DIRECTOR: Max Nichols & Constellation Jones PRODUCER: Justin Diener
At the peak of stardom most rap artists use their new found power to shed light onto their homie’s talents. And that’s exactly what T-Pain did in 2008 when he signed his longtime friend and hypeman, Tay Dizm to his Nappy Boy Digital record label. After appearing on every T-Pain album at the time and charting on the Billboard Year End Hot 100 Single on the late Dolla’s “Who The Fuck Is That?” and 2 Pistols “She Got It”, Tay Dizm had the strength to make his mainstream debut, with “Beam Me Up” featuring Florida powerhouse Rick Ross and T-Pain, of course. A song that resonated in a lot of child hoods that had school dances, night clubs, and local radio stations steadily bumping. Little to no promotion, the single made the charts, selling 4,000 digital copies in little time. With little to follow up, Tay Dizm continues to release mixtapes and street albums under Nappy Boy Digital, working back to the momentum that he built in anticipation of a long awaited album release.
If Weezy is the mixtape god, at the least Gucci Mane has to be the mixtape Jesus with all of the material that he puts out at such an alarming rate. Live from his prison cell Big Guwap drops off what some of us over at CitrusRap.com believe to be a testament to our quality work. The short length Honorable CNote produced track, simply titled Orange, is reminiscent of the Gucci Mane that the culture has immortalized. May he continue to bless these cold streets with the heaters that we’ve longed for.
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kenny Bobby, Jorgie Films, Nassacre & Pablo Vasquez
The people at Dope Ent once again bringing the state and surrounding areas to rage under one roof. The city of Tampa’s streets were filled with hundreds of Death-like personas, all ready to rage from noon till midnight. Once the festivities kicked off, the fire never died. Even when the weather turned into a shit bag, Tampa remained un-phased, still out for blood.
Experienced music producers, Henry Daher, NIck Leon, Nuri, and Cool & Dre sat in at The Ritz to discuss their influences, production, styles, and the tracks that they wished they had sampled. Between The Ritz and MF Arts, Florida’s next wave of elite visual artist displayed their installments throughout the 14 hour venture. Robert Gallardo leading the way as the curator. Unkle Luc, Rob Regis, Todd The Painter, Hanna Ali, Uzumaki, Milli, Data Synced, Julia Updegraff, and Marilyn all exposed their talents to the city, attracting rave reviews from the attendants.
A Dutch Masters sponsored Wrap Party was in effect at MF Arts. A area full great performances by a cascade of creatives that are continually pushing the culture forward. From brain-wavy sets like LeMieux‘s to addikting stage presence like Nik SB‘s. Tampa made it’s presence felt while showcasing some very talented and originally styled acts. From Betty Dawl, Gatsby, Big Baby alongside Lil Xela, Boy Wonder, OG Layla Johnson, and She.Go.
At The Crowbar is where the pressure began to be applied. 4th Quarter Quan DJ’ing setting the ambiance for the building. DoLA, one of Florida’s next promising artist came out with the poise of Julius Caesar, owning the stage and it’s spectators when he performed “Stranger Than Fiction”. They ended the set beautifully with a back to back act out of “Addikted” by Nik SB, while the man himself was posted on stage turning up along side.
21 Savage followed suit, kickstarting the mosh filled venue. Tag teaming the stage with Key! and ManMan Savage. Completely tearing the knob off when he performed “Gang”, “Skirtt Skirtt”, and “One Foot”. Close by at all times, Key! retained steady control of the crowd, there wasn’t a spot on the floor lacking bounce or head bobbing. Performing with two microphones, only adding to his rock star persona.
The Orpheum was next in line for arson. After the crowd was drown in by the supporting acts, Pouya alongside Fat Nick and Mikey The Magician caused total mayhem. Inciting an indoor riot with the help of special guests Denzel Curry, SDotBraddy, Yoshi Thompkins, and Wifisfuneral. Parting the sea of fans, just to bring them back together just to mosh their brains out some more. Then the New Jersey devil known as Retch took the stage. Displaying an organic IDGAF presence, that made you appeal to his performance because you knew that he wasn’t here to front, he was on stage to give the fans what they came for, and showing sincere admiration for them.
Although OG Maco‘s performance was cut short due to back spasms, he didn’t leave before he gave crowd the remainder of his strength and energy. ” Ape Shit” was performed with the image that the title paints falling down at times because of the pain, Maco held on long enough to give bystanders a middle finger before the crowd erupted into a “Fuck Em x3” rant.
The headlining venue, The Ritz is where it all came together. Wifisfuneral and Swamp Posse, both finished off the night with multiple performances, proving that they can thrive no matter the stage size. Audience members walked out with new playlists favorites with “Lightskin Trick Daddy Pt. 2” & “White Magic”. Missing two members (SKYXXX & Keez) the young men displayed rock star qualities, emphasizing on “star”.
The entire place place erratic now, Nuri performed an electric DJ set before bringing out Robb Bank$ to “2Phoneshawty”. The crowd at an uproar as anyone would’ve guessed. Many acts started mosh pits, but Robb Bank$ demanded one for his single “Pressure”. Reminiscent of a young Zack De La Rocha. That alone could have been the headliner, but we were still blessed with two remaining acts.
Denzel Curry didn’t miss a beat once he pounced onto The Ritz stage. Giving us hits “Chief Forever”, “Envy Me”, and “Ice Age”. All before having the crowd raise their arms to the sky to absorb energy for a spirit bomb. The set still didn’t see it’s highlight until Denzel brought out SDotBraddy and Yoshi Thompkins to share the wealth with his C9 family, and making the crowd explode when he brought out The Buffet Boyz and Robb Bank$ on stage to perform “Threatz”.
Full of high octane energy and attentiveness Travi$ Scott came out demanding total control during every second of his set. Stressing the importance of a great performance from head to toe. Practically performing every song on each free album and dropping inspirational gems to remind the audience that dreams are meant for reality. Ending the blood, sweat and teared set with the crowd singing “Drugs You Should Try It”, a final mosh to “Antidote”, giving The Ritz one last burst of excitement before concluding an epic night that the great city of Tampa will remember and appreciate until next time.
DIRECTOR: Pablo Vasquez III PRODUCER: Rock Ya Girl LATEST ALBUM: Studio Nights | Stream
Weirdo but he’s rare though. It was only three months since Orlando’s Marco dropped his groundbreaking project Studio Nights onto the world, he calls upon the visual God, Pablo Vasquez III to deliver the official video for “WITIT”, one of the standouts on the album. Featuring fellow weirdo, Keano Spitta. A rhythmic and bounce evoking track with the appealing visuals to match. Watch as Marco and his WFFW family set your screens on fire.
PRODUCER: LeMieux ARTWORK BY: Kangie West LATEST ALBUM: Lost Paradise – Stream|Purchase
With so much hostility in the music realm, Cherele and LeMieux decide to bless the masses with celebratory vibes entitled “JIT2K15”. It’s safe to say that two will always display perfect musical chemistry. Cherele on vocals, LeMieux on instrumentation, they both continue to deliver a kaleidoscope of styles. Reminiscent of songs like “Set It Off” by Strafe and “Freak How You Want It” by Kilo Ali. Just like those, this track places you in a jooking trance. A hypnosis of sorts. The artwork was created by Kangie West of Conceptual Vaginas. “JIT2K15” is a bridge between the past and present. Make sure you blast this when getting ready for the party. On the way to the party. At the party… You get the gist.
As a society, when we think of the rap scene in Tennessee, the first images that pop in our head is Three 6 Mafia. Or Yo Gotti. And even Young Dolph. But for the past few years Case Arnold, hailing from the city of Clarksville, has been pushing towards a more stable, lyrical and prominent sound for his state. A part of the collective ExperienceTheCulture, Case Arnold continues to make his musical footprints in the sands of time with this new track, “Be Yourself”. This smooth Curren$y compared instrumental was composed by Belgium producer, Ozhora Miyagi. With assistance from fellow ETC artist, Tim Gent, they use their platform to deliver a short, yet strong message to remind us not to conform with the rest of our generation and to remain true. Give it the listen that it’s worth, you won’t be disappointed.
Coming out of Michigan, Drai The Native teams up with new heavy hitter LAMB$ for a banger. SecreteReality & PolyTechnik both deliver with a raunchy drill beat, to add to the pressure. Listen and take notes as they show you how to “Liv”. Make sure to peep both of their latest EPs with the links above.
