic approach to this song, giving the album a large amount of versatility.

“Made It Out” is on some futuristic Local Muzik shit. The Locals always been ahead of the rest when it comes to sounds. Tracks like this are perfect examples of the sound the St. Pete Hip Hop scene represents.

The album ends out with “Words From OG”. I wouldn’t expect everyone to understand this album but you can’t say it isn’t dope as hell man. If you can’t relate iz you really local?

May 7, 2021

727 Classics Review: Mari So Dope- I’m Young, Let Me Live

After making a name for himself as one of the key members of Local Muzik Group, being featured on the immortal Lake$ide Locals and dropping various EP & singles, on “I’m Young, Let Me Live” Mari So Dope crafts the next evolution of the St.Pete Hip Hop sound.

No one is able to capture that swaggy pimp tyte vibe like Mari does, which is what makes him stand out from the rest. His beats are always mad futuristic as well, shout out to Goodie on “Gameboy”. On this project though Mari was able to bring all his sounds together and push them to the next level.

The album starts off with the usual Mari phone convo snippets fans should be accustomed to on the intro “Servin”. Mari’s flow on this one is really brazy going at a rapid pace. That “booneys” line was really clever, you don’t hear that word used much.

“Cupid” has been growing on me over the listens. With the accompanying video shot by the Rob Gallardo, the song gains a different life, now it’s one of my favorite tracks on the album. The sort of mellow tone of the track is very different than the rest of the tracks Mari usually makes but that’s what makes for me.

Anytime you add in some $lugged out production I am all for it. This track was born to be played on a hot St.Pete afternoon. This track has so many lines, the part about chilling on Clearwater Beach is spit so vividly by Mari, that bird bath line was cold.

So “BMW” featuring fellow Local Muzik member Ameen Spade is my favorite Mari track to date, no lie in preparation for this review I’ve listened to it non stop back to back, something I haven’t done since J Goodie’s “Ancient Barbarian” also featuring Spade. This shit is just the ultimate St.Pete vibe man. If someone ever asks me what St.Pete Hip Hop sounds like, I’m playing them this joint.

The next track has the most fitting title “Cooked Crack”. This is one of the hardest Mari songs, once he hits the “ring on all fingers line” it’s game over. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him spazz this hard on a track before. The video by Rob is also on some other shit like always. Mari always has some of the best videos in the game.

“No,No,No” featuring Ameen Spade was a nice change of pace at this point in the album. I loved the strong structure of this one, with the melodic vocals from Spade in the beginning and end, with Mari doing what he does best in the middle portion.

Hands down one of the most creative tracks I’ve heard in years is “Jugg” featuring Mother Mary Gold who adds some Neo Soul vocals to the track. Like I said anytime some $lugg shit is involved you got me, this time the “Lock Jaw” sampled beat is slowed down. This creates a trippy soundscape for Mari and Mother Mary Gold to float in.

The album ends strong with “Ralph Duffel”. The chill synth production ends the album on a liter note which is needed at times, especially when the bulk of the project is filled with bangers.

While only being 8 tracks there is no room for error, but that’s not a problem for Mari cause you can jam this straight through. His new project “It’s Not You, It’s Me” is already an evolution of this project, but it’s still to soon to call that one a classic. Trust me over at Jit Camp we are running back “BMW” all summer 2021.

March 30, 2021April 6, 2021

Local Muzik Dynasty

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”.

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!

December 1, 2020

Crown Him King.

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.