“1985”:
The leadoff song from Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist’s Grammy-nominated album, “Alfredo.” Amid some the most exquisite rapping ever committed to tape, Gibbs namechecks 2020 cultural milestones such as the Michael Jordan-themed documentary “The Last Dance” and Joe Exotic.
Freddie Gibbs Featuring Big Sean and Hit-Boy, “4 Thangs”:
In closing out what was a banner year (2020) for him, Gibbs gave us his first offering as a major-label solo artist, “4 Thangs,” featuring Big Sean and Hit-Boy. A celebratory anthem. Trophies abound.
Freddie Gibbs Featuring Pusha T and Killer Mike, “Palmolive”:
Three lyrical titans connect on this standout track from Gibbs and Madlib’s “Bandana” album. Three very different artists — all with unorthodox career trajectories that helped make them underground heroes and mainstream favorites.
Freddie Gibbs Featuring Rick Ross, “Scottie Beam”:
In our interview, Gibbs talks about his connection with Rick Ross and how enthused he was to work with the Biggest Boss. Their first collaboration, “Scottie Beam,” is a winner. Let’s hope it marks the start of a long creative partnership.
Westside Gunn Featuring Freddie Gibbs and Roc Marciano, “$500 Ounces”:
Gibbs is a feature assassin. Every time he touches someone else’s track, he shows up and shows out. His appearance on “$500 Ounces” proves no exception. Marciano and Gunn’s verses are equally enjoyable.
“Crime Pays”:
Complete with pet zebras, horses, mountains and Gibbs doing farm work, the accompanying music video to this song is masterful.
“Skinny Suge”:
Suge Knight was long known as the boogeyman of hip-hop. Alongside Alchemist, Freddie sets his sights on being the skinny version of the one-time kingpin. The slow-rolling, eerie instrumental provides a perfect backdrop.
“Thuggin’”:
The first of the Gibbs and Madlib collaborations, dating back to 2011. Then affectionately known as MadGibbs, the duo set the tone for its ongoing run with “Thuggin’” and the song’s accompanying video.
“Practice”:
The infamous Allen Iverson “practice” soundbite gets turned into an introspective song about the ups and downs of Gibbs’ love life.
Freddie Gibbs Featuring Pill, “Womb 2 the Tomb”:
One of Gibbs’ first big splashes as a mixtape artist, this 2009 collaboration with fellow 2010 “XXL” Freshman Pill was a fan favorite and garnered major support on the blog circuit.
Freddie Gibbs Featuring Tyler, the Creator, “Something to Rap About”:
Fans waited years for an official Gibbs and Tyler, the Creator collaboration. Their patience paid off. The artists’ chemistry is apparent, and Tyler gives Gibb an extended verse teeming with potency.
“Harold’s”:
An ode to the Chicagoland fried-chicken staple, Harold’s Chicken Shack. All Gibbs needs is a six-piece drenched in mild sauce, add fries.
Freddie Gibbs Featuring Conway the Machine, “Babies & Fools”:
In 2020 alone, Gibbs swapped verses with every core member of the Griselda team — including Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine and even Boldy James. Every time, the results are stellar.
“BFK”:
A fan favorite from Gibbs’ mixtape era, “BFK” is a tribute to his hometown of Gary, Indiana, and the sinister intro to his “Baby Face Killa” (2012) project.
“Anything to Survive”:
Gibbs joins forces with Philadelphia Freeway and Chicago’s own Sly Polaroid for a heartfelt track about the struggles of everyday life and how to navigate the troubling world.