Freeway Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Released a couple months after he announced the forthcoming Stimulus Package, recorded with Jake One for Rhymesayers, Freeway came out with this relatively low-key, no-frills set. Related to 2003's Philadelphia Freeway only in a nominal sense (certainly not in stature), this so-titled sequel is a succinct independent album with production from many of the same names that populate other Real Talk releases (Beat Killaz, Cozmo, Vince V.). Tending to be as gruff and excited as ever, Freeway gets the rallying beats -- reminiscent of Roc-a-Fella-era highlights like "What We Do," "Flipside," and "It's Over" -- to match. Freeway sticks to his strengths as an MC, dishing out threats and boasts, some of which are weaved through tales of drug slinging. One of the album's few mellow cuts, "It's a Good Day" rewrites Ice Cube's like-themed 1993 classic. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Almost five years after releasing a near-classic rap debut, Freeway finally gets his second shot, and there's some unsurprisingly frank talk about his surroundings not being identical. Since Philadelphia Freeway's early 2003 release, there was the Damon Dash/Jay-Z Roc-A-Fella rift, so Free addresses that, despite it being old news. He was, after all, caught in the middle and did not switch labels. Then there's "It's Over," which could be the first track to mention the producer not responsible for its beat; in fact, both Just Blaze (who produced ten Philadelphia Freeway tracks) and Kanye West (who chipped in with two) are saltily put on blast for either not getting back or being too busy. Throw in a deepened relationship with 50 "Somewhat Responsible for Mobb Deep's Blood Money" Cent, who replaces Dash's role as co-executive producer, as well as what could be perceived as an enthusiasm shortage on the part of the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam family, and Free at Last has all the makings of a disappointment -- a release destined to slide off everyone's radar within a couple weeks of release. "Oh, yeah, Freeway eventually put out that second album...Free Again, or something?" The album is not the least bit deserving of that fate. Even with the amount of expectation-lowering context heavy on the mind, Free at Last sounds like a very strong follow-up. Apart from the 50 feature "Take It to the Top," with a light and frilly production that is absolutely the worst fit for Free's gruff and pop-unfriendly voice, there are no obvious points of weakness -- unless, of course, Free's lack of vocal versatility is something to gripe about. His "boa constrictor flow" can still be taxing (or even immediately off-putting to some ears) across the course of an album, and it is apparent that Nice & Smooth would consider him a lost cause for their MCing class, but his intelligible grunts and rasps are just as commanding and riveting as any other MC's arsenal. With a pilgrimage to Mecca also in his recent past, the dichotomy between his threat/boast-based rhymes and more reflective side is greater than it was on Philadelphia Freeway, and it isn't at the expense of toughness -- take, for instance, "I will squeeze and leave your spleen on the outside." He is a sharper, more vivid lyricist, and it can also be sensed that he has done everything in his power to make up for all that lost time. And it must be said that his as-common-as-ever exultations of "Early!" -- practically a tic at this point -- are more perplexing and amusing than ever. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Seems a little early in his career to be forming a crew, but rapper Freeway has found three adept rappers and Ice City is the result. Face Money, Bars, and Hydro mix well with Freeway on Welcome to the Hood, offering a more straight-ahead style to Freeway's gruff and raspy delivery. The hooks are killer, the production -- by a revolving door of B-list players -- is all the way live, and there's not a lame interlude to be found. "Welcome to the Hood" gives up the glitter and "Ride Up" features Joe Budden and a tension-building chorus, while "Want You Back" puts a slow, relaxed bump in your shoulders. There's not much filler but there's not much point to it all, either. Unnamed sucker MCs get their due, ladies get their come-ons, and the hood is a whole different world, but there's not enough insight to these tired topics to make this a meaty classic. Thugs have sunny, lazy days too, and Welcome to the Hood is the proof. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'Philadelphia Freeway'
Release Date 2/25/2003
Tracks 16
Label Def Jam
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Not even an appearance on Mariah Carey's Charmbracelet was able to squelch anticipation for Freeway's 2003 Roc-A-Fella debut. With his hustling put on ice, Freeway delivers a strong album that should lay to rest the speculation that his unique vocal style -- alternating between a scratchy crack and an anything-but-gruff shout, filtered through a consistently high pitch -- would have difficulty remaining tolerable across a full album. Although his experience on the streets is tempered by his Muslim roots, the rough edges are never compromised. A lengthy supporting cast includes Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Snoop Dogg, Faith Evans, Nelly, and -- returning the favor -- Mariah Carey, but Philadelphia Freeway is clearly the domain of the State Property member; none of his thunder is stolen. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
