Freeway Presents: The 10 Greatest Beards In Hip-Hop

Image via Complex Original

Freeway doesn’t play games when it comes to facial hair. He’s the proud owner of Philly’s finest beard and everyone knows it. But we got to wondering, which other beards does he respect in the business? So we asked him to share with us his personal list of the best beards in hip-hop and he ranked the top 10. Let him tell you his own story, and click through to see who made the list, plus how he keeps his beard smelling nice for the ladies!

For people who don't know, I'm Muslim. The reason I wear my beard like this is because it's an attribute of a Muslim. Meaning, if you can grow a beard, you should let it grow. And if you can't, there's nothing held against you. That's why a lot of people in Philly grow beards, and those that aren't Muslim are influenced by the Muslim community. If you're around strippers you're probably going to be a stripper, but if you're around a bunch of beautiful Muslim brothers with beards, you're probably going to grow a beard. [Laughs.] These people made it onto my top 10 because they represent the beard. They've had the beard their entire career. - Freeway

10. Ice Cube

Freeway: Ice Cube is number 10 on my list because he's been representin' with the beard for a minute. Sometimes he shaves it to a goatee, he doesn't keep a full beard the whole time. So, I definitely respect his beard, but he's number 10 on the list.

9. DJ Drama

Freeway: DJ Drama keeps the light fade on the beard, but he always has the beard the whole time. And he's from Philly. So I definitely respect his beard and he made number 9 on the list.

8. Jeru the Damaja

Freeway: When I was a little younger, probably like 16 or 17, he had the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. He was from New York and he always had the beard, like the Jamaican style beard. So, you know I had to throw him in here. He was one of the first rappers I really seen with a beard.

7. Common

Freeway: I had known Common was holding it down for Chicago. He's another person like Ice Cube. You know he has the beard, then he might shave it to a goatee, but he definitely holds it down for the bearded brothers when he's rockin' it.

6. Suge Knight

Freeway: I had to throw Suge Knight in there 'cause he's always rocking' the beard. He's like The Bearded Bully I guess. [Laughs.]

Complex: Do you think his beard is what makes him intimidating?

Freeway:Some people might think that. Not from where I come from, because in Philadelphia, the majority of people have beards. So It don't scare me, but people in corporate America may look at his beard as intimidation. [Laughs.]

5. Stalley

Freeway: Stalley is new on the scene, but he definitely holds it down for the bearded brothers. He's part of beard gang!

4. Questlove

Freeway: I had to throw Questlove on here. He always reps. He's been repping with the beard from day one. Plus, he got a twist with his beard 'cause he got the afro to go with it. Typical Philly style—he's been holding it down for years.

3. Rick Ross

Freeway: The biggest boss! You know Rick Ross is holding it down. He's been doing it for a minute and he definitely represents the bearded brothers. He rocks the full beard—it's not shaven, tinted, or nothing.

2. Rick Rubin

Freeway: Have you seen Rick Rubin's beard? [Laughs.] His beard is excellent! I envy his beard, man. If we had beard wars, he would win. [Laughs.]

Complex: You don't think you can get yours like that?

Freeway: I'm trying! I don't cut it, I just let it grow. I guess it has to be in your genes to grow it that nice.

1. Freeway

Complex: Why are you number one?

Freeway: Because I'm the best beard in the business! There was actually an article in the Daily News about three weeks ago where they used my picture, about the influence of the Muslim beards in the city. People wear the cut-off capris and big beards like Muslims, even though they're not.

Freeway's grooming tips for the bearded gentleman:

I don't trim it, but I go to the barbershop and get it washed and shaped up. I wash it everyday. I use olive oil and I comb it to make sure it stays nice, soft, and gentle. Make it smell nice using oils and shampoo.