So it’s been hard to focus on reviewing music. This years been rough, with corona, my ex passing and now the nonstop coverage of the (essential) protests of police brutality across the country, I’ve had a hard time finding the focus. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life so I don’t really know how to act, but I do know I have to keep moving forward. Music means the world to me and I love introducing people to new stuff. So for that, I’m gonna keep listening and keep writing. So let’s get to it!
Freddie Gibbs is the best rapper from Gary, Indiana and the 3rd best artist from Gary Indiana. Number 1 is Michael Jackson and Number 2 is Janet Jackson. I don’t know too much about the rest of the Jackson 5 but I can easily say that Freddie is better than Tito, Randy and Jermaine.
I digress, Freddie Gibbs is one of the best rappers I’ve ever heard. At the physical act of rapping there are far a few people who can compete with him. His flows are nuanced and his content is consistently gangsta. I believe everything he’s ever said because he raps with such conviction. If Freddie Gibbs was an actor he’d be the scar on Michael K Williams face; he’s not to be played with. Freddie also has one of the best ears in rap music and knows how to make collaborations with producers sound special. He’s made magic with so many, but today we’re going to discuss his newest tape with The Alchemist, ‘Alfredo’.
This shit is so dope.
Some music just makes you have that mad face like you saw your best friend check out your mom. A look of pure disgust that comes from the amount of gangsta shit you just heard, it’s one of the dopest things in music. “Alfredo” had me making that face for 30 minutes straight. This is some tough shit. This is the type of music that makes you want to punch bricks while you chop bricks if you get what I’m saying. This is the music you’d hear in a trap house that doubles as a fight club. It’s hella intimidating but Freddie has the charm of the kid in Detention who’s always in detention but never gets suspended. In a time where our collective energy is low, Freddie’s here to remind us we can still do Gangsta things. This shit has me ready to rob a bodega in a n95 mask.
The beats are all amazing, I don’t know how the small Jewish Alchemist makes some of the most murder-y beats ever but god bless him for it. Everything feels cinematic, everything feels like a car chase either just happened or is about to happen. It makes running away from wasps in Animal Crossing way more exciting. The guest verses on this tape are amazing too. My favorite has to be Benny The Butcher’s. Benny reminds me of an alternate universe where Jay Z got arrested for drug trafficking right after he lost those 92 bricks. He’s still smooth but there’s always an insaciable hunger in his voice.
Now the only con I can really think of is that, you gotta digest this album all at once. You can’t just easily pick and choose your favorite songs for a playlist, they all go with each other so smoothly that it’s almost painful to choose a favorite. It kind of reminds me of Pusha T’s “DAYTONA” album in the sense that it’s so bar heavy that you gotta sit with it. However that’s not really a con, however if you like making playlists, be prepared to add the whole album.
Overall I love “Alfredo” it’s smooth, bar heavy and lyrically impeccable. Ever since I saw Gibbs rap so smooth while holding a baby I knew he was special. I highly recommend this tape and hope you enjoy it.
I give “Alfredo” 8 chicks bagging dope with their titties out out of 9.