Video: Freeway – #ILLUMINATE
We just saw Freeway on stage with Jay-Z at the B-Sides concert in NYC, and now he drops a new tribute video to Freddie Gray and talks new music. He recently spoke with BET about the reunion with Jay and more. You can read some of what he had to say below and head over to BET for the full interview.
BET: What made you want to head down to Baltimore to get a feel for the climate right now in the wake of the Freddie Gray situation?
Freeway: Well, you know, first and foremost, it’s f**ked up what’s going on with the brutality and everything. I’m definitely familiar with police brutality because in Philadelphia the cops killed my first cousin Raheem Pridgen. They said he had a gun on him, but he didn’t have a gun on him. It still affects my family to this day. So I’m familiar with the issues. Plus, throughout my career, Baltimore has always been a heavy supporter of not only Freeway, but Roc-A-Fella Records. I would always go down there. There’s also a lot of people down in Baltimore that I care about, that I feel close to, so I thought it was important for me to go down there and lend my voice.
BET: Let’s switch it over to something really positive: seeing the whole Roc on that stage last night. How did that feel?
Freeway: Aw man, it felt like a million bucks. It was a great feeling to be back out there with my brothers and rock out with the fam. It almost brought a tear to my eye. That was the foundation that I built my career on. It was a great feeling. I know the fans appreciate it, because everywhere I go they ask, “Wassup with the Roc? When are y’all getting back together? When y’all doin’ this? When y’all doin’ that?” So for us to get back together to perform was a great thing.
BET: So is this the end? Are you guys going to try and do more?
Freeway: I mean, just stay tuned. Hopefully we get some more in, and hopefully this is the relaunch of a Dynasty. Hopefully. [laughs] I’m pushin’ for it!
BET: How did it go down? Did Jay just call you, like, “Hey I’m doing this B-Side concert for TIDAL and I need you to come down here?”
Freeway: Exactly. He was like, “I would love for you come perform with me at the TIDAL B-Sides event.” I was like, “Is there cows in Texas? You know I’m there!” There was no way I missing that for the world. I’ve been on 10 ever since I got that call.
BET: I’ve gotta admit, I got a little teary-eyed, especially seeing Beanie up there. The media was posting all sorts of stuff after he was shot, there were old photos, where we didn’t know if he was going to be OK or not. It was so good to see him up there.
Freeway: Yeah, man. Shout out to Beans, man. God really favored him. He’s been through a lot, he pulled through a lot. For him to still be here and to do some positive things, it’s just a great thing. I’m so happy for him. He actually has a big show in Philadelphia coming up on the sixth of June at the TLA. We’re all gonna be there with him. It’s gonna be crazy. The whole State Property is gonna be there.
BET: You need to do another State Property film.
Freeway: We’re talking about doing all that too. Just keep your ears open.
BET: Just one question: Where was Dame? I’m kidding.
Freeway: Ha! You’re silly! But you know what? It’s all love with Dame as far as me. Dame is definitely a good dude, though. So it’s all love.