Why Freddie Gibbs & Madlib are Rap’s Most Essential Duo

This is what happens when a tough-as-nails rapper meets a producer from another solar system.

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib in 2019. Image property of HipHop-N-More.

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib or “MadGibbs” are a hip hop duo making some of the most esoteric, genre-pushing and fun rap music today.

The duo was formed back in 2011. Both members were established in their own right before coming together. Madlib aka Quasimoto, Lord Quas and the Beat Conducta is an established DJ, producer extraordinaire and rapper.

Madlib is best remembered for his works with MF DOOM under the ‘Madvillain’ umbrella in addition to working with the late J Dilla and Mac Miller.

Gibbs’ rap style has been compared to the likes of Tupac Shakur by Madlib. Gibbs brings a level of ferocity and hostility when he spits bars about coke dealing and inner-city violence. Despite his nefarious and wicked rap style, Gibbs also provides a healthy amount of showmanship and comedy throughout his music.

The marriage between Gibbs and Madlib’s polyphonic, soul-heavy and orchestral production should not work. But it does. In the rap soundscape, there’s nothing that quite sounds like MadGibbs. It manages to satisfy two audiences at once. Rap lovers are enthralled by Gibbs’ vocal presence. Indie fans revel in Madlib’s beat selection.

Their debut full-length album Piñata released back in 2014 was a welcome breath of fresh air. Tracks like “Scarface” or “Thuggin” paint Gibbs as a stoic, cocaine cowboy raging a war on his enemies. However, a song like “Deeper” is more self-observing and personal in tone. The song Deeper details Gibbs’ relationship with a female who left him for a lesser-than replacement. The track explores Gibbs’ fragile and emotional side, a stark contrast to what listeners were accustomed to.

Thanks to the critical and fan adoration Piñata received, MadGibbs followed up with their second album, Bandana in 2019. Bandana was just as entertaining as its predecessor with dense and dynamic production assembled on an iPad of all devices.

Bandana enjoyed more mainstream coverage compared to Piñata. Bandana was accompanied by promotions such as merchandise in collaboration with streetwear brand Patta, Tiny Desk shows and a slew of music videos. In the visuals for “Crime Pays”, Gibbs’ comedic shops shine through the acted segments.

Bandana was the second part of the duo’s slated trilogy, culminating with their third release Montana coming soon.

MadGibbs should be celebrated for how two musicians from different solar systems came together to create timeless music. Since Bandana’s release, the duo has worked on individual projects such as Madlib’s solo instrumental album Sound Ancestors and Gibbs’ Grammy-nominated collab album with The Alchemist, Alfredo.

Listen to the new deluxe edition of Piñata on Spotify and Apple Music here.