By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
As a lyricist, Freeway’s skills were often overlooked. Starting his career with Roc-A-Fella Records, Freeway was one of many artists. Signed to the State Property label, he was not even under the main Roc-A-Fella roster. Two years since the release of his last album, Freeway is four albums deep, but still a Diamond in the Ruff.
Diamond in the Ruff is the proper title for Freeway’s new album, as it comes on an independent label, Babygrande, in a tidal wave of new albums. Likely to be overlooked, Freeway’s latest album is the Diamond in the Ruff. Hip hop fans have gotten it all in 2012 from veteran comebacks to lyrical and trap albums.
Balance, however, is something that has been lacking in the music released this year. This was not the case when it came to Freeway’s Diamond in the Ruff, however. Instead, Freeway included a bit of everything, romance, hardcore, lyricism, and swag all on one album.
Freeway shared tracks with Nikki Jean, Wale, Musiq Soulchild, Neef Buck, Marsha Ambrosious, and many others, but was never overshadowed on his album. If anything, Freeway proved he was back and here to stay. Forcing his way into position in the rap game, Freeway finds himself the Diamond in the Ruff. Not only did Freeway prove he still had more left in the tank, he proved that if he were given the opportunity, he could be one of the biggest stars in the rap game.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Rating: 7/10
