Freddie Gibbs, Madlib – Bandana

Bandana is the second collaborative album by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, released in June 2019. Entirely produced by Madlib, it refines the duo’s chemistry established on Piñata while exploring darker, more expansive territory. Gibbs’ storytelling remains sharp and unflinching, moving fluidly between aggression, reflection and humour, while Madlib’s sample-based production brims with texture and unpredictability, often shifting mid-song. Together, they craft a record that feels both raw and sophisticated, fusing classic hip hop grit with inventive musical detail.

From the intensity of Flat Tummy Tea to the soulful Palmolive and reflective Soul Right, Bandana balances toughness with depth. It’s an album where Gibbs’ precision meets Madlib’s eccentric genius, producing something timeless and cinematic. Hailed as one of the best hip hop releases of the 2010s, Bandana stands as a testament to the duo’s unmatched synergy and creative evolution.

Reviews

“On their second album as a duo, Madlib and Freddie Gibbs pull themselves deeper into one another’s worlds.” — Pitchfork

“Gibbs’ raw, uncompromising lyrics became more reflective, while Madlib gravitated towards gritty, boom-bap backing … the two flip the switch between moody aggression … and hazy West Coast throwback mode.” — Crack Magazine

“Freddie Gibbs and Madlib … bring magic out of each other on their second collaborative album together, Bandana.” — Loud And Quiet

“Equal parts gritty and flamboyant … Bandana stands toe-to-toe with … any other gold standard of the format you could name. It is, truly, an instant classic.” — Highsnobiety

“Madlib and Freddie Gibbs continue to draw the best out of each other on Bandana, the spectacular follow-up to Piñata.” — The Skinny

"He and Madlib somehow make "F*ckin' up this bad food, fast food, gettin' fat" sound like the only way to truly live." – Allmusic