It’s been seven years since the release of Shy Glizzy’s sixth mixtape Young Jefe and five years since the release of his eighth mixtape Young Jefe 2. Over years of capitalizing more and more with each drop, the DMV rapper continued his notable Young Jefe series with the release of the third piece of the puzzle, Young Jefe 3. The 28-year-old rapper has been in the game for close to a decade now, a staple in his city whose tales from the streets can be heard blasting out of car windows everywhere you go, simultaneously playing from phone speakers by the basketball courts near Fort Dupont Park. Today (Sept 3), the Glizzy Gang artist brings forth his latest EP Don’t Feed The Sharks.

With his accolades stacked with several street mixtape classics, a minor mainstream hit with “Awwsome,” a Grammy nomination for his electric verse on Goldlink’s “Crew” and more, Glizzy has made a decent name for himself. Despite some mainstream success, it seems a though Glizzy has been on the cusp of greatness and widespread recognition for years. His newest mixtape definitely aids in pushing him to the next level.

In a sit down with REVOLT, the rapper talked about his reasoning for remaining independent: “The freedom I have, the leadership I preach about and the ownership, as well. That’s really important to me. To be the leader of my own brand and have my own label, to coach the youths who are coming from my area and different parts of the struggle or wherever they may come from. Even if I come across the next Justin Bieber, I’m looking to expand my brand in those ways.”

Though Shy Glizzy may be overlooked by some, please do not get it twisted and think it’s sweet with him on the music tip. Check out Don’t Feed The Sharks EP and find out for yourself.