Bandana
by Freddie Gibbs
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 28, 2019
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 194 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 178 out of 194
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 194
  3. Negative: 9 out of 194
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  1. sammyanthony
    Jul 7, 2019
    8
    Hollywood is in the chaos. Meanwhile, you are actually alright, immersing yourself in the entertainment of Bandana (either TV or radio, it somewhat gives a Channel Orange vibes) which not too lifeless to enjoy. Some songs are not that delectable, known as bad commercials. Thankfully, you can skip them for good. But for suggestion, don’t ever skip one of the following: ‘Crime Pays’, ‘FlatHollywood is in the chaos. Meanwhile, you are actually alright, immersing yourself in the entertainment of Bandana (either TV or radio, it somewhat gives a Channel Orange vibes) which not too lifeless to enjoy. Some songs are not that delectable, known as bad commercials. Thankfully, you can skip them for good. But for suggestion, don’t ever skip one of the following: ‘Crime Pays’, ‘Flat Tummy Tea’ and ‘Situations’ as they have the most entertaining and fulfilling of them all.… Expand
  2. lucasgama
    Jul 11, 2019
    10
    The album is exactly what I expected from this two amazing artists. The beats are crazy, the flow is on point.
  3. linkware29
    Sep 25, 2019
    9
    Great production perfectly complimented by Freddie's rapping. Yet another great collaborative effort by Madlib and Gibbs
  4. funkyhomosapien
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Album of the Year. Awesome songs, no flaws. Beat Konducta and Gangsta Gibbs did it again after Pinata.
  5. jimla
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Instant classic!!!
    Monumental and amazing work!!!
    . ┊┊▕╲▂▕╲▂▂┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ┊┊▕╱▋▍╲▎▋╲┈┈┈┈┈┈ ┊┊╱╭▅╮▍▍╲▋╲▂┊┊┊┊ ╱▔╱▂▔▃┃▋▋▕▍▉╲▂▂▂ ▏▅┳╮▍▍╱▍▊▕▋▕▍▕▋▋ ╲━╯╱▔▔╲▎▊▕▊▕▋▕▋▋ ┊▔▔┊┊┊┊╲▋▕▋▕▋▕▍▍ ┊┊┊┊┊┊┊┊╲▕▍▕▍▕▏▎    Instant classic!!!
    Monumental and amazing work!!!

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  6. DigRibei
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Other Galaxy, sounds like a challenge to any album that preserves the cuts of samples, Madlib Kung Fu samples !! Gibbs invaded, drugged the rabbit and inferred Wonderland !! wonderfull!
  7. Dan_Iacob
    Jun 30, 2019
    10
    Album of the year so far. Great production, great flows and good lyricism. Honestly I don’t see any big flaws.
  8. yoshimon3
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    With Bandana, MadGibbs do the impossible and set a new bar for themselves. I fe bad for all other artists who have to compete with this, 2019 is now a race for second place
  9. kwest720
    Jul 1, 2019
    10
    Great beats, Gangsta Gibbs at his lyrical peak, spitting graphic ryhmes that evoke raw street imagery, and Madlib setting a vibe worthy of the hiphop gods. Album of the year? I wouldn't bet against it
  10. Alba-Star
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    It was a trip last night, a listening experience you never forget.

    The Sounds, The Raps, The small Skits and Energy is incredible!

    Obrigado Freddie and Madlib!
  11. Louis_Mulhern
    Jun 29, 2019
    9
    Over 5 years after the release of their last collaborative album 'Piñata', MadGibbs are back at it again, creating what seems to be a masterpiece.

    The opening lines of the first real track 'Freestyle S**t' go: Warning: the surgeon general has determined that the sounds you are about to hear, will always be devastating to your ear, sleep well. This warning could not have been more true.    Over 5 years after the release of their last collaborative album 'Piñata', MadGibbs are back at it again, creating what seems to be a masterpiece.

    The opening lines of the first real track 'Freestyle S**t' go: Warning: the surgeon general has determined that the sounds you are about to hear, will always be devastating to your ear, sleep well. This warning could not have been more true. The album is a cinematic story about life on the streets, told with incredible lyricism, infused with experimental soul production, along with a few skits in-between tracks. On 'Piñata', it seemed that Gibbs and Madlib were still coming to terms with each others styles, with a few things on the album sounding a little rough around the edges, even though it was still a great body of work. Those few inconsistencies have been well and truly figured out on this record.

    To me it sounds like two greats of hip-hop at the height of their powers, coming together to tell some incredible stories, sounding like Madlib's best work since Madvillainy, and Freddie Gibbs' best work ever. This is probably Gibbs' best lyrical work too, with every single bar being spat with incredible technical skill and lyricism. Other great lyricists such as Pusha T, Killer Mike Yesin Bey and Black Thought appear on this album, but Gibbs manages to hold his own, never sounding second best, even among some of hip-hops lyrical goliaths. Because of the sheer quality of Gibbs' performance, I felt immersed in the street stories he was telling, which added to the cinematic greatness of the record. Madlib complements this almost perfectly, as he mixes 1970's soul into the production to help add to the gritty kind of realism that Gibbs manages to bring.

    Gibbs manages to bring authenticity and realism to the album, sounding like a man who has seen far too much. This is shown in moments such as when he raps: Every-time I sleep, dead faces, they occupy my brain which shows that Gibbs still sees his dead friends or enemies whenever he sleeps, constantly haunting his conscious. The realism is shown in other moments too, such as when he raps about using a bandana to wipe fingerprints off of a murder weapon. In terms of technical rapping skill, it is one of my favourite albums in recent memory, due to the performances of Gibbs and the supporting cast, with Madlib directing these stars like the genius producer he is.

    Madlib's beats create a backdrop to the story that Gibbs is telling, never being too much or to little, infusing samples like someone who is a master at their craft. This album is perfect for people who want to hear traditional hip-hop, telling some of the best stories I can think of. I loved this album from start to finish, with it being consistently great throughout, giving Tyler, The Creators 'IGOR' a lot of competition for my current album of the year, and it is my favourite rap album so far too.

    Favourite Songs: Flat Tummy Tea, Cataracts, Palmolive

    Score: 9.1/10    … Expand
  12. PsychedeliccSun
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Simultaneously the most musical and hard cinematic crime drama street album I can think of. This was my most anticipated album of the year, and it still exceeded my expectations. These are two of the coolest cats in the game, their synergy elevates them both to all time legendary status. The songs are all distinctive yet cohesive works of art, album of the year 100%. That is of courseSimultaneously the most musical and hard cinematic crime drama street album I can think of. This was my most anticipated album of the year, and it still exceeded my expectations. These are two of the coolest cats in the game, their synergy elevates them both to all time legendary status. The songs are all distinctive yet cohesive works of art, album of the year 100%. That is of course until Danny Brown and Q-tip come challenge the kings for the tag-team titles.… Expand
  13. Drr23788
    Jun 29, 2019
    9
    Fantastic album from Madgibbs. Madlib was able to fuse soul and trap effortlessly on the beats and Freddie came with the great bars as usual. Piñata is still slightly better but Bandana is still a fantastic follow up to a classic album like piñata.
  14. Frankie769
    Jun 29, 2019
    10
    Amazing album, Freddie never seems to waver throughout the entire album. Each line was delivered with a new found flow, which coincided with Madlib’s production seamlessly. This album was perfect, managing to captivate through every listen
  15. waterkottec15
    Jun 30, 2019
    10
    Instant classic. Experimental production with stellar rapping. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib perfectly follow up Piñata.
  16. deepfry
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    AOTY for sure. kane and otis allday. cult classic once again
  17. UlysseLr
    Jul 1, 2019
    0
    Quite dispointed. I was expecting something better by looking at the critics. I actually don't understand the rates so far.
  18. Kekt
    Jun 29, 2019
    10
    Beats/bars/features are all impeccable. Such a fantastic follow up to pinata and definitely worth the wait
  19. stnull
    Jul 2, 2019
    8
    8/10 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  20. Sitch
    Jul 3, 2019
    10
    Great follow up to Piñata and a more cohesive project. Gibbs and Madlib found their sound. Stellar rapping from Fred and amazing production from Madlib.
  21. Andremax
    Jul 12, 2019
    8
    Freddie Gibbs recently claimed that he is better than MF Doom after being too much compared to him. Well, they got different styles and it both are great, but it's worth pointing out that Gibbs' influences are too much evident, where, although versatility and good metric, the most attentive listener can't let to hear Ice Cube, Outkast and Kendrick Lamar in his rhymes all over the album.Freddie Gibbs recently claimed that he is better than MF Doom after being too much compared to him. Well, they got different styles and it both are great, but it's worth pointing out that Gibbs' influences are too much evident, where, although versatility and good metric, the most attentive listener can't let to hear Ice Cube, Outkast and Kendrick Lamar in his rhymes all over the album.
    While the beats, Madlib doesn't let to be desired. He delivered various of his best beats, that simply rides listener without its perceives. Fusing modern and semi-organic beats with precise melodies, background sounds cohesive but never tiring.
    In another words, although that sensation of I've-heard-someone-rhyming-like-that about Gibbs' flows, Bandana is an union of word-playing guided by great flows combined with attractive beats.    … Expand
  22. Gravedigga13
    Aug 4, 2019
    9
    It’s been a meh year for rap imo, but bandana stands out. Entertaining, sharp, meaningful features and great beats. Yes, it has its slips, it’s not perfect by any means, but Gibbs and Madlib did not disappoint (looking at you, Chance).
  23. draediamond
    Jan 18, 2020
    9
    Hip hop in its purest form. Production is legendary and the rapping is great and consistent. They compliment each other very well and I haven’t seen this sort of production chemistry since Kanye and Pusha T or Future and Metro Boomin.
  24. fifi3
    Jan 16, 2020
    9
    A rare album with no skippable tracks. Freddie's flow remains amongst the smoothest of the generation, his lyrics are clever and Madlib's production is jaw dropping. The guest features here hit it out the park. It's hard to find a flaw in this project and is a good bet to age like fine wine like its predecessor Piñata.
  25. conorcd
    Jul 8, 2019
    7
    Crime Pays is a wonderful track, but the majority of the album feels a little bit underwhelming. Madlib’s beats were great but I didn’t personally find Freddie Gibbs very interesting or extraordinary
  26. Yobyoni
    Nov 16, 2020
    10
    The perfect successor to Piñata. Freddie greatly improves his lyrical ability and Madlib brings the gorgeous production we expect from him. While I don't think this is quite as good as Piñata, it is still an absolutely phenomenal album and one of my personal favourites. If I could just change one thing about it, I would remove the track "Gat Damn". Freddie should never ever attempt singingThe perfect successor to Piñata. Freddie greatly improves his lyrical ability and Madlib brings the gorgeous production we expect from him. While I don't think this is quite as good as Piñata, it is still an absolutely phenomenal album and one of my personal favourites. If I could just change one thing about it, I would remove the track "Gat Damn". Freddie should never ever attempt singing again.… Expand
  27. spenceryang8
    Jul 30, 2019
    8
    Freddie and Madlib continue to bring out the best in each other on Bandana.

    FAV TRACKS: FREESTYLE **** HALF MANNE HALF COCAINE, CRIME PAYS, MASSAGE SEATS, FAKE NAMES, FLAT TUMMY TEA, GIANNIS, PRACTICE, CATARACTS, EDUCATION

    LEAST FAV TRACK: SITUATIONS
  28. Yuhurdddd
    Aug 27, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is flawless. If you don’t like a song you still have to respect his lyricism and madlib amazing beats… Expand
  29. srrytristan
    Dec 2, 2019
    9
    Freddie Gibbs & Madlib follow up Piñata with an excellent album and jaw-dropping beat switches.
    ~
    In 2014, Madlib released a collaboration project with Freddie Gibbs titled 'Piñata', which was Gibbs' best project, and Madlib's best since Madvillainy with MF DOOM. Unfortunately, Madvillain never followed up their classic record, but luckily, MadGibbs followed up theirs with Bandana. I was    Freddie Gibbs & Madlib follow up Piñata with an excellent album and jaw-dropping beat switches.
    ~
    In 2014, Madlib released a collaboration project with Freddie Gibbs titled 'Piñata', which was Gibbs' best project, and Madlib's best since Madvillainy with MF DOOM. Unfortunately, Madvillain never followed up their classic record, but luckily, MadGibbs followed up theirs with Bandana. I was in awe when i saw Madlib's tweet stating that he produced the entire project on an iPad, because just like Piñata, this album sounds amazing. After Madlib mentioned this, I could see where this album was produced on an iPad, especially compared to its predecessor. That's not a bad thing though. Tracks like Half Manne Half Cocaine and Situations showcase this well, and I love both of them. What sticks out to me the most on Madlib's side, though, are the beat switches. Half Manne Half Cocaine is great because of this. Flat Tummy Tea and Cataracts have great transitions too. My personal favorite beat switch, and favorite moment on the album, is Fake Names. The sudden switch-up is pure, and it compliments Gibbs' delivery perfectly. As for Freddie Gibbs, I haven't found the desire to explore his solo material, but his works with Madlib have shown his full potential, and that potential is fulfilled once again on Bandana. He is consistent, and does a great job on almost every track here. Piñata is a masterpiece, and I am loving Bandana as well. The two shortcomings on here for me are Flat Tummy Tea, and Freddie's performance on Gat Damn. He's not exactly the best singer, but regardless, I still find the track enjoyable, on Madlib's side especially. While Freddie came up short on Gat Damn, I believe he did well with a similar delivery on Freestyle S**t and Situations. Overall, this is another excellent release from Freddie Gibbs & Madlib. Would I say it's better than Piñata? Probably not, but that's not something to expect. MadGibbs has given us another amazing record, and I'll be waiting patiently for the next one.
    ~
    favorite tracks:
    Crime Pays, Massage Seats, Palmolive, Fake Names, Situations, Practice, Education, Soul Right
    ~
    least favorite tracks:
    Flat Tummy Tea, Gat Damn    … Expand
  30. farfetchedfan
    Feb 3, 2020
    6
    Consistently decent, and I like organic beats, but nothing about it grabs me.
  31. Big_guy
    Feb 25, 2020
    9
    Easily Freddie's best album, personally I believe this outshines his previous collaboration with Madlib. Almost every track on this album is a banger especially Giannis and Crime Pays which has some of the most creative beats I've heard coming from Madlib who already has an impressive resume of beats.
  32. Naughlan
    Jul 1, 2020
    10
    Gat Damn... Post my niqqas yeah yeah, Free my niqqas yeah yeah --- damn the beat ran out!
  33. Renffur
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    An absolute classic from a duo we didn't know we needed. It's a great follow-up to Pinata and Gibbs is able to compliment every single beat crafted by MadLib!
  34. Kjj9398
    Feb 7, 2021
    10
    Great album, madlib and freddie prove that the first time wasn't a fluke. They sound even more in sync on this one.
  35. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    9
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Album of 2019
42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2019
84
#84 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. HipHopDX
    Nov 20, 2019
    100
    As the culture is currently enamored with more rhythmic patterns than the meat on the bone, Freddie Gibbs and Madlib have undoubtedly proved they can compete without compromising their composition standards.
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  2. AllMusic
    Jul 26, 2019
    90
    The result is an LP more rounded and more stirring than the excellent first one.
    Read full review
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jul 26, 2019
    80
    Bandana continues a conversation not only between eras and between styles, but also between Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, both of whom continue to carve a path wholly their own — with little regard for what lays outside of it.
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