For some artists debuting on the charts at #63 is a fail. But for Freeway & Jake One I think it’s a win. First off, and this may seem backwards since I write a column called The Numbers Game, sales aren’t everything. The Stimulus Package sold almost 10,000 copies independently and it was good solid album. Plus the album holds the title of having the best packaging in recent memory. Nuff said.

Sorry we didn’t get to reviewing Mathematics‘ compilation, Return Of The Wu & Friends. Nobody on the crew said anything about reviewing and most of the time that means nobody cares. Okay, that sounded worse than it was meant to be. I actually checked out the album and it wasn’t bad; I’m sure Wu-heads will like it. The album debuted at #163 (Or #192 depending on who you ask).

No other thoughts this week. Screw you guys, I’m going home.

#1 Sade/Soldier Of Love (Last Week: #1) – 190,500; Total: 693,600 (Gold) [2 Weeks]
#3 The Black Eyed Peas/The E.N.D. (Last Week: #8) – 65,500; Total: 2,131,300 (2X Platinum) [37 Weeks]
#5 Lil’ Wayne/Rebirth (Last Week: #4) – 58,400; Total: 323,800 [3 Weeks]
#7 Alicia Keys/The Element Of Freedom (Last Week: #12) – 39,000; Total: 1,077,600 (Platinum) [10 Weeks]
#8 Jaheim/Another Round (Last Week: #3) – 36,000; Total: 148,200 [2 Weeks]
#13 Mary J. Blige/Stronger With Each Tear (Last Week: #14) – 31,200; Total: 632,700 (Gold) [9 Weeks]
#18 Rihanna/Rated R (Last Week: #35) – 25,100; Total: 663,800 (Gold) [13 Weeks]
#21 Young Money/We Are Young Money (Last Week: #41) – 19,700; Total: 330,700 [10 weeks]
#28 Trey Songz/Ready (Last Week: #45) – 17,100; Total: 538,700 (Gold) [25 Weeks]
#31 Melanie Fiona/The Bridge (Last Week: #36) – 16,500; Total: 219,700 [16 Weeks]
#32 Jay-Z/The Blueprint 3 (Last Week: #43) – 16,000; Total: 1,631,500 (Platinum) [24 Weeks]
#35 Michael Jackson/This Is It [OST] (Last Week: #22) – 15,600; Total: 1,481,700 (Platinum) [17 Weeks]
#38 Gucci Mane/The State Vs. Roderick Davis (Last Week: #57) – 14,700; Total: 278,800 [11 Weeks]
#44 Beyonce/I Am..Sasha Fierce (Last Week: #39) – 13,800; Total: 2,775,500 (2X Platinum) [66 Weeks]
#45 Eminem/Relapse: Refill (Last Week: #48) – 13,700; Total: 1,853,400 (Platinum) [40 Weeks]
#63 Freeway & Jake One/The Stimulus Package (Last Week: NA) – 9,100; Total: NA [Debut]
#163 Mathematics/Return Of The Wu & Friends (Last Week: NA) – 3,400; Total: NA [Debut]

The Philadelphia born rapper returns with (what I’d like to say) his first official release since his departure from Roc-A-Fella records. Freeway dropped his first two albums with Roc-A-Fella: his highly acclaimed Philadelphia Freeway in 2003, followed by Free At Last in 2007. Now, the emcee has chosen to go with powerful independent label – Rhymesayers Entertainment. Some might shake their heads, but I find this as the perfect fit for Freeway. Rhymesayers will do their best to accompany their artists needs (producers, tours, etc.), and most importantly, let them make the music they want.

Freeway has always had a talented list of producers on his albums (Kanye West, Just Blaze, & Bink! to name a few). However, I felt his last album didn’t have enough chemistry and was off-balance. This time around he turned to the up and coming producer Jake One. This isn’t the first time they collaborated with each other… first, on Free At Last and again, on Jake One’s White Van Music. All three of their previous tracks have been fire. Hopefully this album will be the same, and give people that incentive we need.

1. Stimulus Intro
Featuring Beanie Sigel; Produced by Jake One
We get a preview of what the album is going to sound like in the first thirty seconds. Jake One lays down a nice track with a perfect mix of drums, strings, and pianos. Beanie Sigel lets the beat build, and then drops a hot verse. Freeway finishes the intro reminding us how well they sound together. Too bad this is the only track Beans is featured on. Nevertheless, this is still a great way to start the album.

2. Throw Your Hands Up
Produced by Jake One
The record starts to bang on the amplified “Throw Your Hands Up”. This is the perfect beat for Freeway, and of course he’s not going to disappoint us on a track like this. Here are a few of my favorite lines, “We’re bringing ya original flava, raised off De La, kept Black Moon in my boombox playa. Back in the day, I use to steal that nigga Rakim’s style when I flowed & I didn’t say may I”. Another quotable, “I remember when I was first trying to be a rapper guy, like Pharcyde, the labels kept on passing me by. Nowadays, when I hit them with the flow again, they like there he go again – the dopest Ethopian”. True rhymesayer!

I also love the props he gives to the legends: Gang Starr, Naughty by Nature, Pac, Big, Tribe, Black Sheep, Leaders of the New School, De La, Black Moon, Rakim, Wu-Tang, Pharcyde.

3. One Foot In
Produced by Jake One
Another banging beat from Jake One. Freeway recalls on his way into the game, and how he still has one foot in the streets (the other in Hip-Hop). Nothing too significant here on a lyrical view, but Freeway’s flow makes it work, “I feel sorry for your mother, he missed the kick, I feel sorry for the punter”.

4. She Makes Me Feel Alright
Produced by Jake One
We’ve all heard the Rick James’ “Mary Jane” sample a handful of times. Nevertheless, we haven’t heard it from Jake One and unsurprisingly he finds a way to make it work. He definitely knows how to mix the sample in with the strings & drums. Freeway has some nice lines, but the beat is what really stands out.

5. Never Gonna Change
Produced by Jake One
“It’s like the Biggie Warning” are the first words on the track, and that’s exactly what it is. However, this song is Freeway’s version. He showcases some great storytelling that fits with the beat. On a production note, the beat is nothing less than amazing. This time around he shifts the drums around, and Freeway does a great job adjusting to them.

6. One Thing
Featuring Raekwon; Produced by Jake One
Jake One doesn’t stop bringing the heat, and this sample couldn’t get any better. Freeway starts the track and does his thing, but the highlight of the track is Raekwon. The Chef completely murders this shit. When was the last time Raekwon put out something, and it wasn’t fire? This is by far my favorite track on the album.

7. Know What I Mean
Produced by Jake One
This is the shortest song on the album (excluding the intro). The beat is good, but it falls short compared to the rest of the album. Freeway drops some decent lines, but nothing that stands out. I’d still rate this as an above average track though.

8. The Product
Produced by Jake One
Freeway compares himself to everyone’s own choice of drug. To this point of the album, that’s exactly what this record has been to me – a drug I can’t resist. He has some nice comparisons here, “I can make you act right, just put me in the crack pipe, everybody want to see you back on the mic, you need a… energy boost, you need some smack in your life”.

9. Microphone Killa
Featuring Young Chris; Produced by Jake One
Fellow Philadelphian rapper Young Chris joins Freeway on this up-tempo beat. Freeway spits some nice lines, but once again the track’s highlight comes from the guest appearance. Young Chris takes no time to body the track, “Microphone killa, no Cam’ron, bomb like land mine, I don’t ask shit, I demand mine”. Freeway should really thank Beans, Chef, and Young Chris for bringing some of their best stuff to the table.

10. Follow My Moves
Featuring Birdman; Produced by Jake One
If you haven’t heard, Freeway supposedly signed with Cash Money Records as well. And having Birdman on this album doesn’t make it hard to believe. Birdman sticks to his formula about money, cars, & weed, and Freeway follows. I felt that Freeway could’ve done better on the mic, but at least he didn’t get outshined this time around.

11. Sho’ Nuff
Featuring Bun B; Produced by Jake One
Freeway keeps it in the Dirty South for one more track. Jake One does a nice job on the beat too. Is it just me or does this beat sound like it will fit perfectly on a UGK album? Freeway does his best to keep up with Bun B, but it’s not the easiest thing to do against a Hip-Hop veteran. This is a nice track to ride out to.

12. Freekin’ The Beat
Featuring Latoiya Williams; Produced by Jake One
Things start to really slow down on the soulful “Freekin’ The Beat”. However, in a way the lyrics stay rugged. Freeway takes on a different approach of freekin’, and gets down on the beat. His lyrics do a fine job of making you think he’s speaking on a female. If you’re not a good listener, you might even think this is a love song. Hip-Hop needs more concepts like this.

13. Money
Featuring Omilio Sparks & Mr. Porter; Produced by Jake One
Jake One seems to get back on pace with a nasty set of drums. Freeway spits first recalling his past hustles to earn a dollar. Next, Omilio Sparks spits on a related point of view, and lets us know what his main purpose is money (Porter is on the hook). Freeway finishes it up on the third verse, and tells us how he’s in the same type of struggle as much of the economy is. This is a song the album needed to fit its title.

14. Free People
Produced by Jake One
“Free People” is another song about how the recession is hitting a lot of people hard. Jake One throws on a nice smooth beat Freeway can spill his thoughts over. This goes out to all the people lost right now with no money, job, or hope.

15. Stimulus Outro
Produced by Jake One
It’s to the part of the album were you can tell it’s nearly done from the sound of the beat. Freeway responds to a few fan letters and lets us know why he named the album The Stimulus Package; “It’s the reason why we named our album Stimulus Pack, all the fans givin’ us love and we givin’ it back. I’m not going to hate on the state of Hip-Hop; in fact, all I’m here to do is give ya real rap”.

Bottom Line:
Two months into the year and I’ve only listened to two albums. The first was In Search Of Stoney Jackson which featured superb production by Madlib. Then, Jake One hits me with The Stimulus Package. I can only hope that the production for the rest of the year is even close to these two records. Not only was Jake One on top of his game, but Freeway shaped this album for the people without losing that “Philadelphia Freeway” touch. In conclusion, this is a banging album that NO ONE should pass on. Furthermore, the album comes with a free instrumental download that is a gift considering how hard this album bumps.

On a side note, Brent Rollins designed the album’s creative artwork and packaging. This alone is a good reason to buy the album. He also designed Blackaliscious’ Nia, Mos Def & Kweli’s Black Star, Spank Rock’s YoYoYoYoYo, Gang Starr’s Full Clip & Moment In Truth, Evidence’s Weatherman LP, Boyz N The Hood logo, and a handful of other great art. Click here to get an example.

One more thing, Jake One & Freeway got selected to perform at this year’s Paid Dues Festival in Los Angeles. If you happen to live in that area, I highly recommend catching this year’s show. Peace.

nappyPicks: “Stimulus Intro”, “Throw Your Hands Up”, “She Makes Me Feel Alright”, “Never Gonna Change”, “One Thing”, “Microphone Killa”, “Money”, “Stimulus Outro”

Download: Freeway & Jake One feat. Raekwon – “One Thing”
Download: Freeway & Jake One – “She Makes Me Feel Alright”

When I first heard about this album, it seemed almost too good to be true: Freeway was not only making another album, but it would be the sequel to his debut album, Philadelphia Freeway, a solid album that, to this day, remains a hood classic. Freeway burst on the scene with hard lyrics and popular singles like “What We Do” & “Flipside”. He caught the sophomore jinx though, and his last album, Free at Last, tanked with only 100k sold to this date. Now with an album on Real Talk Records, can Freeway get back in the game in a major way?

Pay Attention
Freeway just comes back, talking about the album. It’s basically the introduction into the next track.

Finally Free
Now this is the shit I love to hear! Freeway came with this one: the first single off the album, and for good reason. The track bangs, and the hook is hot too: “Finally Free, Free back finally!” I’m glad he’s back too. This is a great way to start the album, it makes up realize that we’re happy Freeway is back on his grind. “Be in it for the whole duration/Fuck waitin’, get dough!”

Gotz To Be Tha Bomb
This is song for me was just OK. I mean, he’s got more Osama references than you count (you know, the whole Bomb thing…), but the hook is kind of lazy and drags on. Lyrically, Freeway shows us more of the skill and ability that he’s been known for, talking about days in the past, but I feel like he could be a lot better at times, like here: “I used to keep the lazer on my hip/Same days when I used to keep the pager on my hip/That was back when you could sell a million on the strip/And next…but now shit all fucked up.” Average song at best.

Hands Up
The beat on this BLAZING! I have no idea who produced it, but it’s amazing, sounding like the East and the South merged together into greatness. It’s got an epic feel to it; strong enough to be a banger, but at the same time good enough that Freeway can take out his lyrical skill. And Freeway rides it like a vet, constantly switching flows on it:

“I do it without a pen/
this shit comes right out my limbs/
and then you get my lyrics/I’m the man/
I do it with no hands/
I’m totally focused, I do it with no smoke and mirrors”

Freeway really did his thing here, you gotta check for this one.

Think About It
This a quick skit from a movie clip about how the drug game has changed things in the ‘hood.

Crack Rap
The production here was amazing!! I was going crazy as soon as this song came on, easily my favorite track out of them all. Freeway is rapping some real shit on this album too: “Half you niggas ain’t even been a gun battle/Ya’ll niggas just lyin’ rappin’, high as a scaffold/But if a nigga start to clap at you, you won’t know what to do/Crying to your mother, standin’ frozen like a statue.” Free definitely stepped it up for this one, and all 5 minutes of this song is fire.

Murda Muzik
This song was aiight. The beat goes hard, but it doesn’t stand up to the production that came before it. Freeway sounds almost uninspired right here, and the hook is suspect: it’s too long and awkward to make this song a banger. I’m not skipping this one, but it is a disappointment.

Around the World
This one shoulda been the first single: the production on it sounds really clean, and the beat is hard enough to pass as street and yet at the same time club-ready, which is what makes it so genius. Freeway here raps about traveling: “I’m bi-coastal, the black hopeful/The Obama of rap, with a gat, holla!” That’s a cold line right there, but Freeway again isn’t as lyrical as he was in the early parts of the album. Still, a great song.

Streets Won’t Miss ‘Em
I’m really loving the production on this album a lot. When the pianos on this song come it, it just becomes too hot. Only problem is that even on song #9, these songs are starting to sound very similar, and it’s hard to tell them apart. This one is only 3:10, so it’s short and it doesn’t do a very good job of standing out from the aforementioned tracks on the album. Average song.

The Nation
This is a clip from Menace II Society, the scene with Caine and Sharif’s teacher talking about Sharif’s conversion to Islam and how it made him a better person. You know I gave ya’ll this as a Friday Night Fro’, so if you still haven’t seen the movie, go check it out.

It’s A Good Day
This song is alright, but it’s nothing you haven’t heard before. I mean, this is a commonly tread topic in rap. Freeway even calls this his version of “It Was A Good Day”. He talks about a good breakfast, fly clothes, and hooking up with a girl, so basically exactly the same as the original version, only not as good. The lyrics sound like Freeway was sleeping on this track, just going through the motions. Average track.

Keep Yo Hands Up
Featuring Sheek Louch
This is essentially a remix of the original track, but Sheek Louch comes on as a guest feature. Truth be told, his verse is aiight, I think this version should have been put on in place of the other one, instead of putting both versions on the same album. It makes the first version seem mainly like filler.

Philly Freezer
Freeway just comes on, telling us that more new music is on the way soon, and he also gives a shout out to Roc-A-Fella Records and State Property. Didn’t he get dropped?

Bottom Line:
This album is too short. I don’t know why, but Freeway’s albums are always really short and leave you wanting more. This album did leave me wanting more, but it doesn’t even feel like a real album, more like a mixtape that was pieced together and rushed to the shelves. It’s 10 tracks and 3 skit like tracks. Hell, you could even say it’s actually only 9 tracks because “Hands Up” is essentially on here twice. Another thing that disappointed me was that while the tracks on here were good, I think the tracks I heard before from Freeway’s “Month of Madness” were easily much better than this, and it seems disappointing that he would even call this the sequel to his excellent debut. If it seems like I’m bashing the album right now, I’m not, I just think the album could have been a lot better if he spent more time perfecting it. Still, this is a solid effort from Philadelphia Freeway.

nappyPicks: “Hands Up”, “Around the World”, & “Crack Rap”

Download: Freeway – “Crack Rap”

It seemed like Freeway was absolutely finished after getting dropped by the NEW Def Jam President, L.A. Reid in May. Jay was powerless to do anything since Roc-A-Fella is now owned by Def Jam, and Freeway was saved by a joint-venture: I guess now he’s signed to G-Unit or something, since he had a joint venture between Roc-A-Fella and G-Unit, but you know how they’re doing: T.O.S. did disapointing numbers, mainly because people are STILL blasting Lil’ Wayne and Nas came out with Untitled (finally!).

But with all that, I couldn’t see Freeway making another record. Well, low and behold, I was wrong! In fact, Young Chris has been doing the same thing, but I’ll get to him later. Free has been releasing brand new tracks for 2008 and leaking them willingly to the internet, I guess to start a buzz. Each track is really short, under 3 minutes, but they’re really good; how come Free wasn’t on that Vibe roster?? He’s easily better than most of the rappers they had on there. I heard 5 that he had put out, but I could only find 4 of the 5 tracks: don’t worry: the one he did over Nas’ “Hero” that I couldn’t find was alright, but he needs to stop trying to sing!

The 1st of the tracks I got is “Freedom of Speech”, and this is Freeway at an incredibly lyrical level, more than I’ve heard in awhile. The 2nd of the tracks is “A 2 B”, which is hot as hell; I downloaded it and it’s been bangin’ often. 3rd track is “Let the Heat Build”, a freestyle done by Freeway over the “Let The Beat Build” track with another new rapper, Hollewood, who isn’t bad! The last track is “Flowmaster”, and this one is done over an old beat, Bank’s “Ain’t No Click”, and he makes it sound pretty good: I like the line: “Hood Osama/Freeway Obama”. Every rapper nowadays HAS to compare themselves to Obama, don’t they? I think Jay-Z was the first on “You’re Welcome” (I think Common on “Why (remix)” or Juelz Santana’s freestyle over “Black Republicans” may contest though). Anyway, here’s the links to the tracks below. Shoutout to the Hear It First and Street Exclusives for the links. Enjoy these tracks straight from The Stoop!

Download: Freeway – “Let The Heat Build”

Download: Freeway – “Freedom Of Speech”

Download: Freeway feat. Hollewood – “A 2 B”

Download: Freeway – “Flowmaster”

I was on the internet and I saw a thing Vibe was doing to settle once and for all who is the best rapper alive. They made a bracket type thing to have the readers vote on who is the best; it’s like the March Madness brackets. They’ve got the four brackets based on some of the legends in Hip-Hop: The Notorious B.I.G. Bracket, the Tupac Bracket, etc. On the surface it seems cool, right?? WRONG!!

Vibe seriously fucked this up! Man, this could have actually been the official thing to prove who was the best rapper alive, but I’m like “what the fuck” for real! They had the nerve to put niggas like Soulja Boy and Rich Boy on here, but no mention of Freeway, Young Chris, or Blu. Not to mention they seriously messed up the match-ups: Shawty LO versus T.I.? We all already know who won that, but maybe the votes will snap Shawty LO back into reality. Kanye versus FOXY BROWN!?!? Oh come on!

I bet you can’t wait to hear who came out as the 1st seaters: Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, Eminem, and Andre 3000. Eminem beat out NAS!?!? What kind of bullshit is that? Nas has at least dropped 2 hot albums in the last four years. Nas has been in the game longer, and everything. I could go on and on with this. #2 Seaters are Kanye (Not bad man!), T.I. (He edged out Luda!), Nas (Boo!!), and Snoop Dogg (Fair).

But you really can’t fuck with these match-ups: Jay-Z gets a BYE!! (He either has to go against Jim Jones or Diddy…). He’s too good for that! Then in the second round, he goes against Lauryn Hill!!! How ’bout Missy Elliot versus Lil’ Mama! Or Mos Def versus Talib Kweli! Lil’ Wayne versus Trina! I could really go on and on, but you can look at these fucked up match-ups yourself.

You can look at the brackets here

Below, I made a list of rappers that got robbed. I didn’t get everybody, but I got a quick list off the top of my head.

Freeway: You got Soulja Boy and Rich Boy up there, but this nigga has serious skills and they overlooked him! Two albums out, in the game for almost 10 years…

Blu: He’s got more skill than most of the niggas on that list, and that’s real.

Styles P: Man, where the fuck was he?? I can’t believe they overlooked him. They had Jadakiss on there, but they forgot P!

Rakim: Do I have to say anything here? He’s still alive people!

Dr. Dre: No Words here…

KRS-One: No Words here either…

Vibe seriously fucked up on this one. Here’s my prediction:

Final Four: Nas, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, and Andre 3000

Top Two: Lil’ Wayne and Nas

Winner: Lil’ Wayne

That’s a realist prediction. Personally, I think either Jay-Z or Nas is the best rapper alive, but Lil’ Wayne is going to win, and we all know that. And if he does, it truly shows how fucked up Hip-Hop in my opinion; that a rapper with no classic albums under his belt (unless you consider C3 classic…yeah, right…) could take it all away from 3 rappers with at least 3 classics under each of their belts. Just my opinion though.

You can vote right now to see who is better right now out of Jim Jones and Diddy. So far, Jim is winning…yeah. Anyway, if you want in on this, go to Vibe.com and vote starting July 21st. Let’s see how this plays out: any predictions?

Jigga is worth over a half a billion dollars, and has a rep for being a business man, so we know he’s not going to just toss his money around, but is he really just going to leave Roc-A-fella? I mean, if you hadn’t noticed, Roc-A-fella earlier this summer, dropped a large number of it’s artists, including Freeway (one of the most underrated artists ever), Young Gunz (a rap duo), Peedi Peedi (Whatever), Tru Life (Still on Doggystyle Records), and Jadakiss (what!). If you don’t believe me, check out the Roc-A-fella website: only artists in the line-up are Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Kanye, DJ Clue, and Memphis Bleek. What is going on at Roc-a-Fella??

In 2001, Roc-A-Fella was the shit. Seriously. The Blueprint was out, and people was all over the Roc. They actually were putting out other people too, like Freeway, Beanie Sigel, DJ Clue, Amil, and Memphis Bleek. Then the ROC broke up in 2004 and everything went downhill! We lost Beans, M.O.P., and others. We had Roc La Familia with N.O.R.E. and Hector “El Father”, but that label folded soon after. We got Kanye, but that was the ONLY artist on Roc-A-fella making hits, which is still true today sadly; Jay’s been doing his thing, but he hasn’t been on the top of his game. American Gangster has filled me with hope for the future, but still, what is up with Roc-A-Fella??

If you ask me, Jay is holding back on Roc-A-Fella projects so he can move the artists over to Roc Nation. But will anything change when Roc Nation is formed? I’m a HUGE Jay-Z fan, but when it comes to promoting his artists, he’s not on top of things: Freeway only sold 100k 6 months after his album was released last year! Then when he complained to Def Jam, he was dropped! All because of no promotion. I’m not on LL Cool J’s side cause I don’t think he would’ve moved more than 500,000 units, even with promotion, but hopefully Jay will get his shit straight with Roc Nation.

Below, I’ve listed artists who could go to Roc Nation. Some will happen, others I put on because I want them to happen, and some I’m probably flat-out crazy to even think of. But anyway, here it goes:

Jay-Z (CEO)
Reason: Duh
Chances of being signed: Again, Duh

Beyonce (A&R)
Reason: I read about this somewhere: Beyonce is supposed to become the A&R of Roc Nation to help scout for talent. She’d be good for the job: maybe we’d see more female acts on Roc-A-Fella.
Chances of being signed: Incredibly Likely if Jay can get her to do it.

Freeway
Reason: He’s been on the squad for almost 10 years, and Free at Last was bangin’. He didn’t deserve to get dropped, hopefully he’s not angry with Hov like Peedi.
Chances of being signed: Likely if Jay wants him back.

Memphis Bleek
Reason: Do you have to ask…? I mean, Bleek is kind of mediocre as a rapper, but Hov’s been holdin’ him down since ‘96. This is a no brainer.
Chances of being signed: Extremely Likely

DJ Clue
Reason: The only DJ on the roster. I guess they could afford to lose him: He’s done solid numbers in the past, but Professional 3 wasn’t too successful, and Jay might want a new sound for Roc Nation. I’m going to go with maybe here.
Chances of being Signed: Sort-of Likely, but if Jay wants new DJs, adios

Kanye West
Reason: He’s the biggest artist on R.O.C. right now, including Jay-Z himself. But I think once Roc Nation is formed, Kanye will leave to work on GOOD Music: he’s got a big enough fan base to stand alone.
Chances of Being Signed: Depends on how arrogant Kanye is

Lil Wayne
Reason: According to D-Dot’s interview, Weezy will head over to Roc Nation if Jay calls him. With the numbers Tha Carter 3 did LEAKED, Jay would have to be an idiot not to pass this up. However, Weezy’s already got Young Money Ent., and is big enough to own his own label, plus I’m still skeptical Weezy would leave Baby like that. But if he does, it would make Roc Nation HUGE, and possibly start an even bigger beef.
Chances of being Signed: It’s up to Weezy

Saigon
Reason: Even though his debut album STILL hasn’t been released, he’s got potential. Jay has worked with him before, and Just Blaze is cool with Jay, so he’d put the good word in for him.
Chances of being Signed: Very Likely; Saigon’s not going to say no.

Rick Ross
Reason: It’s called Roc Nation! Jay needs some southern acts that can sell records, and Rick Ross has proven that, having the first album to go gold. They worked together twice before, so maybe?
Chances of being Signed: Sort-of Likely; I doubt Ross would decline.

Nas
Reason: A living legend, and probably the only guy on this list with a classic besides Jay(unless you conside C3 classic). Nas and Jay are businness partners now and good friends, so why not? However, he’s already signed to Def Jam, so it wouldn’t happen in the near future, unless they made a joint venture of some sort.
Chances of being Signed: Likely in 2 years, unless Nas is actually going to do something with Ill Will Records.

Well, there you have it. A solid roster if I do say so. I think Roc Nation will amazing, especially since Live Nation will be giving Jay 5 million a year; he can use that to promote his artists! If he does, Roc Nation could be the biggest rap recording label, rivaling even Def Jam. Here’s hoping.

This has to be one of the best Hip-Hop songs of all time! You have 3 MC’s spitting flame over a Just Blaze track. You got Freeway, Beans, and Jay on the track spitting VENOM! If you want to know what Hip-Hop is…this is it! This is the essence, this is what you want right here! Make sure remember who gave this to you! So enjoy this installment of Song of the Week!

Download: Freeway feat. Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel – “What We Do”

Album: Philadelphia Freeway
Released: February 25, 2003

How many rappers truly step to the mic and sound like the next great thing. I am not talking about clever puns or simple voice quality, I am talking about the entire package. Freeway had the look, the bravado, the voice, the flows, and the energy that is required to make your mark. His debut is a hood classic, but then he vanished. Apparently, folks been runnin’ dey mouths and Freeway has a chip on his shoulder.

“This Can’t Be Real” Some shit just goes together and you can’t explain it. Salty and sweet, Hennesy and Coke, and now we have Freeway and Marsha Ambrosia (yes, .5 of Floetry). I don’t know if this track could be ANY better. I will try not to say too much, but Free is talkin’ shit too. One of the best tracks on the album.

“It’s Over” Let’s talk drama shall we? The horns, the beat, the tempo, this shit is what Rocky’s montages were made of. First Jay and Dame break up now everyday I wake u/ somebody got a prollem with Free . Obviously shootin’ back at folks who looked screwfaced at him with G-Unit Pres. Fiddy. Yeah, this shit is an asnwer and a challenge.

“Still Got Love” SHIT, I am smiling as I listen to another beast of a track. This had to be a hand picked Jigga beat because I can see him lacing this one as well. Insane production.

“Roc-A-Fella Billionaires (feat. HOV)” I think this was the single most played song on every mixtape this year. Even more amazing is that it was NEVER remixed or touched on any record I saw. The wordplay with Free and Hov is insane. I’m sure you have heard it, so I will stop here….bigspenderrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

“When They Remember” OMG….man look. My neck hurts. This shit is so insane, I smiled when it came on. I can’t even type about this shit. My favorite song on the album.

“Take It To The Top (feat. 50 Cent)” A song to the ladies, but its not FOR the ladies. I hope you follow me. Song is nice, even with fiddy sangin the hooks, no he doesn’t’ rap. Long as you whippin’ the Rolls / U ain’t gotta strip on / So what the fuck should you care / just cause I live on the road. Typing this really lacks the impact of his delivery, but the shit is fly.

“Spit That Shit” Another nice track, but one has to be less than perfect. This one may be it. I don’t have anything bad to say about it, it just seems a little out of place with the rest of the album. Still a nice one though.

“Reppin’ The Streets” Free gets his story tellin’ on. More like a heartfelt hood song about his life growing up. One of the illest lines, ….dissappear in the fog, reappear in the morgue.

“Free At Last” Free stands tall on this one letting you know he is here to stay and he is a force. Well played production features some tough rhymes over a subdued beat, makes you listen to him.

“Baby Don’t Do It (feat. Scarface)” Class is in session.. Dope song. Scarface comes on and lends his legendary flow to the cause.

“Nuttin’ On Me” The banger returns and the beard rides this shit like its made by Huffy. Man, I don’t know who was talkin’ bout our mans, but he is NOT happy.

“Walk Wit Me (feat. Busta and Jadakiss)” Pianos that haunt the track coupled with the gruff flows of Busta and smooth sound of Jada = dope as hell. Busta and Jada spit some of the illest flows I have heard from them in a while. Great track.

“Lights Get Low (feat. Rick Ross)” Aight, the beards have taken over the booth…sorta. Overall, I’m not feeling this track and I think it should have been left off. Not impressed by the track and I am not a Rick Ross fan by most accounts so, maybe I’m biased. Not a skipper, just not a fave.

“I Cry” Well done song and personal as hell. Free spits different events that made him cry, crying never sounded so tough fam.

Bottom Line:
BUY IT. I mean seriously, the album only has one slip up and one small problem, its too short. Clockin in at a brisk 50 minutes, you want more when its over. That can be good or bad depending on who you are. I enjoyed the hell outta this cd even with the slip up there. I think Freeway did a awesome job of making a comeback but I am sure that he will be hampered by bad sales because of shitty promotion. You can damn near close your eyes and pick any song to be the lead single. Support Support. Makes me want to grow my shit out.

nappy Picks: “This Can’t Be Real”, “When They Remember”, “Roc-A-Fella Billionaires” & “I Cry”

Download: Freeway feat. Marsha Ambrosia – “This Can’t Be Real”

Download: Freeway – “When They Remember”