Music Review: @FreddieGibbs @Madlib – Pinata

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib worked together to make music. If you are a hip hop head, think about what I just said.

This is probably the most unlikely pair (on paper) to actually work together. Freddie Gibbs is the most recent epitome of lyrical gangster music. Madlib is the producer’s producer: the one that shies from limelight just to make music. One artist would disrespect his competition in public while the other rarely comes out of his house due to producing and being a father. If anyone saw this collaboration happening, then they are either psychics or liars.

Then again, we have seen Killer Mike collaborate with El-P. This combination has taken them very far.

After releasing EPs and videos, it is anyone’s question whether or not this arrangement could work. After listening to this album continuously, the answer is an emphatic “Hell Yes”!

What many of us have to understand is that Freddie Gibbs is relentlessly “Gary, Indiana” in everything he does. For example, “Harold’s” is a shout out to his hometown as he recites his favorite order from the Chicago chicken wing franchise located on 15^th and Grant in Gary. “Shitsville” lets listeners know that he, as a rapper, is no different from them. “Thuggin” is just like its title: a track all about doing what street soldiers do.

As gangsta as he gets, he still takes time to speak on real issues and circumstances (for better or worse). “Broken”, which features an educational verse from Scarface, relinquishes hardcore flexing for actual remorse and understanding of all the negatives choices Gibbs has made. “Lakers” celebrates and gives thanks to Los Angeles as both a home and sanctuary. “Knicks” offers more hustling mixed with real life references and a play on the word “knicks” (as in nickel bags). With the use of real life references, the streets are always available to Gibbs.

Regardless of Gibbs’ lyrical direction, Madlib’s production remains top notch throughout the project. A perfect example is “Robes”. What Madlib does with a simple vocal sample on repeat with layers of lush rhythms puts the ears in a case of euphoria. The same sort of thing happens on “Shame”. He even gets funky on the aforementioned “Lakers”. Let us just face the fact: there is no weak production the entire album.

Many will either herald this album as extremely dope or a nigh classic. Only time will tell if this album will be an unheralded gem or the gangster version of Madvilliany (of sorts). Regardless, this album is highly impressive. The lyrics are worth rewinding and studying. The production grasps the attention and never truly let go. If greatness was their goal, then greatness was achieved.