State Property, a new film by Roc-A-Films, set to drop in early January, stars Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Sparks, and a long line of other artists on the label, with one special exception. Roc-A-Fella Records recording artist, Freeway, has been busy working strictly on the eponymously titled movie soundtrack, and his work is about to pay off.
Although the 23 year old Philly native may be new to you, he’s got the extensive, real “education” it takes to be respected by his colleagues. He’s also proved his freestyle abilities for several years, performing on the Philly scene. A few years ago, at one of those spots, he made a fateful connection that would lead him to the next level. “We was spitting together and he (Beanie Sigel) told me if he ever got on that he was gonna come get me, and that’s what he did.” This opportunity was in no way negated when Freeway was locked up or on house arrest. Immediately afterwards, Freeway got back to work on “1-900 Hustler“, and signed with his current label.
Although life has been on the upswing for the self-reliant young Muslim, Freeway remains focused and, like most successful artists, decidedly unsatisfied with his current progress. When asked who is his personal inspiration, after a thoughtful moment, Freeway admits, “It’s me, because ain’t nothin’ gonna happen for me unless I do it. You might get people to help you along the way…(But) It’s you that do the work.”
Father of two, Jihad, 1, and Harmony, 2, Freeway’s children also inspire him to take care of business. His extended family remains supportive of him, and these days he’s chillin’, with good reason. “The cops ain’t bothering me no more. I do a lot of stuff with my family now that I couldn’t do. It feels good, and they know that I ain’t on the streets, running wild, about to shoot nobody’s head off, and all that crazy stuff. So, my family’s real proud of me.”
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Forever working, Freeway mostly keeps instrumental discs from different producers on rotation in his stereo, mostly eats on the road, and spends so little time at home, that he’s not sure what’s in his refrigerator most of the time. His resume includes working on tracks with Nikka Costa, Jermaine Dupri and Aaliyah, although that track’s release is doubtful. However, these days Freeway is getting more shows and they are getting more exciting. “When I do shows, it be crazy. Something always happens. Somebody always gets beat up. Somebody might get killed, or something like that. So it be wild.” In all situations, Freeway keeps his business professional and will always follow through with a show, unless he’s forced to stop.
Life has definitely blessed the soft-spoken mc with the gift of music and a practical attitude. He sees his current position as a small increment. On the subject of his personal satisfaction, he’s as blunt as his rhymes. “The people I be around, like Jay and Damon (Dash), and all of them, they’re rich, and I don’t really got nothin’. So, I’m trying to work hard so I can get at least to where they at. Then I’ll probably be happy.”
