We might not be Houston or Atlanta — not yet anyway — but Tampa does have a potent rap scene. In fact, more than a dozen local MCs, DJs, producers and promoters have joined forces to put the 813 on the map under the umbrella of The Umbrella Corporation. Leading lights include hardcore rappers Black Reign, Larcen, Jersey, Neece and Aych. The latter, who pronounces his name “H,” hosts Da Cypher, the open-mic night held every Wednesday at Full Moon Saloon in Ybor City that regularly features animated, often graphic and humorous freestyle performances by his Umbrella Corp. cohorts.

MySpace.com/umbrellacorporation101.

This article appears in Sep 12-18, 2007.