Freddie Gibbs – ESGN

Freddie Gibbs – ESGN
ESGN: 2013

Excuse us Internet, we like to let things marinate from time to time here at Potholes. I figured why rush the keyboard platitudes concerning ESGN, when many of us were still bangin’ tracks like “BFK” just last week. I mean the narcotic sonic cauldron of Baby Face Killa isn’t even a year old and Gibbs decided to give us more songs to practice our ice grills to. Freddie’s ability to sound like a human AK-47 that gargles rocks while twisting words and flows to match his diverse production tastes is damn near undeniable. Evil Seeds Grow Naturally is his 8^th free or retail EP/LP since he made waves with his Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs in ’09. It’s a linear yet healthy discography that has helped shape our love of rap’s anti-hero super hero.

Gibb’s lead single/video “Eastside Moonwalker” was the perfect choice to represent ESGN. GMF’s beat sounds like theme music for psychos with its corroded synth, Southern drum programming, and a loop that sounds like a robot waking up from sleep. Gibbs uses the beat to speak on… surprise, robbing people: it’s gangster rap personification. TDE’s Willie B also laced Gibbs with a menacing drill-inspired beat for the second single “Lay It Down”. The bass booms like rubber stretched over miles and played by a giant with a tree stump ready to pillage all surrounding communities. These two songs are arguably the album’s strongest moments. By the way, if you came into this review for moral or ethical discussion about Gibbs’ content, please take your Stuart Little-wearing-a-Che-shirt-ass somewhere else. We here for the bitches, guns, weed smoke, side hoes, fuck boys, and drug sales.

Other highlight include “The Real G Money”, which starts things off like a shot of adrenaline; “Certified Live” is that soulful G shit; and “Lose Control” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid is that smoothed-out thug love anthem. No new tricks or off brand topics. Just a solid set of producers, couple of guests (including Spice 1!!!), and lyrics that should make squares uncomfortable as you blast Gibbs’ music out of your whip. Sure, like other Gibbs’ projects ESGN is too long and has a couple lackluster verses from weed carriers, but there is always plenty of heat to make up for the flaws.

It is within this cerebral nihilistic predator over muscular productions that Gibbs’ gift is realized. No shit MOST of his fans are far removed from the environments or experiences Gibbs raps about. Gibbs like all other quality rap acts performing a gangster ethos has the power to invigorate fans out of monotony and boredom. It’s not only about escapism or the fantasia of ever mustering up the courage to take what you want by any means; but listening to Gibbs’ music should accompany you on a run, a gym work out, or a set of push ups. For as “real” as Gibbs’ brand represents itself, like all good art it is performative with the intent to entertain. With that said, October can’t come soon enough; bring on MadGibbs and Cocaine Pinata.

3.5 out of 5