Piñata
by Madlib
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 219 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 202 out of 219
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 219
  3. Negative: 10 out of 219
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. NazAw
    Apr 4, 2014
    10
    For fans of Madlib, and for those walking around still with an anticipation for a "Madvillainy" follow-up, this record from Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs and the one and only master producer Madlib, is the closest piece of work we get to it. Simply put, that this is a pretty damn fantastic collaboration from the two.

    Gibbs is one hard-hitting rapper, with more rough, punch and hunger on    For fans of Madlib, and for those walking around still with an anticipation for a "Madvillainy" follow-up, this record from Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs and the one and only master producer Madlib, is the closest piece of work we get to it. Simply put, that this is a pretty damn fantastic collaboration from the two.

    Gibbs is one hard-hitting rapper, with more rough, punch and hunger on the mic than example what a MF Doom would be spitting, or to say, your average rapper today. And he some what delivers quite monotone at times.
    Though I know Gibbs is a spitter, that I know, never denied his skills when it comes to his lyrics, flow and punch-lines. Though that, Freddie Gibbs is a rapper I've never fully been into or given a full try for the tapes released. Projects, songs I always ended up tagging them as a bit boring and redundant, maybe I should let it sit with me more?

    But, here, here this landed, here on, Gibbs managed to stick with some interesting concepts, raps, versatility. With this, he made me a fan, a fan I am at last.

    Madlib, as usual provides the MC with some beautifully, dusty, catchy layered production, such as the personal favorite cut of mine, "Shame", featuring a great, loving sample with a top off that a hook from the beast, BJ The Chicago Kid smoothly adding on his vocals. Too much goods going on, from the loops to just the vocals and lyrical- subject. A killer track, with a killer melody.
    **** a muddy, schizo, fast track with another ear-grabbing hook, and hard painted verses by Gibbs. A track that could have easily made it's way through OutKast's LP "Stankonia", sonically if whatnot.

    Gibbs is self aware about his flaws. What he once seen as right during youth and decisions made, seen later on becoming the wrong.
    Gibbs is relatable, and so strongly seen on the introspective track like "Deeper".
    Madlib's production through out feels dirty to it's backdrop, despite yet soulful and yummy as seen on the Odd Future affiliates Domo Genesis and Earl Sweatshirt appearance on "Robes". Sometimes, going from string sections and tingling instrumentals, to jazzy or in a more funky rythm.
    It's a warm feel, a warm ride with this.
    A ride, I'll confidentiality can say, will end up topping the year, when out of twenty-fourteen.
    A record that will get better with time, and can surely enough last the test of time.
    An LP I'll come back to.
    From humorous skits to gun-clapping, siren haunted tracks. This is one must experience to have, and to be sitting with phat.

    Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's "Piñata", is what's to love about hip hop and music overall.    … Expand
  2. hiphop97
    Mar 27, 2014
    10
    Wow! This was one hell of an album! Amazing production from Madlib (as usual) and I was never much of a Freddie Gibbs fan but this album just completely changed my mind about him. Standout tracks for me were "Deeper", "Thuggin", **** and "Robes". I also like the diss track "Real" I love it how it is not a subliminal diss unlike a lot of diss tracks these days. Album of the year and if itWow! This was one hell of an album! Amazing production from Madlib (as usual) and I was never much of a Freddie Gibbs fan but this album just completely changed my mind about him. Standout tracks for me were "Deeper", "Thuggin", **** and "Robes". I also like the diss track "Real" I love it how it is not a subliminal diss unlike a lot of diss tracks these days. Album of the year and if it was released last year, It would be the best album of 2013 too! I absolutely love this album and I am constantly bumping it! Cop it if you haven't yet!… Expand
  3. George_Hillss
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    This album is incredible, Freddie Gibbs flows effortlessly over this excellent soulful madlib production throughout, a must have if you are a true hip-hop fan. No doubt will end up in many people's top 5 of the year (including mine).
  4. ReallyThough
    Apr 7, 2014
    9
    Really tough, this album is downright kick-ass, smooth gangster, dusty tape-deck wonderland. I feel like I'm listening to Madvillany's younger cousin from Longbeach. The one who just got out of county for a possesion charge, and moved back east to live with family because, 'some crazy chicken-head claims she's having my baby'. And these songs are all the hood stories of the past few yearsReally tough, this album is downright kick-ass, smooth gangster, dusty tape-deck wonderland. I feel like I'm listening to Madvillany's younger cousin from Longbeach. The one who just got out of county for a possesion charge, and moved back east to live with family because, 'some crazy chicken-head claims she's having my baby'. And these songs are all the hood stories of the past few years back in Cali. Gibbs does a great job of painting a 40oz soaked picture of this compassionate thug. Who will cuss out a corner store clerk, and then give a kid a few bucks for a snack while he's walking out the door. Madlib's perfected execution of creating an aesthetic with his mixture of samples and snippets is as strong as ever, and he really shines on this awe-inspiring record. Without a shade of doubt in my mind, Piñata stomps on this years timeline as not only the best hip hop project of 2014 thus far, but possibly of the year all together. I couldn't be any more satisfied with it. Every listen, I finish this album just staring at the wall, thinking...we've got a classic on our hands here. REALLY.… Expand
  5. Vampire25
    Apr 30, 2014
    9
    Just the hip-hop record I've been craving for awhile. We're all anticipating a Madvillain follow-up, but for now if Madlib continues to collaborate with the right MC from now on, he's destined never to experience failure. This easily sounds like a new hip-hop classic. Freddie Gibbs' flow is nothing short of fantastic, mainly spitting verses of smoking reefer, drug dealing, hoes, and isJust the hip-hop record I've been craving for awhile. We're all anticipating a Madvillain follow-up, but for now if Madlib continues to collaborate with the right MC from now on, he's destined never to experience failure. This easily sounds like a new hip-hop classic. Freddie Gibbs' flow is nothing short of fantastic, mainly spitting verses of smoking reefer, drug dealing, hoes, and is nicely complimented by Madlibs exceedingly great production style. Each track after track, verse after verse, beat after beat is pulsating with a soulful vibe, while Freddie Gibbs has the perfect type of personality to fit these songs.

    All In All, Piñata is a near amazing hip-hop release that with no doubt stand the test of the time. A-    … Expand
  6. Spangle
    Mar 19, 2014
    9
    Freddie Gibbs and Madlib really delivered here without question. This album is extremely cohesive and on the whole, flows really well between tracks. “Knicks” to “Shame” is still an odd choice to me, but otherwise, everything really fit nicely for me. Madlib’s production was top-notch throughout. I honestly cannot think of a beat I did not enjoy on this album or a track in which the beatFreddie Gibbs and Madlib really delivered here without question. This album is extremely cohesive and on the whole, flows really well between tracks. “Knicks” to “Shame” is still an odd choice to me, but otherwise, everything really fit nicely for me. Madlib’s production was top-notch throughout. I honestly cannot think of a beat I did not enjoy on this album or a track in which the beat and Gibbs' verses did not share the spotlight almost equally. In terms of Freddie Gibbs, dude is one of the best out right now. His flow is on point, his verses are on point, and really, I cannot think of a bad thing to say about him on this album. Another major plus this album has going for it is the features. Some were sketchy on paper for me (Earl Sweatshirt? Sulaiman?), but all of them worked well and added to the songs they were featured on. Usually, a major problem with him is that his albums/mixtapes are a bit on the long side and can have some filler on them, but here, that problem is nonexistent. Every track brought something to the table and never felt like excess. It is hard to think of a better rapper/producer combo in rap right now than Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, as whenever they get together, magic happens. Then again, Freddie Gibbs could rap over an orchestra falling down the stairs and sound dope, while Madlib could make Chief Keef sound like Common on one of his beats. These two guys are just special in their own right, so when they come together, it is a true blessing.… Expand
  7. chughes717
    Aug 15, 2014
    10
    Freddie Gibbs, arguably the biggest bad guy in hip-hop has crafted the best hip-hop album of 2014 thus far. His sharp lyricism and technically precise flow on each track compliment the soulful and extravagant production from Madlib beautifully. People were waiting to see how these two would compliment eachother, and the result is just as good as "Madvillian".
  8. Eon2323
    Mar 31, 2014
    9
    Incredible project coming from Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. Without a doubt, this will be heralded as one of the best projects of 2014. Madlib's production is top-notch and Gibbs rhymes so effortlessly over the instrumentation; it's a match come from heaven.
  9. Swishalicious29
    Apr 2, 2016
    9
    Fantastic album. Madlib's production is definitely the star here as it is incredibly varied and distinct. There's boom-bap rap to soul and jazzy beats and all are amazing. These beats are complemented greatly with Freddie's lyrics from the love lost on "Deeper" to childhood reminiscing on "Harold's" and incredible Young Jeezy diss on "Real". The features are generally great also from Earl,Fantastic album. Madlib's production is definitely the star here as it is incredibly varied and distinct. There's boom-bap rap to soul and jazzy beats and all are amazing. These beats are complemented greatly with Freddie's lyrics from the love lost on "Deeper" to childhood reminiscing on "Harold's" and incredible Young Jeezy diss on "Real". The features are generally great also from Earl, B.J. the Chicago Kid, and Ab-Soul. One of the best rap albums of the past few years, and one I return to often.… Expand
  10. edvard
    Jul 6, 2014
    9
    Album of the year so far (except La Dispute rooms of the house) every beat on this album is pure gold even the skit/interlude ones and freddies and all the other verses is the icing on top that immerse you more into the music
  11. cleavey
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    Unbelievable production from Madlib and a very improved and consistent Freddie Gibbs. One of those few rap albums that from start to finish (and it's quite a trip with 21 songs), never fails to add something new to the whole experience.

    A big leap forward for Freddie and a reminder to all of us that Madlib is the beat and sample master of hip hop.

    Definitely album of the year for 2014.
  12. swagkonyjohnson
    Apr 6, 2015
    9
    Maybe the best album to come out in 2014. The first high note is the production. Madlib's production is probably some of the best I've heard on an album. There isn't a single beat on this album that isn't just spectacular. Next high note is Freddie Gibbs: the man has incredible flow. The beats complement his lyrics and together produce enjoyable songs pretty much throughout the whole album.
  13. Bleat0124
    Apr 14, 2014
    8
    If you are not careful, this album may sound like a classic. It is a very good album. The production was A. However, Freddie Gibbs still have the same problem he had on ESGN. He lack lyrical depth and complexity. His flow is outstanding, and his attitude is enjoyable, but this album will not add anything to your mind. Also, most of the features were flops, which which is not Gibbs fault. 75/100
  14. adhamhany
    Apr 6, 2014
    9
    Gorgeous production. The samples are absolutely that. If you're a fan of Madlib, the genius who worked with MF Doom and brought us Madvilliany, you need to get this.

    Freddie Gibbs is also great. His rapping reminds of old-school rapping, which actually fits the overall mood of this album.

    One of the best rap albums I've heard in quite some time. Glad to have had this opportunity.
  15. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    9
    Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs teams up with legendary hip hop producer Madlib for what will be surely one of the most essential hip hop albums of the year, or even the past five even. If you're looking for Madvillainy part 2, you will be disappointed though.
  16. ben_zo77
    Jul 19, 2014
    8
    It's good, but not great. The album lacks complexity, lyrical depth, and creativity. The great beats and classic style has fooled some into thinking this is a classic. I liked it, but there are several weak songs. Overall, though, it's a very solid record. There's no denying Madlib's elite production and Freddie Gibbs's elite flow. ~ 8.0/10
    Best track: "High" ft. Danny Brown: Best track    It's good, but not great. The album lacks complexity, lyrical depth, and creativity. The great beats and classic style has fooled some into thinking this is a classic. I liked it, but there are several weak songs. Overall, though, it's a very solid record. There's no denying Madlib's elite production and Freddie Gibbs's elite flow. ~ 8.0/10
    Best track: "High" ft. Danny Brown: Best track by far. Gibbs and Brown both go in.    … Expand
  17. Dave_Acker
    Aug 10, 2014
    10
    Despite the fact that Madlib and Gibbs are an unlikely combination, this album is a masterpiece. This is not one bad son on this project and it feels complete and diverse. Almost half of the songs on this album are 10/10's. If you are a fan of Freddie Gibbs or Madlib, you will highly enjoy this album.
  18. phenomgoodmusic
    Mar 18, 2014
    9
    This album stands out in a good way because of the unique and great production of Madlib. This albums does have its dull moments, like "Sh*tville" and "Uno", but after listening to the last track of the album, a person may feel like he or she just listened to a classic hip-hop album. Because of the unusual grouping of MadGibbs, It's very uncomfortable to considered this a classic likeThis album stands out in a good way because of the unique and great production of Madlib. This albums does have its dull moments, like "Sh*tville" and "Uno", but after listening to the last track of the album, a person may feel like he or she just listened to a classic hip-hop album. Because of the unusual grouping of MadGibbs, It's very uncomfortable to considered this a classic like other albums such as Madvillainy (by Madlib & MF DOOM) and The Unseen (by Quasimoto), but it sounds like it is. Even though it's too early to confirm this, but Piñata is one of the best hip-hop albums of the 2014.… Expand
  19. kostopoulos_
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    There's so much I could say about this album but I'm gonna keep it short. This is my favorite piece of art ever. Madlib became my favorite artist ever after listening to this album. This record is at the same time so glossy yet so rusty, so gangsta yet so classy. The beats are kinda psychedelic, lots and lots of sample as Madlib's nickname The Loop Digga suggest, and Freddie Gibbs providesThere's so much I could say about this album but I'm gonna keep it short. This is my favorite piece of art ever. Madlib became my favorite artist ever after listening to this album. This record is at the same time so glossy yet so rusty, so gangsta yet so classy. The beats are kinda psychedelic, lots and lots of sample as Madlib's nickname The Loop Digga suggest, and Freddie Gibbs provides incredibles flows throughout the record, he's very focused on a subject matter and puts his heart out on this record. 10/10 record, a must listen for every hip hop fan… Expand
  20. MyNamesCody
    Mar 27, 2014
    10
    Album of the year so far. Gibbs spitting with a perfect flow on every track and Madlib giving us that incredible production like always. Super smooth and gangsta album
  21. Madvillain182
    Mar 25, 2014
    9
    Though I won't give the album a 10, those are handed out for life changing albums, this album deserves a solid nine. If you don't like Madlib's "backpack wack beats", then you may want to stay away from this project.
    If you are one of those people, I pity you, cause you are missing out on one hell of an album. The beats, first off, are the usual Madlib awesomeness that most hiphop fans    Though I won't give the album a 10, those are handed out for life changing albums, this album deserves a solid nine. If you don't like Madlib's "backpack wack beats", then you may want to stay away from this project.
    If you are one of those people, I pity you, cause you are missing out on one hell of an album. The beats, first off, are the usual Madlib awesomeness that most hiphop fans have come to expect. The gorgeous layered beats, some abstract, some psychedelic, some more hard hitting, some soufull, all still have this cohesive style that pulls the whole album together. Not all the tracks are widely different, but not all the same either. My only knock on the beats was maybe Pinata, which was my least favorite out of all of them, but it didn't help I didn't like some of the features(Millers delivery is just...). As for the rapping, Gibbs did a wonderful job rapping over the beats. Some say he's monotone, boring, etc. but I never got that feeling, once. His voice to me is so deep and powerful, but articulate at the same time, which makes him enjoyable to listen to on every track. His lyrics are focused as well, as each song has a specific theme, story, or message, its not just full album of purely one-dimensional gangsta talk. And I applaude that. Danny's feature at first was wierd? it seemed like it didn't fit, but after more listens, I actually enjoyed his delivery on the verse. Raekwon, Ab-Soul and Scarface put in good versus as well, not anything super amazing, but solid. From front to back, not anything skippable for me, just one superb track after another. Thuggin, uno, real, lakers, knicks, shame, high, robes, harolds, aw screw it, they are all just amazing. If your into the more "sophisticated" side of rap production with a 90's leaning, listen to this album. It is truly delightful.    … Expand
  22. aymzkayy__
    Jun 12, 2014
    7
    With superb production and a flow to match, everything just feels right with this album. High points include Deeper, Thuggin, Uno and Robes. At some points Gibbs delivery and lyrical content is lack luster, but overall a great listen.
  23. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    8.6/10................................................................................................................................................
  24. zdlitchman
    Jan 11, 2017
    10
    This is truly one of those once in a decade, near-perfect albums. Madlib kills the instrumentals on this project, and Gibbs sets the gold standard for the modern day gangsta rapper. His fast, biting, and occasionally laid-back flows are some of the best in today's hip hop music, and this album should certainly help him get the respect he deserves, making a case for a spot for him at theThis is truly one of those once in a decade, near-perfect albums. Madlib kills the instrumentals on this project, and Gibbs sets the gold standard for the modern day gangsta rapper. His fast, biting, and occasionally laid-back flows are some of the best in today's hip hop music, and this album should certainly help him get the respect he deserves, making a case for a spot for him at the top of the rap game. One of the most high quality rap albums we've seen in a very long time.… Expand
  25. fifi3
    Jan 16, 2020
    8
    A combination of Freddie Gibbs' generationally smooth flow and Madlib's soulful production, this album remains as easy to listen to as it was six years ago.
  26. Rallermus
    Nov 21, 2019
    9
    Such an amazing album... Fantastic, varied, unique and challenging production from Madlib, but Freddie manages to adapt to them incredibly well.
  27. GLang
    Jun 14, 2020
    10
    You won’t find a better coke rap album than this one. A classic in its own lane. Piñata is one of the best produced albums I’ve ever heard, and Freddie’s hard hitting bars and verses make great use of Madlib’s beats. The features fit well, and this whole album is gritty, hard nosed, and a really fun listen
  28. MC_H
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    the best street tales said in Freddie's best flows and marlins soulful production, his best since madvillainy.
  29. UggyCaesar
    Jun 1, 2020
    10
    Bandana is so good. It’s definitely a classic. But in my opinion Piñata is his best work. It’s time people start considering Freddie in top 10 MC’s of all time lists. But who to take out....
  30. JulianTarantino
    Jul 13, 2021
    9
    This album is definitely Freddie Gibbs' magnum opus till the date of writing, and I would consider it as one of the best hip hop albums of 2010s. Freddie Gibbs demonstrates his ability as a versatile rapper, delivering one of the best flows in the game, particularly on tracks such as Deeper and **** He also conjures a gritty image of street life and of selling cocaine, with bangers such asThis album is definitely Freddie Gibbs' magnum opus till the date of writing, and I would consider it as one of the best hip hop albums of 2010s. Freddie Gibbs demonstrates his ability as a versatile rapper, delivering one of the best flows in the game, particularly on tracks such as Deeper and **** He also conjures a gritty image of street life and of selling cocaine, with bangers such as Thuggin' and Bomb. The production is stellar, and beautifully old-school. The melodies are sample-heavy, typical for a Madlib album, and makes this album have a great retro vibe. My only complaints are the excesses of features on the last part of the album that pushes Gibbs from the main star to kind of a supporting role to others.… Expand
  31. Earlthehoodie
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    Top 5 rap albums of this decade top 20 all time. Freddie's chemistry with Madlib is as smooth as knife going through butter.
  32. zassinho
    Mar 5, 2021
    10
    Absolutely fantastic, perfect album matched with perfect beats. Funny how one of the best LA themed albums came from a guy from Gary Indiana
  33. Cool8tReviews
    Apr 14, 2022
    10
    Flawless Tape Front to Back. So many good lyrics so many standout moments its hard to name my favorite tracks. But if i had a gun to my head i would say High, Deeper, and Thuggin' are my personal favorites. I would recommend this album too anyone who's into Rap. Certified Classic!
  34. junlim954
    Oct 17, 2021
    9
    There is so much to love about this album. Madlib's incredible and boundary-pushing production is matched only by Freddie Gibbs's own intense and flavorful rapping. A perfect blend of the street rap that we know Freddie for, but we get a glimpse at a new Freddie that was not as prominent as before; Freddie's self-awareness of his own "gangster" title. Parts of the album like the ending ofThere is so much to love about this album. Madlib's incredible and boundary-pushing production is matched only by Freddie Gibbs's own intense and flavorful rapping. A perfect blend of the street rap that we know Freddie for, but we get a glimpse at a new Freddie that was not as prominent as before; Freddie's self-awareness of his own "gangster" title. Parts of the album like the ending of "Scarface" serve to showcase Freddie in this new light, although not as humorous as this track.

    This duo is absolutely in its element here. From front to back, the album is filled with great guest performances from the likes of Raekwon, Danny Brown, and Earl Sweatshirt. I can't help but feel that Freddie's flow feels much more refined, which only adds to the variety of songs on this project.

    This album is definitely one of the greatest rap/hip-hop albums of the 2010s. This not only marked a significant transformation in Freddie's pen game, but it showed the true balance of gangster and self-awareness that many other albums fail to do.    … Expand
  35. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 29, 2021
    9
    ------------------------------------9/10-----------------------------------
  36. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    8
    so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best Album of 2014
37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 6, 2014
    78
    There's no doubt that the reality rapper with "an ice maker for a heart" is steady "Thuggin'," but Gangsta Gibbs can also ride any track the Beat Konducta throws at him.
    Read full review
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 16, 2014
    80
    The finished product is brilliantly, beautifully schizophrenic.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Apr 14, 2014
    90
    The truly impressive thing about Piñata is that when the album is at its top level, it’s nearly untouchable.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »