The first is: Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with the name Freeway:
The first is:
1. Leslie Edward Pridgen (born March 24, 1977), better known by his stage name Freeway, is an American rapper. Freeway a.k.a. Philly Freeway began rapping while in high school. He later met fellow rapper Beanie Sigel, who would be signed to Roc-A-Fella and later help Freeway get a contract with the record label. Freeway became one of the label's most visible artists after making his first appearance on The Dynasty: Roc La Familia in 2000 and appearing on several other Roc releases before putting out his solo album, Philadelphia Freeway.
The album was produced primarily by Roc-A-Fella-affiliated artists--Just Blaze, Bink!, Kanye West--and featured mostly Roc-A-Fella rappers as well, many of them from State Property: a Philadelphia-based bunch of Roc members that Freeway and Beanie Sigel had compiled into a group. The album's biggest hit was What We Do, produced by Just Blaze and featuring Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel.
After relations between Beanie Sigel and State Property soured, whether he and Freeway are still friends is unclear. Though Beanie had said he didn't know if he'd work with State Property again, he was present at Jay-Z's I Declare War concert alongside Freeway.
The second is:
2. Freeway are a classic British rock covers band based in York. A five piece playing primarily twin guitar rock music from the classic rock era of the 70s and 80s.
The third is:
3. A 3-piece blues rock band from Australia
African Drums
Freeway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Worldwide shit, we all over the globe
Y'all know, Freezer!
[Verse 1 - Freeway]
I traveled from overseas back, Free's back, to each his own
I had the businesses, ? home
I chatted in the jet like Special Ed I flown
Passport on file (file), condo by the Niles (Niles)
The camera tried to follow this top model to Cairo (yeah)
Get a few female (Top Models) to swallow (that's right)
When they finished with Tyra, then then holla at the boy (woo!)
Yeah, some of my homeland's ravaged from the war
It's vital that I visit some spots out of The Bible
I'm by the Red Sea, not the Dead Sea
All tracks get destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah (let's go)
[Chorus - Freeway]
It don't matter where you at, it's matters where you from
That's why I spit hood raps over African drums
You gotta rep where you from, no matter where you be
That's why I spit street raps over African beats
It don't matter where you at, it's matters where you from
That's why I spit hood raps over African drums
I shut it down and leave with your Queen to be
[Verse 2 - Freeway]
Witches in the tuck like the young King Tut
I was dustin the murder tracks while they were wrappin him up
He was rulin over Egypt
Now I'm on my way to be rulin over rap, body people on they remix
I got the belt flow would leave Michael Phelps seasick
I'm chasin wealth, people like "who the hell he is?"
It's L-E-S, Freezer his L-E-S
Flow is just as wet as the Arabian Sea is
I post up in the Arabian Peninsula
I'm a Muslim, I follow the Sunnah and never deviant
Thaw, other rappers do not have the ingredients
Not wicked with the tongue like young Free is
[Chorus]
[Verse 3 - Freeway]
It's the rap Prince Akeem, your mom's dream
In other countries I'm always heard but not seen
Except for the internet but I'm a store force 'em
Different cities monthly, I'm goin on a world tour
These other rappers' flows gettin old but not Free's
I got a hold, I'm in control, y'all sloppy
I like my hoes, pigeon-toed, knock-kneed
Bring it home for papi? Rock and roll
(Pop, Lock & Drop It)? Like Nia Long
They comin short with the profit, I lock and load
Stay in touch with the right broads via phone
These other niggaz they might blow but we explode, yeah
[Chorus]
In "African Drums," Freeway reflects on his global travels and the importance of representing his hometown no matter where he is. The song opens with Freeway acknowledging his worldwide reach, emphasizing his presence around the globe. He then delves into his experiences, referencing his return from overseas and the diverse businesses he has established. While traveling, he encounters fame and luxury, symbolized by mention of a jet and a top model, but he also acknowledges the devastation caused by war in parts of his homeland.
Freeway then shifts his focus to his African heritage, highlighting the significance of his roots. He emphasizes that it doesn't matter where a person is physically, but rather where they come from and the culture they represent. This is why he chooses to rap over African drums and African beats - to pay homage to his background and maintain his identity.
In the second verse, Freeway draws parallels between himself and historical figures such as King Tut and the rulers of Egypt. He asserts his dominance in the rap industry and likens his rap skills to the Arabian Sea, using wordplay and imagery to convey his confidence. He also mentions his faith as a Muslim and states his commitment to following the Sunnah (the traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad) without deviation.
The final verse portrays Freeway's ambition and the global impact of his music. He likens himself to the fictional character Prince Akeem from the movie Coming to America, implying that he is a prince in the rap game and a dream for many fans. He expresses frustration with other rappers whose flows have become repetitive and stagnant, contrasting this with his own ability to evolve and captivate audiences. Freeway asserts his control and superiority, emphasizing his impact through touring and collaborations. He closes the song by highlighting his explosiveness, emphasizing that while others may have the potential to succeed, he is the one who will ultimately take the music world by storm.
Line by Line Meaning
Worldwide shit, we all over the globe
Our influence and impact is felt all around the world
Y'all know, Freezer!
I am well-known and respected in the industry
I traveled from overseas back, Free's back, to each his own
I have returned from my travels abroad to my own territory
I had the businesses, ? home
I had investments and establishments in different locations
I chatted in the jet like Special Ed I flown
I had conversations and social interactions while traveling in a private jet
Back to Africa, too bad I had to leave my chrome
Returning to Africa, but disappointed because I had to leave my weapon behind
Passport on file (file), condo by the Niles (Niles)
My passport is readily available, and I have a luxurious condo near the Nile River
The camera tried to follow this top model to Cairo (yeah)
The camera crew attempted to capture my journey to Cairo with a famous model
Get a few female (Top Models) to swallow (that's right)
Having influential and attractive women support me
When they finished with Tyra, then then holla at the boy (woo!)
Once they are done with Tyra Banks, they can come to me
Yeah, some of my homeland's ravaged from the war
Unfortunately, some parts of my home country have been destroyed by war
It's vital that I visit some spots out of The Bible
It is important for me to visit significant locations mentioned in the Bible
I'm by the Red Sea, not the Dead Sea
I am currently near the Red Sea, not the Dead Sea
All tracks get destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah (let's go)
My musical tracks are so powerful that they obliterate everything like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
It don't matter where you at, it's matters where you from
Your origin and roots define you, not your current location
That's why I spit hood raps over African drums
I combine my urban-style rap with traditional African musical elements
You gotta rep where you from, no matter where you be
You should always represent your homeland, regardless of where you are
That's why I spit street raps over African beats
I blend my street-style raps with authentic African beats
I shut it down and leave with your Queen to be
I dominate the scene and leave with the most desirable women
Witches in the tuck like the young King Tut
There are hidden enemies or detractors in my surroundings, just like in the time of King Tut
I was dustin the murder tracks while they were wrappin him up
I was making impactful music while others were focused on less important matters
He was rulin over Egypt
Referring to King Tut, who was a ruler of Egypt
Now I'm on my way to be rulin over rap, body people on they remix
I am determined to become a dominant force in the rap industry and impress people with my remixes
I got the belt flow would leave Michael Phelps seasick
My rhythmic flow is so impressive that it would make even Michael Phelps, an expert swimmer, dizzy
I'm chasin wealth, people like 'who the hell he is?'
I am focused on accumulating wealth and surprising people who question my success
It's L-E-S, Freezer his L-E-S
Referring to myself as Freeway from the Lower East Side (L-E-S)
Flow is just as wet as the Arabian Sea is
My flow is as smooth and captivating as the Arabian Sea
I post up in the Arabian Peninsula
I spend significant time and establish a presence in the Arabian Peninsula
I'm a Muslim, I follow the Sunnah and never deviant
As a Muslim, I adhere to the Sunnah (the teachings of Prophet Muhammad) and avoid deviating from them
Thaw, other rappers do not have the ingredients
Unfortunately, other rappers do not possess the necessary skills or qualities
Not wicked with the tongue like young Free is
No other rapper can match my lyrical prowess and ability to captivate with words
It's the rap Prince Akeem, your mom's dream
I am the Prince Akeem of rap, someone who everyone desires and admires
In other countries I'm always heard but not seen
My music is popular worldwide, yet I may not physically be present in those places
Except for the internet but I'm a store force 'em
Except for my online presence, I can astonish and overpower others
Different cities monthly, I'm goin on a world tour
I am constantly traveling to various cities, embarking on a global tour
These other rappers' flows gettin old but not Free's
Other rappers' styles are becoming repetitive and uninteresting, but mine remains fresh and exciting
I got a hold, I'm in control, y'all sloppy
I have a firm grip on my career and possess control, while others lack precision
I like my hoes, pigeon-toed, knock-kneed
I prefer my romantic partners to have unique physical features, such as pigeon toes and knock knees
Bring it home for papi? Rock and roll
I am requesting my romantic partner to satisfy me and indulge in passionate activities
Like Nia Long
Referring to Nia Long, an actress known for her attractiveness and charisma
They comin short with the profit, I lock and load
Others may not achieve financial success, but I am fully prepared and armed to secure my profits
Stay in touch with the right broads via phone
I maintain connections with desirable women through phone communication
These other niggaz they might blow but we explode, yeah
While other rappers may gain popularity briefly, we have the ability to explode and make a lasting impact
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT MANDELL, LESLIE PRIDGEN, JACOB DUTTON, Jake One
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind