This month's feature album is inbound for classic status. Having being heralded as one of the best albums of last year, 'Bandana' is a testament to the talent of Freddie Gibbs and the sheer genius of Madlib.
The album's predecessor 'Pinata' (2014) saw the duo find a perfect pairing of idiosyncratic beats with a hardened, yet versatile rap style. This cemented Madlib further as a veteran, and Freddie as an artist to watch. And it's now fair to say Freddie has carved a legacy for himself through the sheer quality of his music, with 'Bandana' being the defining release for newcomers and fans.
From the smooth 'Crime Pays' to hard-hitting 'Flat Tummy Tea', to the introspective 'Fake Names', the album shows Gibbs as a rapper who can do it all. When paired with the verses of contemporary heavyweights Pusha T, Killer Mike, Anderson Paak, Yasiin Bey (FKA Mos Def) and Black Thought (The Roots), the collective ability of all artists present is unlikely to be challenged across any rap release. And with the final instalment in the trilogy 'Montana' already being teased, the duo shows no sign of leaving things just yet.
It's also worth noting Madlib allegedly produced all beats present on an iPad. Which if true, is a feat reserved for masters considering the instrumental depth. Freddie has also paired with the Alchemist for this years 'Alfredo', which is another serving of solid gold rap (in stock soon).
For the time being, ensure you don't miss this one. 'Bandana' is one of the best releases of the last decade.
Available in The Store now.
Gallery Page: Madlib
Featured Albums: Madlib