Freeman - Freeman & Friends Mixtape Review

The HKD Boss always blesses us with a project every year, he rarely let's us down and his consistency in terms of quality & releases is one many artists can only dream of. This year is no exception despite the never-ending lockdown he has managed to get into the studio and make something for us. 

This time around the project is bundled as a mixtape named Freeman and Friends. From the title you get to know he teamed with a couple of his friends in the arts industry more like what the late Mtukudzi did on the Abi Angu album. These days trying to differentiate between a mixtape, EP and album is difficult, quality wise and number of tracks no longer give a clear distinction between these formats. He has called this a mixtape and we'll take it as he named it without much analysis. 

The mixtape has dropped and I rushed to get my copy and today will be sharing with you my views and thoughts on the project.

As usual will be doing a track by track review:

1 Zii Zii (feat Mai Titi)

Mai Titi absolutely surprised me on this track, had to recheck to see if its really written Mai Titi. Her delivery was good, it felt like shesuperb. Freeman delivered his signature performance. On the track they depicting what happens in a relationship when both parties doubt each other. 

2 Kutenda (feat Mambo Dhuterere)

This is probably the early runaway hit from the mixtape. The track talks about giving thanks for being protected and blessed all year, this has been a challenging year to many and one truly has to be grateful for still being alive today. The production is done well, the instrumental fits both artists. Arrangements is generic, you feel you have heard the track before. 

3 Iparty (feat Sandra Ndebele)

This was the collaboration I did not see coming. The reversal of languages was a solid touch, was surprised to hear Freeman being so Fluent in Ndebele and sane applies to Sandra. The track is more to the afro pop/house sound, it's well arranged. 

4 Rima (feat Baba Harare)

The track has a similar generic feel to quite a number of his previous tracks. On the track they are crying out unto the Lord to protect them from misfortunes in life. They are asking for strength in the face of temptations. 

5 If You Love Me (feat Tamy Moyo)

This collaboration was long time coming, both artists hinted about it some time back. The collaboration is solid, the artists have chemistry. Loved both the instrumental and vocal arrangement, they bring the best of both artists. This deserves some dope visuals. 

6 I Remember (feat Ti Gonzi)

Freeman teamed up with Ti Gonzi on this track where they narrate their musical journey to where they are now. It's always a huge challenge achieving your dreams, it will feel like you against the world most of the times. Freeman delivered his signature performance, Ti Gonzi had a superb year last yr but this year he seems to have lost his touch, his layout and bars need some updating. 

7 Warira (feat DaRuler)

This collabo was a certainity for this project, Freeman and DaRuler have serious chemistry which is respected and envied by many. The chemistry continues onto this track, vocally they complemented each other very well. The overall track although could have been better, they have delivered better tracks before. I feel they needed a different kind of instrumental for this. 

8 Mkwambo (feat Shinsoman)

Love the depiction of a conversation between Tezvara neMukwasha. These days there are many stories about Father in Laws trying to make the son in law become the end of their poverty. Its a popular topics these days, Jah Prayzah also dealt with a siliar issue on his hit Mukwasha. The production is done well, love the arrangement of the instrumental. Freeman & Shinso have a working chemistry that has been evident since their Ndinomira Semukono days and its still there, they complement each other very well. 

9 I'm Better (feat Gemma Griffiths)

Gemma is in serious demand, she teamed up with the HKD Boss on this jam. They managed to blend well together, would definitely love to see them work together more in the future. Rodney Beats did a superb job on the production, the track is well arranged, love the instrumental. 

10 Shamwari (feat Mbeu)

Freeman teamed up with one of my favourite artists right now in Zimbabwe Mbeu. They are singing about real friends, that friend who has you at heart, who is loyal and provides a shoulder to lean on in dark times, one who wishes and wants the best for you. Production is done well, the two artists worked well together. 

11 Pafoni (feat Takura)

The last track on the album is also included on Takura's Star Signs album On this track they are singing about the joy one feels after talking to their partner on the phone. Freeman was solid on the hook, the verses are okay but not that inspiring. 

Stream the Mixtape: Freeman & Friends Mixtape

So ya that's it for the Freeman and Friends Mixtape, this is a good project. Freeman knows what his fans love and this album is tailored to their likes. 

Production is done well in overall. As has been the case for his past projects, he teamed up with several producers to create a diverse sound and it works to an extent. Even as some tracks are well tailored to the specific song we get some now generic Freeman instrumentals & arrangements such as on Warira, Kutenda and Rima. This doesn't mean the tracks are boring, they just sound familiar. Arrangement wise there were not many risks and that means those who loved his past projects will easily live this one. 

Vocally Freeman showcased his versatility, switching accordingly to complement the featured artist. He was solid. My favourite collaboration is If You Love Mi featuring Tamy Moyo, all aspects of that track are on point. 

In conclusion this is quite a good Mixtape, it's another quality project from Freeman. However as has been the case with most of his previous projects, they are good but not exceptional. My three top tracks on the project are If You Love Mi, Mkwambo & I'm Better. So if you are looking to add a few tracks to your play list you can find a couple on this project. 

My overall rating: 6.5/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the project. 

Proud_Zimbo