The Miami hustle is undeniable and unstoppable. Yung Simmie not only epitomizes this in his lyrical content, but in his overall work ethic as an artist. While fans might have been completely satisfied with the release of the third installment in his Basement Musik mixtape series to end the year, Simmie clearly was not. Just before the year’s end, the Opa-Locka native gifts fans an early Christmas present: an original 6-track EP entitled OG Smoke.
Throughout this EP, Simmie pairs his illustrious bars with head-nod-worthy production from fellow 275 members HighAF and Yung Icey Beats, along with Jay$plash and captaincrunch—all four of whom make up the production team The Winners Circle (TWC). Overall, this was a pleasantly thoughtful surprise from Simmie, especially since the only recruited feature is his longtime collaborator Denzel Curry, who comes correct with an aggressive guest verse. If OG Smoke is a sign of things to come in 2016, it is safe to say Simmie should be on everyone’s radar next year. Until then, feel free to bump this EP and BM3.
More so than ever, Miami is becoming the epicenter of creativity in the south. Dade County is constantly being sought after for its cutting-edge progression in both art and music. Despite his name’s unfamiliarity as a producer, Cash Only has been proving himself to be a direct representation of that Miami aristocracy. As a longtime collaborator with Citrus Rap favorites Prez P, Nuez and Danny Dee, he has made his due contributions as a rapper under the monikers Glok and Glocky Davis, but now raps as Glocky Cash Only. Either way, it’s still $G (Southern Giants) on everything. With a brief hiatus spent learning production, he has returned with two ambitiously self-produced bodies of work as Cash Only: Iron Dome and Hidden Connection.
Both projects showcase his knack for eclectic soundscapes (sampled and composed) as a producer, with scattered yet impressive segments of singing and rapping—which technically makes them too musically dynamic to be labeled “beat tapes.” However, with this approach to music, there are no setbacks—only increased playback value. Since both projects are the results of his handcrafted artistry, they are primarily up for sale on his bandcamp page for a reasonable price. Moving forward, there will definitely be a lot more coming from Glocky, and the best way to stay informed is through Twitter.
As many local fans are aware, Florida has one of the most overlooked Hip Hop circuits, not only in the region, but the entire country. While it can be tough for local creatives to break out from the scene, Citrus Rap makes strides to continue to uplift the Floridians who are on their way up. Said creatives, seen all over CitrusRap, can be found making moves statewide— some even venturing out of state. Still there are several unanswered questions for these rising stars, so we went ahead and formulated a questionnaire to clear the air. This is a new interview series we call “Florida’s Natural,” so that fans can gain insight on the individuals who we believe have the juice.
List your current Alias(es):
DoLA…Just DoLA.
Where do you reside; what’s your hometown?
Jacksonville, FL. Born and raised. I don’t really have a residence right now; I’m just living in the moment.
Why do you rap?
I don’t know, I just don’t care about much else.Who do you look up to?
The sky. I’m disappointed in everything else.
How old are you now and how old were you when you first released your music on the internet?
I’m a whole quarter. I was about 21 when I released my first track or something like that.
What 3 albums of 3 different genres shaped you as an artist?
Growing up, I used to listen to a lot of Nas, especially Lost Tapes. Kind of a lazy body of work in my honest opinion, but every song was substantial to my mental growth and development as a preteen. Before that, DMX’s … And Then There Was X held my thoughts captive all of my 5th grade year along with Lil Bow Wows Beware of Dog and Sisqo’s Unleash The Dragon. Oh, and Missy Elliot’s Supa Dupa Fly is another project that kind of blew me away and weathered my approach to music. I know you only asked for 3 but those are 5 albums that brought me here today in a sense.
What do you bring to the live stage setting that captivates crowds?
When I’m in front of a crowd, I just try my best to look everyone in their eyes so that they know when I say some crazy shit like “Don’t pray for me,” I really mean it. After that, I just let them feed off of my energy. If I’m mad or some shit, I’ll get on stage and provoke that same rage in my fans and try’n’ get them on my level—and then we purge and leave feeling way better as whole.
How do you portray your personality in your music?
I’m really honest in real life, so I’m really honest in my music even if it’s a really ugly truth. I just feel like, fuck it, somebody can relate.
Do you care about social media?
Social media is chill. I just feel like I’m that nigga in 3D, that’s my turf. That’s where I feel comfortable.
Is it ever difficult to express yourself?
Yeah, it’s very difficult for me to express myself, impulsively. I have to take my time to analyze my feelings and others’ before I respond, or the shit just goes sour.
What song describes your current mood?
A song that describes my current mood is “Hand In My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette…Yeah.
What is your next big release and when can we expect it?
Quite possibly the zaniest cast of virtuosos out of Miami’s rap sector is none other than Metro Zu, consisting of brothers Lofty305 and Ruben Slikk, PXSH6XD f/k/a Freebase, and Poshstronaut. While it surely has been a while since hearing from the group, that can only mean things have been cooking behind the scenes. With that said, Metro Zu took to SoundCloud to premiere the first single from their upcoming album #FREESLIKK. Titled “IM AN ASSHOLE,” the Beats Bailey and Poshstronaut-produced banger features Mike Dece (formerly of the duo Propr Boyz with Ruben Slikk) for what is yet another classic offering from the C$PG squad. Hit the player above to stream, and stay tuned for the album.
As many local fans are aware, Florida has one of the most overlooked Hip Hop circuits, not only in the region, but the entire country. While it can be tough for local creatives to break out from the scene, Citrus Rap makes strides to continue to uplift the Floridians who are on their way up. Said creatives, seen all over CitrusRap, can be found making moves statewide— some even venturing out of state. Still there are several unanswered questions for these rising stars, so we went ahead and formulated a questionnaire to clear the air. This is a new interview series we call “Florida’s Natural,” so that fans can gain insight on the individuals who we believe have the juice.
A photo posted by RONNYJLISTENUP (@ronnyjlistenup) on
List your current Alias(es):
RONNY J
Where do you reside; what’s your hometown?
I reside in Broward. My Hometown is Woodbury, NJ.
Why do you produce and rap/sing?
I’ve always been able to harmonize and come up with flows so I figured why not, it’s only right. Plus, I want multiple incomes.
Who do you look up to?
The young ones out there getting it and my friends around me that inspire me. No one specific.
How old are you now and how old were you when you first released your music on the internet?
I’m 23 now. My 1st song released on the internet was probably when I was 18…it was a song I produced for a Philly artist named Young Savage.
What 3 albums of 3 different genres shaped you as an artist?
I’m still growing as an artist overall. I can’t say right now.
What do you consistently bring into all of your production that captivates?
I would say crazy & unusual drum patterns. People always notice unique things about my drums that make them want more.
How do you portray your personality in your music?
Everything I create is a representation of how I feel in that moment (happy, sad , mad etc.). But, the majority of the time I wanna rage, so my production then comes out hitting hard.
Do you care about social media?
Not really, but it’s important for the music, so I use it.
Is it ever difficult to express yourself?
Yeah, because I feel a lot people won’t understand or get it.
What song describes your current mood?
Kur – “Re Up”
When can people expect your next release/placement?
I don’t want to say, just stay on your toes and be prepared for a takeover.
C9’s very own Yoshi Thompkins has been busy in the lab working on Khemistry 51. Earlier this fall, Thompkins released the hard-hitting “Planet Yosh,” while urging fans to look forward to the upcoming EP. Over two months later, Yoshi surfaces a new track entitled “Visions: Get Out, Come In My Room,” which is a refreshingly more kicked-back vibe compared to the previous release. In the song, Yoshi graces the wavy POSHGOD production with nonchalant delivery of clever lines, like The Truman Show reference, “I’m trapped in this fake world like I’m Jim Carrey.” Trippy, indeed. Hit the player above to stream the new single, and stay tuned for more YT.
In the midst of touring with The Underachievers, Dade County rap conglomerate The Buffet Boys have been steadily putting in work despite their busy schedule. Leading up to their memorable Miami performance, both Germ and Pouya released material to hype up local fans. Following the show, none other than the Buffet Boys’ own triple threat producer/rapper/manager Mikey The Magician followed up with a new self-produced banger entitled “Digital Digits.” Just like that, Emotional Trap is back again. Mikey had this to say about the new song: “REINCARNATED STEVE JOBS. FUCK U BILL GATES.”
Hit the player above to stream “Digital Digits” and stay tuned for more music from The Buffet Boys Boss aka Mystic Makk.
