Freddie Gibbs | still from video

In 2014, Freddie Gibbs and Madlib worked together to make Piñata. It was, by all means, a great album, with even better features. Underground rappers like Earl Sweatshirt, Danny Brown, Ab-Soul, and more mainstream names like the late Mac Miller appeared on the tracklist. Piñata was mellow, melodic, and mimicked an old school sound with lyricism at the forefront.

Five years later they’re back with another record, Bandana. Over this period, they have become veteran performers.  One might think it’d be hard to top such a praised collaboration, but they have sharpened their talents over the years.

Of the 15 tracks, most just feature the creative genius of Madlib and Gibbs. However, you can hear Yasiin Bey and Black Thought featured on “Education,” Killer Mike and Pusha-T on “Palmolive,” and Anderson .Paak on “Giannis.” With Madlib’s production and Gibb’s flow, they are truly unstoppable.

In a way, the album was a happy mistake. In an interview about Bandana, Madlib explained that many of his beats on this album were initially sent to Kanye West to use on The Life of Pablo. However, Gibbs co-opted them and everything clearly fell into place.

The duo will be in Philadelphia to perform their latest record at the Made in America festival that spans August 31st and September 1st, and takes place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Tickets and more information can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar.

Tracklist:

1. Obrigado
2. Freestyle S**t
3. Half Manne Half Cocaine
4. Crime Pays
5. Massage Seats
6. Palmolive featuring Killer Mike & Pusha-T
7. Fake Names
8. Flat Tummy Tea
9. Situations
10. Giannis featuring Anderson .Paak
11. Practice
12. Cataracts
13. Gat Damn
14. Education featuring Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) and Black Thought
15. Soul Right