Freeway

Hip hop legend Philadelphia Freeway, whose real name is Leslie R. Pridgen Jr., is a well-known fixture in Philadelphia’s music and culture scene; celebrating more than 20 years in the music industry. Signed to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records in 2001 at age 23, he reached the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 at 24, and performed around the country before 30. Freeway has been featured in national publications like Essence, Rolling Out, Billboard and Men’s Health, as well as local favorites like Philadelphia Magazine, Inquirer, FOX 29, and WHYY, most recently for his life-altering battle with kidney failure, receiving his kidney transplant and navigating grieving the immeasurable losses of his son, daughter and father.

Freeway realized a void in resources for individuals to prepare/train for opportunities that provide sustainable wages. As a result, he established Freedom Thinkers Inc.