Freddie Gibbs is the product of violent, drug-laden streets, but unlike most rappers with similar resumes, he brings the block to the booth without inhibition or an exaggerated rap persona. Piñata, a 17-track collaboration with producer Madlib, is the best distillation yet of his transparent approach to making music, combining stark honesty with electrifying talent as a lyricist and performer.
Full details of Piñata, which features Raekwon, Scarface, Danny Brown, Ab-Soul, BJ the Chicago Kid and more, are at www.rappcats.com/pinata