If you’ve ever rooted for a team playing against the Indianapolis Colts, more than likely you’ve cursed defensive end Dwight Freeney a few times. But he’s not such a bad guy. As a four-time Pro Bowler and 2007 Super Bowl Champion, Dwight is admirable in everything he does, on and off the field. When he’s not training for a big game, or fulfilling his civic duties, Freeney is getting his side hustle on with his new music label American Dreams. Who are some of your favorite Hip Hop artists? My favorite artists right now would be Nas, T.I., Young Jeezy, Jay-Z. You seem to appreciate lyricists. What are your thoughts on the current state of Hip Hop and where it’s going? I think right now, what’s selling has nothing to do with lyrics. It’s more about the song and the beat. It’s more about the production and what’s on the surface. Do you think that’s something we in the Hip Hop community will eventually outgrow? Yeah, I think it’s a phase. I think the things being said will have more substance behind them. Hopefully we’ll get back to that. Is there a song that you feel represents you the most? I’d say Rick Ross’ “Hustlin’.”
How would you compare being an athlete to being a musician? What are the similarities and differences? They’re very similar. Obviously the lifestyles we live are very similar. I don’t know if they have an off-season like athletes have an off-season where they’re not really working. Musicians are always working to some extent, whether they’re touring, working on a new album, or doing radio, they’re always doing something. I guess we have little things such as autograph signings here and there, and we’re working out which is kinda like working on an album. You’ve won a Super Bowl and you’ve been to the Pro Bowl four times. Those are pretty big honors. Do you have any advice for people who are trying to reach your level of success? I think most importantly you should get into a routine for success and follow it. You can’t be all over the place. You have to stick to [your routine]. That’s what I’ve been building. I’ve found something that works, a workout regimen that works. I’m comfortable where I work out. Training is important. For the most part, I train with the same people so they know me. Explain to the people what American Dreams is and how that came about. American Dreams is an entertainment company. We have different divisions for movies and music. We aren’t into TV stuff yet. As of right now, as a startup company, we’re focusing more on the music side of it. I have four or five studios in L.A. We’re a production company so we have facilities for the artists that we sign and also for people that want to rent out studios. Are you looking to sign artists and producers? We have a few artists and producers. We have a lot of stuff in-house for our people, but other people also use our producers. During football season, your schedule is pretty hectic. How will you be able to manage American Dreams and still stay focused on your athletic responsibilities? Do you have someone that runs the company for you? I have people helping me. They’re involved in the whole entire loop. An friend of mine, Gary West, is the one who’s actually running the company as of right now. No major decision is made without me, but for the most part, he’s taking care of the day to day things. Is there anything sports related in your career you’re still looking to conquer? For what I do, you always try to achieve greatness every year and get to the top. I’ve won one Super Bowl, I’m trying to get to where I have a dynasty of winning multiple Super Bowls and to be one of the greatest teams, and one of the greatest players of all times. Words by Ms. Rivercity
OZONE MAG // 59