Contrary to the assumptions and loud cries of naysayers, Tampa Bay's local music culture is a vast and expansive, extremely tough thing to explore thoroughly. There are countless creatives whose minds are overrun by an insatiable thirst to express the thoughts and sounds that run in and out of their minds almost 24/7. As a music fan, it's impossible to not rely on promoters, press, and the very artists who spend all their time with feet on the ground, mining for the best the area has to offer.
This morning, Tampa emcee/producer Mike Mass shared a massive YouTube playlist of some of the best local hip hop videos, basically setting your listening agenda for the rest of this dreary afternoon.
"It took me about 3 hours to pick the videos in a way where they transitioned well," Mass, told CL in a message, "I included the videos I chose because of their strong identity for Tampa, a heavy fashion and art city."
The selections include some of the Bay area's most tried and true, nationally-known favorites like Dynasty, Laws, and Jinx, but the playlist also sheds light on some lesser known, yet massively talented lyricists and producers like Gatsby, Cambatta,
Atwaters, and Crown Marquiss.
Have a look at the playlist below, and join Mike Mass for his ambitious mash-up of fine wine & cheese and local hip hop when he presents "Wine & Rhyme" at Crumb & Cork (510 N. Franklin St., Downtown Tampa) next Sunday, March 30. Featured on the bill are the aforementioned Jinx, plus Mighty Jai, Good Vibes, and comedy from Kyle Porter. Cover is $15 and includes a glass of house wine. Doors open at 7 p.m. More information is available via Facebook.