What's Up! Magazine

Big Ballin’ Tony Z hands me a copy of his band’s first album release, Tryna’ Drink a 40 Oz, at their album debut show at the Cabin Tavern on Nov. 20. It is a burned CD, but for only $5 a pop, that means having more money to prefunk with. Which is precisely how Smoove Movez fans like to get down, before getting all freaky on the dance floor. Smoove Movez is a local R&B/comedy/rap group that’s as dedicated to making the ladies swoon as it is to the lifestyles of the blitzed and shameless.

As the group takes the stage, it’s hard not to notice two things: that there is hardly a hand in the crowd that isn’t raising a drink in salute, and that one of the original members, Mackamill, isn’t there for their big night because he has recently ventured overseas to go live the dream in Thailand for awhile, and write new material for future endeavors.

In his stead, Ritzy Fitz grabs a mic alongside Big Ballin’ Tony Z and Miat (two members of local metal band, She’s On Fire), and they proceed to jump right into the title track, “Tryna’ Drink a 40 Oz,” which the crowd enthusiastically dances and sings along to. Myself included.

Their sound, heavily saturated with Auto-Tune, resembles a ludicrous cross between T-Pain and Boys II Men, but the lyrical content is something that people from all sorts of musical backgrounds can relate to. “This band is more than just drinking music; it’s a way of life for many people in Bellingham,” says Mackamill, when prompted to say a few words about the group.

“Space Japan” is a hip-hop track all about getting blunted and drunk ’til you’re practically in outer space, while “Leaving Me” leaves ladies with butterflies and dreamy eyes.

For those who have yet to be acquainted with Smoove Movez, I recommend getting obnoxiously inebriated to fully enjoy and participate in the experience. These boys will make you want to shotgun beers like Miat, the reigning shotgun champion of Bellingham. Or make you want to grab a hold of the closest lady to you, and tell her how special she is. Either way, this is music reserved exclusively for the party animals – whether you’re “tryna’ drink a 40,” or “tryna’ get your tip wet.”