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Rapper Films New Video In Tampa Nightclub

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By SARAH HOYE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

TAMPA - Hannah Montana isn't the only one causing a commotion across the Tampa Bay area.

A day after the Disney pop sensation's sold-out concert, the rapper Plies came to North Tampa on Tuesday to film a music video for his single "I Am The Club," a track about success and confidence.

The dress code at the Studio Inc. nightclub on Waters Avenue was simple: black. And the spot was buzzing even at midafternoon as some 250 people wanted to get on camera. Women strutted in heels and little black dresses or hot pants through the dimly lit space. Men huddled up in oversized T-shirts and baggy jeans.

Plies has called Tampa home for nearly five years. The extras - from the video vixens and their male counterparts to the production crew - were also from Tampa.

"I didn't want the video to look superficial. ... I wanted to use everyday people," said Plies, a Fort Myers native. He held an open casting call and announced his efforts on the radio and his MySpace page. "It's a way I show respect."

Filming in the Bay area is not uncommon. An episode for "Prison Break" recently wrapped up, Faith Hill and Kelly Clarkson shot videos here, and John Cusack filmed parts of the upcoming film "Grace is Gone" here in May.

"Sometimes it depends on an artist's tour schedule and when they have to get it done," said Lindsey Norris, film commission manager for the Tampa Bay Film Commission. She said there were 110 permits for Hillsborough County during the fiscal year that ended in October. "It does go on under the radar and it's mostly hush-hush."

Plies' compact frame was draped in Gucci, from the black tracksuit and sneakers to the gold timepiece. His neck was stacked with gold chains, and an enormous medallion thumped his chest. He completed the ensemble with a fitted hat, gold rings and diamond earrings.

But Plies said there is more to him than rap music or public image.

"I want to be hood-connected, but I've worked too hard to be in the projects," he said. "Music is only 15 percent of my life. I have other things to be concerned with, like supporting my family, dealing with the loss of family or friends, and letting people know it's cool to not go to jail."

Also keeping things local was Patrick "Tango" Hunter, a Tampa hip-hop artist and producer who won on VH1's reality series "I Love New York," a raunchy version of "The Bachelorette." The King High School graduate was on set for a cameo.

"He's way more connected to Tampa than people know;... he's one of the biggest grinders I know," said Tango between takes, and added that his presence had nothing to do with his appearance on VH1. "Get the show out of your mind. I've known these people and been in the music scene here for a while."

Plies' debut album, "The Real Testament," released by Atlantic Records in August, debuted at No. 2 on both The Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Album charts. He has since collaborated with popular hip-hop artists Akon, Tank and T-Pain.

Plies also plans to shoot two more videos here this week.

"I want to stay true to who I am; I'm one of the few dudes that has morals and values," he said. "Where I'm from, it's not acceptable to be black and successful. ... But it's also sad that you have to become somebody for America to care."

Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832 or shoye@tampatrib.com.

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