Freeway & Jake One - The Stimulus Package

Freeway's third album (co-headlined with sublime beat maker Jake One) operates under the idea that he is "giving back to his fans." Maybe some have stuck with him over the years as he's jumped from label to label (once a Roc-A-Fella member, now signed with uber-indie Rhymesayers) and for those he has delivered this album for. Well, regardless of who it is for, the results is the best damn rap album thus far in 2010. First off, this album would not be half of what it is without the nearly flawless production from Jake One. With that being said, Freeway himself remains on point from the get-go (even though the album's first verse is from Philly buddy Beanie Sigel) with his aggressive voice/style and general "hardcore" attitude (hate using that label but sorry). Never during the run of the album do things try to go mainstream but instead stay true to a kind of old school hip-hop ethos. Highlights of Freeway's abilities can be found on the short but sweet banger "Know What I Mean" and the album standout "Never Gonna Change" which displays Freeway rhyming over and with (literally he synches with drumrolls) Jake One's mini-masterpiece. Although the album does have its lulls (it is a rap album and by some kind of unwritten law all album must exceed 50 minutes) but that is not to say they kill the work's momentum. In the end, with all it's talk of money, flash, and gangsterdom (?) The Stimulus Package finishes up as a gift to listeners and a standout in the muddled waters that is hip-hop.

4.6/5.0

Freeway & Jake One - The Stimulus Package

Also - This album has a SICK packaging (heh). Proving that, yes people, it is still cool to buy the album.