The Tampa hip-hop scene is in a boom phase with the recent release of Vern Senior and Spon Marcos’ VIP Boys project, Perception’s Better Luck Next Time, and the forthcoming new LP from Pusha Preme.

Right now, however, all ears should be on Asaru. Handpicked for the Illsboro record label by Tampa’s godfather of hip-hop DJ Sandman, the Bronx-born emcee celebrates the release of a new EP, asareyou., at this stacked gig which features the aforementioned Vern Senior and Nico Sweet, two other artists from Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s 22 Rappers to Watch in ’22 list.

The six-track outing is a quick listen, but its polished, ultra-confident (but not cocky) swagger and elite lyricism more than back up the notion that Asaru—as he hints on “Man Of The City”—is among the cream of the crop in Florida rap music.

Tickets to the Asaru album release show at Crowbar in Ybor City on Saturday, June 17 are still available for $10.