Who knew Freeway would come with such a solid LP amidst all the apathy towards him and the ROC in 2007? Like, seriously Freeweezy – no-one gives a fuck. However, even though joints like ‘Roc A Fella Billionaires’ sound like they were recorded 4 years ago (which that track probably was, as he actually says ‘millionaires’ at the start and lets be honest Jay-Z is heading towards that extra 0 these days – although Free unquestionably isn’t) – they still knock harder than they have any right to. Seemingly oblivious to the existence of Hurricane Chris and Soulja Boy, ‘Free At Last’ is more straightforward than Prodigy’s rhyme style. Freeway, himself though, has always been something close to Philly’s Ghostface, with his ‘growling style’ similar to Tony’s ‘crying style’ (word to Akinyele’s ‘burping style’) a style displayed perfectly on ‘This Can’t Be Real’ – his side of the Roc A Fella split. Although the amount of times he talks about someone fucking or not fucking with someone we wonder if they should have called that label Rod A Fella. ANYWAY – the power of the beard is strong so much so that he even risks sharing studio time with Scarface, Busta and Jadakiss and even a rival beard in the form of everyone’s favourite fat drug dealer, Rick Ross. Whilst you may argue the latter ain’t much of a risk, with Ross’ fifteen minutes rapidly diminishing – it made us wonder who hold’s the title of greatest bearded rapper?
Now we realise the criteria for such a contest is pretty damn simple – but you can’t just include dudes who haven’t shaved this morning, or occasionally rock a bit of stubble. It’s got to be on some Tech N9ne shit where the beard clearly comes before the man. Also, the fact that Tech’s beard is so damn stupid and he remains pretty dope means you may have to factor in overcoming adversity in deciding who is the greatest. Otherwise – it may just have to be Free.
Note – By the way, for all those waiting on a Just Blaze helmed release from a now irritatingly over-exposed almost rapper, can we just remind you the LP you await already exists (and has done for years) containing The Megatron Don’s best work (not that noisy mess he specialises in these days) – it’s called ‘Philadelphia Freeway’ – eeaarly!
Freeway – This Can’t Be Real
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11 responses so far ↓
1 Paul Miles // Nov 20, 2007 at 9:20 am
David Banner’s beard is about as good as his mic skills, but factor in his production prowess and it just about tips the balance.
2 chas_well // Nov 20, 2007 at 11:26 am
WC’s ridiculoid braided number has to be up there. Not content with being named after a toilet he has to up the silliness ante further with his facial hair.
Given his real life gangsterism I often wonder if his beard and name are the west coast G version of the mafia “driving round with the headlights turned off and kiling whoever flashes you” game.
3 brian beck from wisconsin // Nov 20, 2007 at 11:31 am
would it be fair to say that Fizzy Wo in ‘07 > Just Blaze in ‘07?
“Philadelphia Freeway” is one of the top 5 things the Roc have ever put out but i wasn’t expecting much from “Free At Last” ’cause most’ve the tracks which leaked have been merely okay but it’s a good album.
Now all i need is that Peedi Crakk album.
4 brian beck from wisconsin // Nov 20, 2007 at 11:36 am
I’m not sure if he’s currently rocking it but Fiddy’s recent, for lack of a better term, shubberous beard deserves a mention and both Bun B and Pimp C are the kingz of the finely groomed neck-strap beard.
In terms of facial hair which is simple but effective i think Husalah on the cover of his “Hustlin’ Since The 80s” album has shit on lock, especially teamed with his flat-top.
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/5885/newhusalahgj9.jpg
5 Give Thizz To Yo Kidz // Nov 20, 2007 at 11:51 am
There’s no way someone from Wisconsin could have such damn good taste in hip-hop!
Regardless, if you haven’t already, cop/DL the Demolition Men DVD hosted by and heavily featuring the Husalah for one of the dopest off-the-top freestyles ever in some dude’s bedroom, plus Hus levitating over an automobile…
6 salvador darlo // Nov 20, 2007 at 12:15 pm
David Banner – could be a real contender
7 country bumpkin // Nov 20, 2007 at 2:44 pm
There was a guy from Lifers Group with his neck hair dreadlocked.
In the 90’s B-Real spawned a trend for white guys into Hip Hop to have unfathomly long beards, but no hair (thanks to Everlast).
8 LetItSlide,O! // Nov 21, 2007 at 5:19 am
Freeway bit his name from the mutt in tv’s Crazy Like A Fox. But still rocks da best fuckin sunni beard ive ever seen
9 country bumpkin // Nov 21, 2007 at 7:10 am
silver bullet’s rockin one of them now too…check his myspace.
10 el_jeffro // Nov 22, 2007 at 8:55 pm
The sad fact is Freeway’s beard is his only distinguishing feature…without it he’s nothing but a strange, fat little man with a funny voice.
11 chewy // May 2, 2008 at 8:57 am
I can’t believe no-one’s mentioned Celph’s painted on look…
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