Author Archives: Chef

#TBT: Rick Ross – Here I Am (ft. Avery Storm & Nelly) [Video]

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DIRECTOR: Gil Green
PRODUCER: Drumma Boy
ALBUM: Trilla | iTunes
YEAR: 2008

“Sight seeing.. We might be in.. The Codra port or that new white BM..”

With the first Florida Verzuz battle getting closer by the hour, we at CitrusRap would like to revive of the hits that helped bring one of Florida’s most prominent and long lasting artist to his throne.

Back in 2008, before the Wing Stop, Checker’s & Rally’s franchises. Before the mogul fueds. Ultimately, before MMGRick Ross was still a prominent Florida figure, being that he was signed to Slip-N-Slide Records and Def Jam, after doing a stint on Suave House Records.

After the critically acclaimed success of his debut album, Port Of Miami, accompanied with his debut single, “Hustlin”, selling over a million records. Trilla was Rick Ross’ first real taste test in major notoriety, proving that the sophomore slump doesn’t exist to the greats. Reminiscent of Mahomes shrugging off the Madden curse and winning MVP. The album went on to be an instant hit. Selling nearly 200,000 copies in it’s first week and debuting at number one on Billboard 200. Kicking off a major streak of hits, selling over a combined 3 million units and signing multiple multi-million dollar ventures. Rozay aka Renzel, is the true definition of a BOSS.

With the direction of Gil Green, Rick Ross showed a luxurious version of Miami with “Here I Am”. A gold, summer smash record and Florida classic, featuring Avery Storm and Nelly. Distributing only quality work ever since, it is all that we expect from the legend. Excellence is his reputation. So continue to cherish these new singles from the boss, before his Verzuz battle against 2 Chainz. Live tonight via Verzuz TV!

#TBT: Kodak Black – No Flockin (Freestyle) [Video]

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DIRECTOR: BonesVision
PRODUCER
: VinnyxProd
LATEST PROJECT: “Dying To Live” | via Spotify/Apple Music/Tidal

Representing South Florida, by way of Broward County, Kodak Black has been making serious noise after the release of his video “Project Baby” in 2013, where he embodies the gold mouth dog world of FL and the 90’s/early 2000’s style of Louisiana rap culture. But like a lot of BG’s, he shortly fell out of public sight due to a run in with the law. Once Kodak Black officially jumped he came with this heater, dubbed ‘No Flockin’. A track that has been circulating for almost a year and has yet to let up. Giving us a preview of what he’s capable of doing while having fun and proving to all doubters and spectators that there is still A LOT more potential to be unlocked. With his latest album, Dying To Live, still steadily doing numbers, we sit and watch as his stock steadily rises, even while being in the box. As a Florida native and southern representer, I am truly proud that this young man is making these major moves in South Florida. All prayers and blessings to Kodak Black. We need more artists on the scene that never flock, never lack, and always come correct.

#TBT: Quad City DJs – C’Mon N’ Ride It (Video)

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PRODUCER: C.C. Lemonhead & Jay Ski
YEAR: 1996

It’s time to show some love to the pioneers out of Duval County. Jacksonville’s Quad City DJ’s were and still are one of the prominent Florida taste-makers who broke through to the mainstream in the 90’s. C.C. Lemonhead & Jay Ski, known as The Bass Mechanics at the time, gained noteriety for creating hits alongside 69 Boyz (“Tootsie Roll”) & 95 South (“Whoop, There It Is”). Both singles cracking the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts and over 5 million records combined. Just a couple of years later, they kept their flame ablaze by officially forming Quad City DJ’s and releasing this summer smash, “C’Mon N’ Ride It”, with JeLana LeFleur assisting vocals throughout their career. As we know, the song went on to become very successful like it’s predocesors, peaking at #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and selling over a million units. With the strength of this single it helped their only studio reach platinum status as well and earned them a spot one of today’s most influential and heavily followed sports movies “Space Jam”, as they performed the title track by the same name. The collective has since matched the success nor do they have to, to be honest. Because that list of Florida classic tracks, Quad City DJ’s have immortalized themselves in music history and today we are here to show our appreciation for some of Jacksonville’s curators of bass music.

 

#TBT: T-Pain – I’m Sprung (Video)

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PRODUCER: T-Pain
DIRECTOR: Kai Crawford
STREAM: via Spotify/Apple Music/Tidal

Tallahassee Pain aka T-Pain made his major debut in 2005 with the single “I’m Sprung” under Akon’s Konvict Muzik recording company, which was an serenade to his wife. Fresh off of his stint with the unforgettable Nappy Headz, T-Pain fully committed to the idea of becoming an all-around musician, showing the world that he could use his voice for more than making radio hits about hitting licks. Officially a “Rappa Ternt Sanga”. Video cameos by Akon, Sleepy Brown, Bone Crusher, Rasheeda, and Midget Mac, the single cracked the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #8 and selling over a million copies.

Ultimately, the album went on to sell over 800,000 after a roller coaster ride on the charts, peaking at #33. Following with an ode to shake junt performers, “I’m N Luv ( Wit A Stripper), and the ultimate mack remix right after. T-Pain began a constant moving career, from production to countless features. Heavily active on the charts and at award shows. Snagging a couple of Grammy’s while he was at it.

But we are here to remember that this is the video that solidified him as a generational legend, and this track will forever remain a landmark in our lives as Floridians.

Deaudrick Williams – Blessed Be The Fruit (Album|Review)

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STREAM: Blessed Be The Fruit | Deaudrick Williams
ENGINEER: Sounds Annon
PHOTOGRAPHER: sheepishnarco
MAKUEUP: bostonprincess
COVERART: crack_prop

A thirteen track-list of sheer mayhem with an elegant overtone. Blessed Be The Fruit is an addition to the godly gifts that Deaudrick Williams has given to CitrusRap and the world. The Tampa emcee continues to give us something to stir up this year’s lyrical debate, adding fuel to the fire that he ignited months ago and throwing a tantrum any beat thrown his way. Freestyle or not, no beat is safe around Deaudrick Williams this year.

The introduction to Blessed Be The Fruit, “Seeds”, is a straight body blow over a soulful instrumentation. Perfectly titled, of course. “Seeds” is just the start to a movie like experience. It features a strong, rhythmic drum filled beat that Deaudrick Williams manipulates smoothly and flawlessly, with his speed bag of rhymes and throwing a hay-maker or two, ever so often. Never missing a punch. Reminiscent of the generations greatest fighter, in which the track is obviously themed after.

A treasure chest full of gems such as “Exhibit G” and “Soufside Griselda”, featuring Marcus Jaron and BUDNOTBUDDY. This man and his army in Hillsborough county is a force to be reckoned with and should never be taken lightly. Doing it in the most organic and arrogant way so far.

Not only does this seem like it’s sport to him, but it’s child’s play in some way. Flowing and gliding over beats with ease, making SLIDERS out of tracks like “Baby Joker” and “Elektric Slide” featuring B Dolla$. But things only get wavier with the multi-quote-worthy, Tampa all-star track, “Poles” featuring E $krilla and Lil Fancy, and the soon to be airwave hit and ode to one of God’s greatest creations, “Ghetto Hoes.

By the time you hear the voice of the legendary Chicken Chan, you’ll be feeling exactly like the “Segway” skit. Convincing us that he has something dynamic hidden up his sleeve and this is barely the tip of the asteroid. I just pray that the world is ready for the turn up before time runs out.

Blessed Be The Fruit is truly an experience. One that needs to be witnessed in order to be understood.

#TBT: DJ Khaled – I’m So Hood (Video)

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DIRECTOR: Gil Green
PRODUCER: The Runners
STREAM: via Spotify/Apple Music/Tidal

“Everybody wanna mf’in know why…”

The man. The myth. The legend. The year was 2007. Outside of Florida and Louisiana, little was known of DJ Khaled and exactly what his profession was besides being a radio personality. But what the world did know was that his associates and himself were “the best”. Fresh off of a critically acclaimed debut album, Khaled orchestrated a star packed compilation that forever changed the way that artist collaborate. His infamous persistent ad-libbing setting the match for his upcoming fame barely compares to the roster that he effortlessly puts together every time his name is mentioned.

The release of his second single and global anthem, “I’m So Hood” from his second album “We The Best” was the moment that the masses began to realize the power that DJ Khaled had was undeniable. Directed by Miami’s Gil Green, not only did he bring together T-Pain, Trick Daddy, Plies and Rick Ross, but also continuing to push Florida’s music culture to the edge and beyond with the in state production of the track and the cinema-like music video, with dozens of star filled cameos.

Although he doesn’t contribute to the music how people expect a title artist to, Khaled has done more with Florida artist on his albums than majority of headlining sunshine state musicians. Continuously featuring acts like Rick Ross, Pitbull, Trick Daddy, Plies, T-Pain, Flo Rida, Brisco, Trina, The Runners, and Cool & Dre. One thing that you cannot say is that DJ Khaled is not a leader of Florida’s music scene and you cannot forget the untouchable hits that he pulled out of his playbook.

Just know that soon he’s due for another one… And another one… And another one… And CitrusRap will cover them all…

 

#TBT: Pouya – Get Buck (Dir. FXRBES) [Video]

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DIRECTOR: Fxrbes
PRODUCER: Rellim
MIXTAPE: Baby Bone (2013) | Stream

With over 12 million hits and steadily counting, this moment in 2013 was a home run in South Florida’s underground culture. Smart Stunnas reign had official become nationally notarized when Miami’s own Pouya released this flowing banger “Get Buck”, produced by Rellim. Originally featured on his mixtape, Baby Bone, paying homage to his inspirations. The man and brand also from Miami, known as Fxrbes, came through with the quality visuals that come along with his strong-held name, to deliver a hypnotizing anthem for moshers and any youth that just enjoys to wild the hell out. While his stardom was continuously growing, this instance catapulting him into the view of nearly every young american. Being featured in publications such Miami New Times & Complex is just the tip of the iceberg after headlining and featuring in nothing less than sold out shows since his uprise at the age of 18. But just from this moment Pouya has solidified himself as one of today’s stars and stage gods. We will continue to watch in amazement and document the adventures of the young rockstar as he continues to make history for South Florida.