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Ever since Freddie Gibbs and Madlib announced that they were working together back in 2011, the expectations have been as high as their perma-blunted mind states. The EPs and singles have been dope. Next up, the duo’s first full-length is due later this year. Even though it’s now called plain-old Piñata—it was originally called Cocaine Pinata—the project continues to look promising.
Having virtuoso drummer Karriem Riggins stop by on the new single “City” certainly doesn’t hurt.
This joint is part of the Adult Swim Singles Series (aka, stoners can vibe out.) Not only does Karriem rhyme, but Madlib manages to flip free jazz into something funky. The track is so busy that the vocals provide a much-needed anchor. Karriem holds his own as an MC, but when Freddie’s Gary growl shows up, it’s over. The dude has such presence on the mic, he can cut through a meandering Madlib beat and command the track. The chunky, squirrely bassline makes the lyrical workout even iller.
“This is just a prelude to what me and Madlib are about to do with Pinata,” said Gibbs. “This Madlib album was made by drugs.”
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On “City,” Gibbs gets wavy fast. He starts his verse on some smooth story shit: “moving in my Cutlass through the city limits/roof leaking in the bucket, yea we was penny-pitching.” Throughout the rest of the verse, he shouts out Tony Soprano and “keeps the dope fiends sleepwalking.” He spits G shit over Madlib’s mad-scientist funk concoctions.
This isn’t quite on par with “Thuggin,” but it’s close. Gibbs seems to be at his best when Madlib is behind the boards, but he’ll also have some help. Pinata has the following features confirmed: Raekwon, Earl Sweatshirt, Danny Brown, Domo Genesis, Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, BJ the Chicago Kid, Meech of Flatbush Zombies, Casey Veggies, Mac Miler and more.
Here’s hoping the entrée is as tasty as the appetizers, and that there aren’t too many cooks in the kitchen.