Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Piñata - Album Review
By: DimVinci
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, a odd duo at the time, fucked around and made a classic hip-hop album.
Artist Profiles
Freddie Gibbs
Freddie Gibbs (showed above) is slowly but surely becoming one of the games best rappers. Gangsta Gibbs sells out shows across the globe and has a great reputation. The Gary, Indiana native is the head of his own label, "ESGN".
Freddie Gibbs is known for his "gangsta rap" imagery and his story telling abilities. As a young rapper on the rise, Gibbs first signed with Young Jeezy. Jeezy offered Gibbs a "Master P" deal, which is roughly a 90/10 profit split; 90% of profits goes to Gibbs and 10% of profit goes to Jeezy. Long story short, Jeezy ripped off Gibbs, and there has been bad blood ever since.
Gibbs most recent project, "You Only Live 2wice", features a impressive collab with KAYTRANADA as well as a couple other stand out tracks.
Click here to listen to "You Only Live 2wice" : Apple Music Spotify
Madlib
If you were to ask me who the GOAT producer is, I would say Madlib before you could finish your sentence. Madlib has proven himself plenty of times. Starting with this collab album with J Dilla called, "JayLib". His most legendary joint is his collab with MF DOOM, "Madvilliany".
Madlib also has his own label called "Madlib Invasion" and his own merch website called "Rappcats" (http://www.rappcats.com).
Madlib is know for his ability to sample records. His sample selection ranges from Brazilian jazz to German percussion music.
The project that put Madlib on the map is, "Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note". It is one of my favorite beat tapes ever.
Piñata
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| Cover Art |
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| The Duo |
Click Here to listen to "Pinata": Apple Music Spotify
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib truly fucked around and made a classic. The best way I can explain this album is, being a secondary character in a 80's gangster movie. Even the cover art (pictured to the right) is vintage looking. The beats scream vintage crack dealing. Between Gibbs bars and Madlib's sampling, this album truly is a master piece.
Features
Another huge plus for Piñata is the utilization of features. There is not one bad feature on this album, period. With the guest list ranging from the legendary Raekwon to the grimy Earl Sweatshirt. Danny Brown also shines and in some minds out spits Gibbs on"High". Ab-Soul also comes with gas on "Lakers". The last song on the album, "Piñata", is a posse track filled with skilled artists. Mac Miller, Gibbs, and Meechy Darko all shine on a grimy beat filled with dusty drums.
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| Raekwon |
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| Sweat |
Favorite Tracks
My personal favorite tracks are: "Robes" with Sweat and Domo, "Knicks" which contains one of the most smooth beats you'll listen too, "High" with a killer Danny Brown verse, "Harold's" which contains another soulful beat, "Thuggin'", and the Jeezy diss track "Real".
Overall Opinion
The following is what makes "Piñata" a timeless classic:- Endless bars
- The sonics and samples used
- Features
- Gibbs's "Magnum Opus"
The follow up to "Piñata", "Bandana", is coming out very soon and some snippets can be heard on Gibbs's snapchat.
And follow me on Twitter - @DimVinci and Instagram - @DimVinciii
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