Freeway
Freeway proves he’s still relevant with his new album

By Joe Walker

A lot has changed since rapper Freeway released his debut album, 2003’s Philadelphia Freeway. His star-studded label has been reconfigured. Roc-A-Fella Records’ owners Sean “Jay-Z” Carter and Damon Dash are no longer partners, nor friends. They sold the label to Island Def Jam. As a result, many of Freeway’s label mates are now elsewhere. Jay-Z is the president of Def Jam, and side imprint Roc-A-Fella — once as big, if not bigger than Def Jam — is now just another division of the former.

“I miss the family structure we had at Roc-A-Fella when Jay and Dame was together,” Freeway says, “and everything was gravy. But it is what it is right now. You’ve gotta work, and you’ve gotta grind.”

Effort is something that hasn’t changed for Freeway. He’s toured continuously while also collaborating with many of the country’s top artists on their projects. This list includes Kanye West, The Diplomats, DJ Drama, Jermaine Dupri, Tito 6, Paul Wall, Mark Ronson, Turf Talk and Jay-Z.

“I’m a real hip-hop artist. I just like good music,” he says. “If it’s got substance to it and I can feel your story, I’m rocking with it. If the track is hot and I can vibe to it, I do it.”
Now the vibe is right for Freeway to do it again — for himself and his fans. He’s back on his own with his long-awaited sophomore release.

“The album is called Free At Last, and it’s executive produced by Jay and 50 [Cent],” he says. “I want to sell records. That’s what the goal is, but it’s more important to please my fans, let them know that I’m still here and I still have good music. It’s more about letting them know I’m here and relevant.”
With two of the biggest stars and moguls in hip-hop behind him, Freeway may have come back stronger, and more relevant, than ever.

“You know it’s been a minute since I put an album out, so I worked real hard on it,” he says. “I’m unique. I do my own thing. I was a breath of fresh air when I came out, and so is this. I make good music. It’s that street music that you all know and love.”
And Freeway’s reputation for collaborations, built in the aftermath of his debut album, continues on Free At Last. He teams with 50 Cent (“Take It To The Top”), Scarface (“Baby Don’t Do It”), Rick Ross (“Lights Get Low”), and both Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss (“Walk Wit Me”). Freeway says his favorite song on his new album features Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius.

“It’s called ‘This Can’t Be Real,’” he says. “I break down everything before I got signed, to what happened when I was trying to get signed, and up-to-date about what’s going on with Roc-A-Fella — everything.”

Freeway’s career began in 1997. At the time, he was a battle rapper in his native Philadelphia. His neighborhood friend Beanie Sigel, who signed to Roc-A-Fella Records, helped Freeway land a deal as well. Freeway first appeared on Jay-Z’s fifth album, The Dynasty, before releasing his solo debut in 2003. Freeway was also a member of rap group State Property along with Sigel. The collective has since broken up, but Freeway has successfully moved on.

Despite the many changes he’s endured, Freeway remains focused and driven to this day. He puts his life in his music.