Freeway (rapper)
From Free net encyclopedia
| Leslie Pridgen (Freeway) | |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Religious Affiliation | Islam |
| Genre(s) | East Coast Rap, Rock, R&B, Gangsta Rap |
| Group(s) | State Property, Ice City |
| Biggest Single | What We Do feat. Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel |
| Biggest Album | Philadelphia Freeway |
Freeway (born Leslie Pridgen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American rapper affiliated with Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella imprint, and due to a merger is signed to Def Jam Records. His solo album is Philadelphia Freeway and features such hits as What We Do. Guest spots include Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel. The album also features collaborations with Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and Mariah Carey. Freeway's sophomore effort due to be titled Free At Last will be released later this year. Rumors have been confirmed by Jay-Z that he along with popular rapper 50 Cent will be working on the project.
Contents |
Biography
He began rapping while in high school. He later came to meet fellow Roc-A-Fella artist Beanie Sigel who helped him get a contract with the record label. He is notable for the unique ability to rap while refraining from rhyming. Although, if you listen carefully, you will notice that his rhymes are checkered throughout his verses. Freeway is well known for his long beard which he keeps due to his Islamic faith.
Freestyle Battle With Cassidy
In 2004 Freeway participated in a 2 part radio aired freestyle battle with well-known artist Cassidy. A feud between Cassidy and Freeway was never confirmed or even proved, but confilicts between fans escalated stemming from the debate as to who was the victor of the battle.
State Property Breakup
After fellow friend Beanie Sigel's incarceration in 2004, relationships with the State Property camp went sour. Beanie Sigel complained that his buddies from State Property were not showing him support while he was in jail, saying not one single rapper from his group came to visit him. During Sigel's time in jail, State Property broke up and a future group album is not planned. The Roc-A-Fella breakup also affected the rap crew. Freeway decided to stay with Jay-Z rather than Dame Dash.
Ice City
Freeway now has his very own Philadelphia posse, Ice City. The group is named after their neighborhood north Philly. Besides Freeway, Ice City is Face Money, Bars, and Hydro. Welcome to the Hood is their debut album released under Sure Shot Recordings and received formidable reviews from a variety of magazines and websites.
Work With 50 Cent
In November 2005, 50 Cent, head of G-Unit, announced he would co-executive produce Freeway’s sophomore album Free At Last. Freeway elaborated on the situation saying he, Jay-Z and 50 Cent are working hard on the album which is tentatively scheduled for a May release through Roc-A-Fella Records.
"I got mad love for [50]. What people don't know is that we have been tight for a while," said Free. "Our first album both came out in the same month, and we did a lot of shows and other things together back then." G-Unit Records employee Sha Money XL said Lloyd Banks and Young Buck will join a list of features that includes, tentatively, Kanye West, Beanie Sigel, the Roots' Black Thought, Nate Dogg, and Mariah Carey. "Philly, I got a crazy joint with Black Thought." Referring to a song with Jay-Z Free said, "We only make classics, and the joint with 50 is stupid."
His manager, Ryan Press, says Freeway and the Def Jam president remain tight and the G-Unit ties do not present a problem. Press says we will hear a more mature Free on Free At Last and the Muslim emcee will address the status of his relationships with G-Unit, State Property and Roc-A-Fella Records co-founders Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. "I'm just very excited about my new album and also to help the unity in hip-hop and prove that young black successful people can work together in this game. We need something like this."
Jay-Z Confirms Rumors
MTV reported that Jay-Z has confirmed the rumors about the collaboration with 50 Cent on Freeway's upcoming album Free At Last:
- Jay-Z confirms that the rumors of 50 Cent working with Roc-A-Fella artist Freeway on Free's new LP are 100 percent true. Although 50 and Jay's schedules don't allow them to be in the studio at the same time, Hov explained the working relationship, saying that 50 and Jay will each work with Freeway separately. "[50] actually submitted two songs last week that are outrageous," President Carter said. "Now I have to go do my thing, I have to do my work. Then Free benefits from everything."[1]
Discography
Albums
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | US R&B/Hip-Hop | |||
| 2003 | "What We Do" | #97 | #47 | Philadelphia Freeway |
| 2003 | "Flipside" | #95 | #40 | Philadelphia Freeway |
| 2003 | "Alright" | - | #64 | Philadelphia Freeway |
| 2006 | "Where U Been" | TBR | TBR | Free At Last |
| 2006 | "Untitled" feat Lil Jon (Produced by CHOPS) | TBR | TBR | Free At Last |