10 Best Hip Hop Albums Of The Decade
6. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Pinata
Though he’s yet to break into mainstream consciousness, Freddie Gibbs might be the most versatile rapper alive. From laid back summer jams to menacing trap bangers, there’s not a sound that the Indiana native hasn’t conquered, and his flow never sounds anything less than effortless, regardless of the beat.
On Pinata, Gibbs moves away from the hard-edged, modern sounds that comprise the bulk of his solo work, and links up with one of the underground’s most beloved producers. Madlib creates 17 sonic backdrops typical of his trademark vintage production style, and Gibbs sounds right at home in his new surroundings. Pinata is a classic-sounding rap album for the modern era, and a perfect synergy of rapper and producer.
There’s little in the way of introspection, but Gibbs’ performance is impeccable. His tough, gravelly vocals mesh perfectly with the soulful production, and while tracks like “Shitsville” and “Real” pulse with danger, others take a light, sunnier approach (“Shame,” “High”). You’ll struggle to find a rapper/producer pairing with greater chemistry than the MadGibbs combo, and with a second album supposedly on the way, now is the perfect time to revisit Pinata.