From a distance, the collaboration effort between the Philly based Freeway and Seattle producer Jake One may look a little strange. The pair did collaborate together on Jake’s 2008 release White Van Music, where they had one of the better tracks on the album. When viewed in that context, this pairing isn’t as unusual as it might seem. The two do have contrasting styles and backgrounds, so it’s safe to wonder how the pairing would work over a full album of songs.

For the beat heads, Jake One’s production is undoubtedly going to be the main focus going into The Stimulus Package and Jake One doesn’t disappoint. While staying true to the soulful sounds that he has become known for, Jake adjusts just enough to match Freeway’s style and intensity on certain tracks. Tracks such as “Microphone Killa,” has Jake’s soulful melodies running throughout the majority of the song, only to be smashed during the chorus by crazy scratching, sirens, and other assorted “noises.” It’s a clash that works brilliantly for both artists involved. Other tracks such as the soulful “One Thing,” is nothing short of sonically amazing and surely will be one of the best songs of the year when all is said and done. Freeway’s voice might annoy some while others see it as an asset of his, in a sort of “love it or hate it” type of perspective. No matter your stance, the chemistry between Free and Jake makes Free more than merely tolerable. Traditionally, Freeway covers a wide variety of topics, from hustling to politics to faith to just about everything in between and the same holds true for The Stimulus Package.

The album isn’t flawless. Certain songs fall flat due to concepts and sounds that don’t live up to the rest of the quality found on The Stimulus Package. Even though the “fast forward button” will be needed here and there, The Stimulus Package is still a solid release that is easily the top hip-hop release so far this year, and if there are another four or five albums that rival it, it will have been a good year.

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