Pittsburgh Profile: Freestyle
Manager:
Haseeb Qureshi
Avenue Artist Management
703-795-6787
Pittsburgh has always been a force in the evolution of music, from the legendary jazz clubs that sprouted throughout the Hill District in the 1940’s and 50’s, to the “Pittsburgh Doo-Wop Sound,” in the 1950’s and 60’s, and now, in the first decades of the 21st century Pittsburgh is making its mark within the realm of hip-hop. Freestyle, known as the King of Pittsburgh, is one of the most prominent players working to put Pittsburgh on the map for evolving hip-hop.
Freestyle, or Frzy, was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Although he still lives in the ‘Burgh, he spends much of his time traveling. A jet-set lifestyle is expected, though, from an international recording artist that has collaborated with artists worldwide. Freestyle has worked with artists from Japan, Morocco, and Germany, where his music has achieved spots on the top-ten charts. While residing in New York City, Freestyle’s talents caught the attention of ultra-successful hip-hop recording artist Fabolous, which helped his career soar to all-time-highs. Often referred to the next Jay-Z, Freestyle has performed at elite clubs and even with Avant and Naughty by Nature during Nelly’s St. Lunatics tour.
Freestyle’s latest mix-tape, “Reincarnation: The Rebirth of Jay-Z,” pays homage to his idol without sacrificing the lyrical prowess and unforgettable flow that are Freestyle. Many rappers shy away from a challenge such as laying their own lyrics over classic beats made popular by “the best rapper alive,” but The Frzy rises to the challenge. In fact, he practically reinvents classics setting the bar for what should be expected from emerging musicians. The mix-tape includes revamped classics such as “Pittsburgh We Go Hard,” and features Jay-Z beats that set the standard for hip-hop, like “Dead Presidents.” Freestyle’s approach to Reincarnation also changes the rap game. The King of Pittsburgh took each line that Jay-Z spit and tweaked the lyrics to become personally relevant and unique to himself. The mix-tape was produced by DJ Wigs of Tennessee.
Using the name he established as a musician and emcee, Freestyle has endorsed and supported many other ventures. For instance, during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, he wrote a song for Team USA Basketball. He’s also starred in a Subway commercial and endorses Vibe Attire, a company that developed clothing that enables deaf and hearing-disabled persons to feel music, ending their exclusion from experiencing music. He also recently starred in Sella Turcica, a horror film directed by Fred Vogel.
Freestyle says his name is a double entendre, not only referring to the “freestyle” type of rap he originally became known for, but also the fact that he has a free style in approaching life. “I’m very versatile,” he said during an interview on Pittsburgh Business Radio in 2009 when asked about his name. He continued, “I’m not going to let them put me in a corner.”
Freestyle’s latest hit, “Pittsburgh We Go Hard,” from his latest mix-tape can be heard on 96.1 Kiss FM, clubs throughout the city, and on his website (along with some other songs The King created for your listening pleasure).
By: Colleen McGuckin
