On Saturday, Feb. 25, iconic Philly rapper Freeway (born Leslie Pridgen) performed at the Fillmore to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his highly revered debut-album “Philadelphia Freeway.” Freeway is a Philly rap legend, this album features his biggest song “What We Do” and the album features greats like Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Faith Evans, and was produced by Kanye West, Bink!, and Just Blaze.
The celebration of Freeway’s life and accomplishments was attended by Philly royalty ranging from decorated multi-time boxing champion Danny Garcia to hosts of the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” Gillie and Wallo who could be seen prominently on stage throughout the show. The sold out show was multi-generational, diverse, and had surprise performances for everyone.
Freeway performed his “Who Shot Ya” Freestyle and then brought out Jadakiss to perform his freestyle of “Who Shot Ya” back-to-back, then just before the show closed, up and coming rapper D-Sturdy came out and did his viral dance. Beanie Sigel and Peedi Crakk sporadically performed some of their biggest hits with Freeway for a rare State Property reunion.
The story of Philadelphia Freeway is the story of resilience—in 2003 when this album dropped, his collaborators stepped away from music. Label-mate Jay-Z briefly retired from rap and Freeway’s Philly counterpart Beanie Sigel were incarcerated right as he was Freeway’s career was booming. Even after commercial success and fame, the fight continued for Freeway as he nearly lost his life to kidney failure in 2015. The last few years have been especially heartbreaking for him with the loss of his son, Jihad in 2020, his daughter, Harmony in 2021, and the loss of his father in 2022.
“With all the trial and tribulations that I’ve been through, it’s amazing to be here with each and every one of y’all. It’s f**king beautiful,” said Freeway to a sold out Philly crowd.
It’s no secret that Freeway has had a hard life, yet he’s carried himself with dignity and humility for decades. Freeway created the Freedom Thinkers Academy to educate youth on music, health, and technology after living through his kidney failure and successful transplant in 2019. Since his transplant, he’s become the celebrity ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation.
Freeway has been a Philadelphia staple for well over 25 years. He’s one of the most revered artists of his generation and has won the hip-hop world over with his impeccable delivery and unmatched wordplay. Freeway paved the way for aspiring North Philly artists like Meek Mill and Lil Uzi Vert who are the at the forefront of the new generation of Philly hip-hop. His continued growth and commitment to his city has turned him into a role model for thousands.
“Everybody in Philly knows who Freeway is, he’s an icon,” said L Dubske, a fan in attendance and Philly-based rapper. “Freeway, State Property, Beans, and Peedi Crakk are all an inspiration. This album is still a classic, it’s in my current rotation, I know every word verbatim, and it will never get old.”
The Freeway 20th Anniversary was a celebration of greatness and resilience. Freeway’s ability to stay positive despite his near constant battles with death is beyond inspirational. In late 2022, Freeway was awarded a presidential medal by President Joe Biden for his work in the community and because the president empathized with Freeway’s loss of a child. Biden said to Freeway on official White House letterhead “I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of your daughter, Harmony. As we both know, and as I told you when I saw you in Philadelphia last year, there are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child—a part of your soul. Jill and I are standing with you and your family during this difficult time.”
Before performing the hit-song ‘Flipside’, Freeway said to the crowd “the average lifespan of a rapper is five years, this sh*t has been 20 years.”
Thousands of Philadelphians and dozens of celebrities showed up to The Fillmore in support of an artist whose been a major part of the hip-hop world for decades. Freeway has touched the lives of millions through his music and community outreach and has made the world a better place. Free serves as an ambassador for hip-hop and Philadelphia, he’s someone you can look up to when you’re down and out, he’s proof that no matter how hard life is, there’s always something worth fighting for.
In 2003 on the song ‘Alright‘ Freeway says it best: “Baby don’t you cry. Everything is gonna be alright all night, Free is on the job, let the music play.”
