Piñata
by
Piñata Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 219 Ratings

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  • Summary: The debut release for the collaboration between Freddie Gibbs and Madlib features guest appearances from such artists as Ab-Soul, BJ the Chicago Kid, Danny Brown, Domo Genesis, Mac Miller, Raekwon, Scarface, and Earl Sweatshirt.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. 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.
  2. RapReviews.com
    Mar 25, 2014
    85
    Madlib produced albums tend to only get better with age, and I don't expect Pinata to be an exception.
  3. Consequence
    Mar 13, 2014
    83
    Piñata comes with just enough to reduce the daunting 17-track length to a non-factor, although it drags a bit with overt nostalgia toward the fourth quarter.
  4. Pitchfork
    Mar 13, 2014
    80
    It doesn't matter if Gibbs and Madlib were once considered artists playing to different audiences--united in their uncompromising, independent-as-fuck visions, they put together something hardcore hip-hop heads on both sides should feel.
  5. AllMusic
    Mar 17, 2014
    80
    Startling numbers like the block-rockin' then dissolving "Real" crop up throughout the album and make this project even more than a sum of its parts, and with the track list flowing smoothly as attractive guests (Danny Brown, Raekwon, Scarface, Mac Miller, and the list goes diversely and gloriously on) come and go, Piñata winds up excellent overall.
  6. The 405
    Mar 13, 2014
    75
    When Piñata's 61 minutes is up it instantly feels like you've heard it 61 times. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's more of a realisation that you knew what was coming and you enjoyed it
  7. The Guardian
    Mar 13, 2014
    60
    Gibbs' rough edges scrap up against Madlib's strings, and sometimes Piñata sounds like a low-key affair. It also feels a little dated, because Madlib has been practicing this kind of project for a decade.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  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
  2. 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.
  4. 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 finishUnbelievable 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.    … Expand
  5. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    8.6/10................................................................................................................................................
  6. 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 andAlbum 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… Expand
  7. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 29, 2021
    9
    ------------------------------------9/10-----------------------------------
  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

See all 36 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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