AOTY #11: Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Piñata

Madlib needs no introduction, so the rest of this paragraph is probably a waste of everyone’s time. Long a quietly-respected hip-hop producer prepared to dabble judiciously in jazz and funk, in 2004 he cemented his status as one of the most important artists in the genre. This was largely thanks to thrilling collaborations with MF Doom and J Dilla, two of a small number of hip-hop artists who could outstrip his underground credibility

By contrast, a year ago Freddie Gibbs was rather undistinguished. He had gained some fans for his versatile flow, but little to set him apart from other gangster rappers and get him some serious recognition. His 2012 mixtape, Baby Face Killa, was his best received project, gaining plaudits for its relatively varied subject matter, but 2013 was widely seen as a regression for the rapper from Indiana

It should come as little surprise, then, that Madlib’s work on Piñata was more hotly anticipated than Gibbs’ lyrics. Indeed, the production is more immediate, and Gibbs doesn’t even appear on the first track. The beats are as melodic as we expect from Madlib, but also very punchy and rhythmic, punctuating Gibbs’ measured flow. The short skits that bookend several of the tracks also add to the atmosphere, with Danny Brown coming down after “High” being a particular highlight

Although the production and the flow are what stand out on a first listen, the lyrics are also very worthwhile, displaying depth, subtlety and introspection way beyond what we’re used to from Freddie. On “Shitsville”, he channels both OutKast and Shakespeare:

You wake up every day and pray before you sleep, right?
You motherfuckers just like me
You shed tears when you're hurting; if I cut you, then you bleed, right?
You motherfuckers just like me
But bitch, you're acting like your shit don't stinkSimilar imagery features on “Deeper”. Principally a rant against his ex-girlfriend who left him for a man who is “tryna be a fuckin’ astronaut”, it also contains a brilliant twist and some real soul-searching:

Maybe you stank ho, maybe that's a bit mean
Maybe you grew up and I'm still living like I'm sixteenThere’s even an examination of the ethics of drug dealing on “Thuggin’”, where Freddie explores the tragedy of the commons. However, the lyrics aren’t the focus of this album. As mentioned, that’s Madlib’s beats and Gibbs’ flow, which is guaranteed to get you nodding your head, and then much of the rest of your body, too. Calling this “gangster rap”, whilst completely accurate, doesn’t do justice to the delightful sonic textures

Piñata isn't Madlib's best work, but that's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when your best work is Madvillainy. It's certainly Gibbs' best album, and a total thrill that should be appreciated by fans of any genre

We're getting to the business end of the list. Come back tomorrow for #10. While you wait, be sure to catch up on the list so far!