Freddie Gibbs has established himself as his own entity. Just because he is signed to Young Jeezy doesn’t mean he has rested on his laurels. He has his own clique (Str8 Slammin’) and is also making sure he does as many features as possible. Rounding out all of his increased work and visibility is the addition of his new mixtape, Baby Face Killa. With this mixtape, he proves that he hasn’t fell off one bit.

 

The music, as usual, comes off efficiently lyrical and gangsta at the same time. On the obvious standout track “The Hard”, Gibbs relinquishes himself into words shedding light on the illegal hustle that many partake in. He even takes time to make a simplistic, yet catchy as hell, sing songy type of feel on “Money, Clothes, Hoes”. Even with the heavy features from Jadakiss and Jay Rock on “Krazy” doesn’t damper his flow. In short, Freddie stays equip with the intricate hooligan lyrics.

 

The beats, as usual, are as gangsta as they need to be. The sample riding on “Diet” and “The Hard” makes for the sound of the mixtape to reach a necessary sophistication. The old-school-rolling-through-Houston-with-Sprite-and-syrup influences of “Boxframe Cadillac” brings nothing but the funk. Even the synths and bass that is frequently used nowadays on “Still Livin’” works on this mixtape. If anything, Freddie Gibbs can surely pick complimentary production.

 

Outside of people not liking the more lady friendly songs (“Middle of the Night”, which is still a strong cut), there is nothing to truly complain about on this. Freddie Gibbs has not lost a step. His lyrics don’t stray from being dynamically granite in a time of simplicity. His ear for production stays impeccable. It may be safe to say that this mixtape is just as potent as his last affair. Whether or not his USDA signing will pan out is not my call. However, Freddie Gibbs is making it work for himself right now.