Diamond In The Ruff Drops Tomorrow; Freeway Releases Visual For Album's Latest Single
The Video:
With just one day until the release of Freeway's fourth studio album, Diamond In The Ruff, the Philly rapper is excited to unveil the video, premiered today by Complex, for "Sweet Temptations." The song, a subdued, soulful track, is produced by Mike Jerz and features singer Nikki Jean on the song's chorus.
Accompanying today's video is The History Of Freeway, a mix done entirely by the showoff himself, DJ Statik Selektah. Statik picked some of the most popular as well as some of the rarest gems from Free's illustrious career to make the most comprehensive Freeway mixtape ever compiled.
Freeway's forthcoming album Diamond In The Ruff features guest appearances from Wale, Marsha Ambrosius, Vivian Green and more as well as production by Just Blaze, Jake One, Bink!, Needlz and more. Diamond In The Ruff hits stores worldwide November 27th on Babygrande Records. Anxious fans can now preview the album early through exclusive streams with AOL Music and DJBooth.
Hometown fans of Freeway can join him tonight for an album release show at The Blockley in Philadelphia. Doors open at 8pm, and, in addition to performing a mix of new songs and fan-favorite classics, Freeway will be joined on-stage by a number of special guests throughout the evening, including Young Gunz, Memphis Bleek,Vivian Green, Lee Mazin, Young Savage, Beard Gang, and more. For info and tickets: http://www.theblockley.com/event/186287/
Tracklist for Diamond In The Ruff:
1. Right Back (featuring Marsha Ambrosius)
2. Greatness (featuring Vivian Green)
3. The Thirst
4. Wonder Tape (featuring Suzann Christine)
5. No Doubt
6. Dream Big (featuring Musiq Soulchild)
7. Early
8. Ghetto Streets
9. Numbers (featuring Neef Buck)
10. True (featuring Wale)
11. Sweet Temptations (featuring Nikki Jean)
12. All The Hoods (featuring Miss Daja Thomas & Alonda Rich)
13. Hottest Akhi
14. Jungle
15. Money Is My Medicine
16. Lil Mama
Diamond In The Ruff Tour Dates:
Monday, 11/26 @ The Blockley, 38th and Chestnut
Doors at 7pm, Show at 9pm.
Album release party with performances by Freeway, Ms Jade. http://www.theblockley.com/event/186287/
Please contact Michelle or Dan if interested in talking with Freeway.
The Background:
For over a decade, Freeway has been Philadelphia's mouthpiece in chronicling the city's balance of blue-collar work ethics and vigilant street-corner credos within one of the world's most diverse and storied backdrops. The local favorite was mentored under the careful and critical eye of Beanie Sigel,ultimately winning the praise and endorsement of Jay-Z -- and a record deal with Roc-A-Fella Records. After standout features on Beanie Sigel’s “Think It’s A Game” and Jay-Z’s “1-900-HUSTLER” posse cut, Free was a critical role-player within State Property’s debut album, namely on Philadelphia classic “Roc Da Mic.” Freeway followed shortly after with the 2003 release of his now-classic debut album, Philadelphia Freeway, featuring involvement from Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Mariah Carey yielded the timeless outcry, “What We Do” with Free’s mentors Jay and Beans. After Free's label home, Roc-A-Fella, split up, Free released his second solo album, Free At Last, and followed that album with Stimulus Package, released via Rhymesayers Entertainment in 2010, an album produced entirely by Jake One, created from a relationship forged during the making of Free At Last. After three years of being a dedicated father, working within his community, and touring, Freeway prepares his fourth studio album, Diamond In The Ruff. Reunited with the sounds of Just Blaze, Bink!, as well as a heavy hand from Jake One, Diamond In The Ruff will be released November 27th via Babygrande Records.