Piñata

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 rapperFor 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

   • 10 of 10 users found this helpful
2. 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 favoriteThere'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

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. 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 technicallyFreddie 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".… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
5. 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.

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. 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 heardMaybe 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.… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
7. 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 betweenFreddie 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

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
8. 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.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.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful

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