Freeway and Jake One

Ten years ago, it would have been just about impossible to fathom a successful collaboration between Rhymesayers, the Minneapolis-based, backpacker-fed label, and a former Cash Money and Roc-a-Fella rap star. But that's exactly what's happening here with Jake One, an indie veteran who can be considered hip-hop's golden child, with...

By Rachel Romero

July 22, 2010

What happens on the ground matters — Your support makes it possible.

We’re aiming to raise $17,000 by August 10, so we can deepen our reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now: grassroots protests, immigration, politics and more.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$3,700

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Ten years ago, it would have been just about impossible to fathom a successful collaboration between Rhymesayers, the Minneapolis-based, backpacker-fed label, and a former Cash Money and Roc-a-Fella rap star. But that's exactly what's happening here with Jake One, an indie veteran who can be considered hip-hop's golden child, with production credits ranging from 50 Cent to De La Soul, and Freeway, an MC who has rapped alongside Jay-Z, Nelly and his bearded-twin-by-appearance, Rick Ross. Earlier this year, the two artists from different end of the hip-hop spectrum teamed to create Stimulus Package, an album that featured guest spots from Beanie Sigel, Raekwon and Birdman. And the package actually ended up being, well, stimulating, with Freeway's lyrics dancing harmoniously around the flames of Jake One's soulful melodies and razor-sharp bass lines. The album, crowned one of the best of 2010 so far by Complex magazine, forces even the most critical hip-hop head to nod in agreement.

Rachel Romero

A message from Music Editor Emily Ferguson: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s music, events and entertainment scenes.

Support Today