There are several reasons local rapper Geezel should be respected.

His work ethic is unrivaled. At age 23, Geezel (or Ronnie Grant to his mother) has already released five albums in his "Crack" series in addition to numerous Joe Mizzery projects and mixtapes. In fact, Geezel says he tries to record two songs in the studio everyday. And even though "Crack Vol. 5" won't be released until this weekend, he's working on "Crack Vol. 8" right now.

There's a reason Geezel works as hard as he does.

"There are miracles. I believe...that I'll eventually get a record deal," Geezel says. "I really believe that the stuff that I'm doing is gonna end up major after a while."

One of the best rappers St. Joe has to offer will celebrate the release of "Crack Vol. 5" at 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Toad's Roadhouse. Geezel will perform with his good friends Aliaz, Beretta B and the Joe Mizzery crew.

Geezel feels "Crack Vol. 5" is his most complete album to date. The album incorporates many soulful sounds and 1970s-inspired samples. But more importantly, the subject matter hits home.

In the song "Beautiful," Geezel's rhymes take a first-person perspective as he tells the tales of a drug dealer, a stripper and a prisoner. While all of these characters participate in seedy activities, Geezel shows listeners that they are actually good people who are merely misguided.

"It's probably the realest song I've ever recorded," Geezel says.

The final song on the CD is called "Family Matters." This song was inspired by his friends, some of whom have had kids or other ventures that have taken them away from the rap game.

"I'm trying to motivate them to get back into the music as much as I am," Geezel says.

Geezel's hard work might just pay off after all. The rapper will travel to Brooklyn, N.Y. next week to perform for A&R representatives. He hopes his trip to the mecca of hip-hop will lead to his big break.

"I represent St. Joe 100 percent but there's not much vision here. There's never gonna be a Puff Daddy or Jay-Z coming through St. Joseph," Geezel says.

Who knows? Saturday could be your last chance to see Geezel before he reaches stardom.

"I want people to come out and celebrate with me. I just want their support because I'm just trying to put St. Joe on the map," he says.

Tickets for the release party are $3 in advance and $5 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m. For more information, visit myspace.com/geezelcrack.