By Mike Bayliss
I always felt as though Freddie Gibbs flew under the radar when it came to my knowledge of hip hop. The first time I ever heard him was on his 2014 album Piñata with Madlib. At first listen I thought of him as being a one dimensional rapper, like many others who only write about how they made it into the rap game through selling hard drugs. But upon further listening I found him to a much more talented lyricist than I had first assumed. Being able to blend his former life as a drug dealer with his personal struggles, while still having an upbeat bravado that carries his music with confidence but also being self realizing. Making for a genuinely great album that sounds familiar to fans of Freddie Gibbs earlier work, but also fresh for newcomers to his style at the same time.
His third solo album You Only Live 2wice is a new wave of his unique sounding style. Gibbs starts to embrace more religious motifs in this album referencing his drug dealing days as well as his christian faith. Every song stands out on this eight track project, spanning many different topics. From Gibbs false sexual assault allegations abroad on tour in Europe in "Crushed Glass" with lines like “I just beat a rape case, groupie bitch I never fucked/Trying to give me ten for some pussy that I never touched” to the song "20 Karat Jesus" which talks about his cocaine slanging days,
His third solo album You Only Live 2wice is a new wave of his unique sounding style. Gibbs starts to embrace more religious motifs in this album referencing his drug dealing days as well as his christian faith. Every song stands out on this eight track project, spanning many different topics. From Gibbs false sexual assault allegations abroad on tour in Europe in "Crushed Glass" with lines like “I just beat a rape case, groupie bitch I never fucked/Trying to give me ten for some pussy that I never touched” to the song "20 Karat Jesus" which talks about his cocaine slanging days,
“I ride with that white-white/Just like Fight Night we be weighing' in/P.D is my pieces, 20 karats, Jesus say amen”
The production of You Only Live 2wice is unto itself an amazing album. The gospel choirs and chords mix in fantastically with the boom bap style of beat making on the opening aforementioned track. "Alexys" is another one of the production standouts of the album. Produced by Canada’s KAYTRANADA and BADBADNOTGOOD it's a smooth yet bumping track full of drug dealing innuendos.
Overall I enjoyed this album, it’s length makes it easier to listen all the way through without sounding like the same song over and over. His diverse style in terms of lyrics and production is a must listen to, and so fair it is one of my favorite projects of 2017.
Overall I enjoyed this album, it’s length makes it easier to listen all the way through without sounding like the same song over and over. His diverse style in terms of lyrics and production is a must listen to, and so fair it is one of my favorite projects of 2017.
Mike Bayliss
Enjoys food, photography, and all things hip hop