Headphones: 03 Greedo and Kenny Beats Mix Movies With Music
Netflix & Deal
How is it possible Netflix & Deal is even out? 03 Greedo is currently serving 20 years in prison, and the album released just last Friday. The answer, detailed in the newly released documentary chronicling the album’s creation from conception through the recording process, is based solely on Greedo’s work ethic and passion. He worked nonstop until checking into prison, to ensure Netflix & Deal was complete. Kenny Beats handled the production, further proving himself as a top notch, creative beat maker able to put a unique twist on any artist’s catalogue. Inspired by 03 Greedo’s favorite films and their relation to his life, Netflix & Deal is literally an album worth binging.
Kenny Beats once again is in his element here. Like other collaborative albums he’s been a part of, including Vince Staples’ FM!, Rico Nasty’s Anger Management, and KEY!’s 777, Kenny has a knack for introducing refreshing elements to each artist’s style, not entirely replacing their sound but rather bending it to a breaking point. It’s exciting to hear how far he’s willing to go to ensure the artist in question is testing themselves and pushing new boundaries. “Disco Shit” places both Greedo and Kenny out of their comfort zone; Kenny filters Greedo and Freddie Gibbs through autotune, and layers a synth melody strikingly reminiscent to the sound of the 70s and the disco era. On multiple tracks Kenny revitalizes flute melodies that were so rampant a few years ago; paired with the rattling of 808s, songs like “Paid In Full” and “Brad Pitt” keep the foot on the pedal. Others lean more into tropes of pop; “Life” and “Soul Food” are led by guitar chords and catchy hooks. Greedo is an expert at this, and the production reinforces his talent as a writer.
“Brad Pitt” is the clear standout on Netflix & Deal. Greedo takes the album’s concepts to heart here, using Brad Pitt movie references to relate back to aspects of his own life. He raps, “The curious case of Benjamin Button/My money get newer each time I get older.” Greedo continues to drop gems throughout the song, referencing the Ocean’s franchise, Moneyball, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Fight Club, and numerous others. It’s one thing to drop movie references in a song, but to use that as innuendo to one’s own life brings it full circle.
Guest features are used sparingly but to an effective degree. Vince Staples, Freddie Gibbs, Maxo Kream, KEY!, OHGEESY, and Buddy lend their individual talents. Each artist brings their own skillset to the album and is able to cater to a need that Greedo could not satisfy. For example, Maxo’s verse on “Beg Your Pardon” provides a lower, baritone timbre that matches the song’s darker production. Buddy is a model background vocalist on “Soul Food”, elevating Greedo’s vocals by at least an octave and easily listing off various types of soul food.
Not much needs to be said about this album. Netflix & Deal, like popular Netflix shows, is worthy of multiple binges for its entertaining, upbeat production and 03 Greedo’s commitment to performing at top level. Conceptually, Greedo’s knowledge of film and his own life combine to create a picturesque model for storytelling via rap. In short, turn off Netflix and turn up Netflix & Deal.
