The duo are back again with another groundbreaking project. Bandanna marks the second full length collaboration between Freddie Gibbs and Madlib whom both over time have acquired a cult fanbase. Their last project, 2014’s Piñata, was praised for its mix of Madlib’s ominous and sample heavy soulful beats with Gibbs’ skillfully delivered stories of street life.
The follow up Bandanna only strengthens the duo’s performance as they are more cohesive on this project but still are able execute what they do best. Madlibs delivers smooth soulful beats with unique smoky samples and edgy but artfully executed mixes. While Freddie Gibbs talks about everything from crime, the streets, the drug game, black activism and freedom, transatlantic slave trade and even cheating. This album is especially emotional for Gibbs as many of the raps on the album, were written when he was wrongfully in imprisoned in Austria for a crime he did not commit. He claims this is the best project he has put out so far, this is definitely reflected in the music.
So far the album has received largely positive feedback from reviewers, blogs and radio stations, praised for its complete deviation from current trap heavy sound, making it definitely stand out. Despite its root in more orthodox hip hop sound it is still skillfully executed and feels current and refreshing to listen to. Many have even suggested that it could end up getting album of the year.
