Freeway

Philadelphia's Freeway has one of hip-hop's truly distinctive voices, a nasal, raspy wheeze that sounds like a perpetual gasp for air. Originally featured on "Roc the Mic" as part of Beanie Sigel's crew State Property, it quickly became clear that Freeway could stand on his own. He spins grimy yarns about the hustling life on his debut, which are all the more impressive compared to Roc-A-Fella's typically glossier output. Complemented by the best work of the label's two in-house producers, Just Blaze ("What We Do") and Kanye West ("Turn Out the Lights"), Freeway proves that even the most hardened truths can set you free. (JON CARAMANICA)

From 2004's The New Rolling Stone Album Guide