Search - Freeway :: Philadelphia Freeway

Hip-hop/R&B All-Stars featuring Freeway

E.J. Rupert | Milwaukee, WI | 03/21/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since peeps heard Freeway debuting on Jay-Z's "1-900-HUSTLER" from The Dynasty album, people were wondering, "Who is that???" Anticipation for his album to drop grew as the years went by: his album kept getting pushed back but he was on plenty songs including "8 Miles and Running" with Jay-Z from the 8 Mile soundtrack. But there was also some criticism that came with it (his high-pitched whiny growl can be grating on the ears). So how will his debut be? Let's find out...Philadelphia Freeway may be a generic title for his album but it does illustrate that he reps his hometown to the fullest. So does fellow Roc-a-fella labelmate and Philadelphian Beanie Sigel, who shows up on two tracks. Beans raps pretty lazily on the otherwise decent "Life" but makes up for it on the hard-hitting track, "What We Do..." (also featuring Jay-Z). The latter track is easily the best song on here while Free holds his own against the two already established artists. The beat by Just Blaze ain't bad either.But it's VERY hard for Freeway to hold his own any other time because there are so many darn guest stars on this album. Freeway is by himself on only two songs ("Free" and "Hear the Song", which are both highlights). Maybe this is a sign of the times or better yet, maybe Roc-a-fella knew that even the biggest Freeway fans would grow tired of his voice so they threw other people on this album. All parts of the map are covered as you'll find such guest stars as Nate Dogg on "All My Life" (an update of Biggie's "Going Back to Cali"), Snoop Dogg on the ill "We Get Around", and Nelly (whose chorus outshines Free's verses on "On My Own"). But Mariah Carey's, Jay-Z's, and Free's voices are all equally annoying on "You Got Me" while Just Blaze wastes a good beat.It's a good thing that those guest stars are there because Freeway's voice, flow, and subject matter (moving keys, being trigga-happy) stays the same throughout. You wish that he had the versatility that his other labelmates have. Oh well, at least the usual Roc producers Kanye West and Just Blaze (among others) keep things interesting: their beats, as usual, are dope enough to bump in your rides, so you don't even need to pay attention to the lyrics (like most people do that??). It was hard to rate this album. I was about to give it two stars but it ain't that bad, yet I couldn't give it four stars because it's not that good. So I give it three for being "aiight". Freeway's voice IS irritating after ten seconds and there are too many guest stars but there are also dope beats and rhymes, so they all balance out. Bottom line: listen to the album before you buy it. If Freeway comes out with a sophomore album, it'll probably sound the same as this one unless he steps his game up a notch."

The Roc's great hope!

E.J. Rupert | 05/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Freeway is the emerging star of the Roc!
With a rasping, distinctive voice and skilfully crafted lyrics, backed up with typially excellent beats from the likes of Just Blaze and Kanye West, this is definitely the hottest album dropped by the Roc for as long as i can remember.
Despite the album beginning with complete bangers such as 'What we do' feat Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel, and Flipside feat Peedi Crakk(of State Property fame), the album is consistently brilliant throughout, and if anything, strenghthens song by song. Never mind the uncompromising, overly-agressive lyrics from the likes of Beanie Sigel and Memphis Bleek etc, Freeway relays his life growing up in the gutter with style and diplomacy, successfully merging his knowledge of the streets with his desire to leave his past behind and to make waves in the rap game. This is the hottest album ive heard since Dr Dre's Chronic 2001, a must-have for any true rap fan not just obssessed with cliche, thug life lyrics. Remember the name-Freeway"

4.5 star solo debut

G$ | B-More, MD | 06/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since Freeway first appeared with his raspy yelling odd voice and rhyming scheme I've loved him, others hate it. One way or another this cd is very solid. Production is great, mostly handled by Just Blaze (10 songs of the 16 on here), Bink One & Kanye West each do 2, and Black Key & Ruggedness each do 1. It has 1 classic, 2 ok songs, 3-5 almost classics, and the rest are mostly great songs with a few being good. I would like to have seen his classics "Nightshift" (w/ Memphis Bleek) and "We Move Out" on here but it's still a great album. Guests are on half the songs rapping, and only 3 songs don't have a guest. Freeway spits his usual material, hustling and gangsta lyrics, with a few deeper songs and ghetto tales. A must have album for rap fans and fans of the ROC.



#1 - 9

#2 - 9.5 (f/ Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel)

#3 - 8.5 (f/ nate Dogg)

#4 - 8 (f/ Peedi Crakk)

#5 -7 (f/ Nelly)

#6 - 8 (F/ Snoop Dogg)

#7 - 9 (f/ Faith Evans)

#8 - 8.5 (f/ Beanie Sigel)

#9 - 10 (CLASSIC -- f/ Young Gunz)

#10 - 8

#11 - 9 (f/ Rell)

#12 - 9.5 (f/ Sparks)

#13 - 8

#14 - 8.5

#15 - 7 (f/ Mariah Carey & Jay-z)

#16 - 9.5 (f/ Young Chris of the Young Gunz)



Leslie Pridgen -- b. 1979 -- Philadelphia, PA

CHECK ALL MY REVIEWS"