Not even an appearance on
Mariah Carey's
Charmbracelet was able to squelch anticipation for
Freeway's 2003 Roc-A-Fella debut. With his hustling put on ice,
Freeway delivers a strong album that should lay to rest the speculation that his unique vocal style -- alternating between a scratchy crack and an anything-but-gruff shout, filtered through a consistently high pitch -- would have difficulty remaining tolerable across a full album. Although his experience on the streets is tempered by his Muslim roots, the rough edges are never compromised. A lengthy supporting cast includes
Jay-Z,
Beanie Sigel,
Snoop Dogg,
Faith Evans,
Nelly, and -- returning the favor --
Mariah Carey, but
Philadelphia Freeway is clearly the domain of the State Property member; none of his thunder is stolen. ~ Andy Kellman