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Concert Sat Jan 15 2011
Review: Freddie Gibbs @ Metro, 1/14
In the world of Gangsta rap, where stereotypes abound, the weed smoking rising and the misogynistic lyricism coupled with the constant chanting of "Fuck Police" during Friday night's Freddie Gibbs show might only perpetuate these ideas. But all the negative stereotypes fall to the wayside when you look at the raw talent the charismatic (and easy on the eyes) Gibbs possesses. The Gary, IN native had a bit of a homecoming party, the stage packed with an entourage milling about, while the simply monikered MC G hyped up the crowd with songs about kush and gunfire.
Gibbs clearly comes from a life on the streets, but you won't find as much glorifying of a lifestyle compared to some rappers, but more of a story telling aspect. Gibbs has seen and been through things that a large part of the world can't even begin to imagine, and his words let us see into a different lifestyle and culture, a fly on the wall. It's simply life in the ghetto, and despite all the bleak imagery Gibbs wants a better identity for where he came from, as evident in the line "They look at me in disbelief when I rhyme about peace," taken from the track "The Ghetto" from his mixtape Str8 Killa No Filla. Sure, your everyday life may not include slinging rocks and gunfire at every hour, but everyone can relate to common emotion. Life is simply life, there is a good and bad times, and everyone wants something better for the future.
Since his appearance at Pitchfork Festival this past summer, Gibbs has clearly gotten more comfortable with his delivery. Gone is the feverish intensity of having to prove himself, possibly evident at Pitchfork given the fact he was playing against the yelps of Panda Bear. He seemed more relaxed, enjoying the surroundings rather than proving his performance to a crowd. At times his flow was sloppy for his standards, but still light years ahead of many rappers. The comparisons to Tupac and Big Boi in style of delivery are well deserved and evident, case in point his speed and precision when he freestyles, which is impeccable.
Even if you aren't a fan of Gibb's style of music, it's worth checking out in a live setting, for the sole fact you get to witness the sense of community and identity his music creates. His narrative gives hope for a way out, while still paying homage to the life he grew up in. Despite economical and social despair, life in the ghetto is full of soul, a community that is more like a family than anything else. And Gibbs is using his lyrics and rhyme to invite listeners into a view of a world they would possibly never see or experience.
