03 Greedo is a living legend. If his face tattoo of that exact phrase doesn’t convince you, a mix of his story and music should do the trick.

Greedo was born in Gardena California but grew up in Watts, a neighborhood just north of Compton known for its gang violence. As an early teen, he lived in the housing projects on Grape Street and became deeply involved with the infamous Grape Street Crip Gang, some even labeling him as “The Wolf of Grape Street.” Greedo always had a fascination with music but begin to pursue it seriously in 2016. He begin to gain a serious buzz, first in his neighborhood, then eventually throughout all of LA. With a sound unlike anything before him and a prolific attitude towards releasing music, his rise to fame seemed inevitable, that is until he was sentenced 20 years in prison for drug and gun possession charges he received in 2016. While Greedo was preparing to go in, he worked extremely hard in the studio to make sure that there was enough music that we wouldn’t forget the name 03 Greedo anytime soon. 2018 saw the release of an two exceptional mixtapes (The Wolf of Grape Street and God Level) before he left for jail and now the incarcerated rapper is back with his newest release Still Summer In The Projects.

Still Summer In The Project starts hot with one of my favorite tracks 03 has put out. “10 Purple Summers” is an epic ode to his hood that never over-glorifies his lifestyle without bringing listeners back to reality. The hook is addicting and 03’s classic synth lead is ever present holding the instrumental down. “10 Purple Summers” is an essential 03 banger and will be on repeat for months to come.

Five tracks later we get the beautiful “Gettin’ Ready”. This slower cut is dedicated to the women in Greedo’s life and is an emotional listen. 03’s ability to layer his one-of-a-kind voice is unlike anything I’ve ever heard and on songs like “Gettin’ Ready” it’s easy to be reminded of his tragic fate. This causes listeners to feel every word he says and experience his music in a totally different headspace. This track is a powerful listen.

“Grapevine” is the second to last track on the album and contains every element of 03’s music we’ve come to adore. Greedo’s lays down some impressive verses and a catchy hook over a flute driven instrumental. I’m unfamiliar with Trilliano, the featured artist, but an impressive final verse inspired me to explore his music.

The final track “Visions” has a similar effect as “Gettin’ Ready” but is undeniably more emotional as Greedo raps about visions of the outside world that are constantly frequenting his head as he’s locked up. The guitar-driven instrumental is absolutely beautiful and creates a perfect soundscape for 03 to pour his heart out on this impactful outro. If you aren’t choked up by the end end of the last hook, the message of positivity that Greedo delivers over the phone from Potter County Texas Adult Detention Facility at the end of the song should do it for you. This is a perfect way to end a powerful project.

“Lately I been having these visions
Locked inside a cell with no windows
Hope I make it out of this prison
I’ll be coming back with a vengeance”

— 03 Greedo "Visions"

Overall Still Summer In The Projects is another exceptional release from 03 Greedo. While the first half of the album bleeds together slightly, this is not a big issue with an artist as unique as 03. The standout songs are some of the best music he’s put out and although in overall rating I might put God Level a tick higher, Still Summer In The Projects is undoubtably his most cohesive project and professional release. Recent news says that Greedo might be able to get out after five years on good behavior, so until then we can only prey this is the case and continue to support his truly unparalleled music. Greedo is a musical anomaly, a figurehead for his hood, an LA icon, but above all, a living legend. Free 03!