Freddie Gibbs on Next Album Being His 'Best Produced' Project, References Macklemore After Best Rap Album Loss

Gibbs's new album, tentatively called 'SSS,' will feature production from Hit-Boy, Pharrell, The Alchemist, Madlib, Mike Will Made-It, and more.

Freddie Gibbs performs onstage during the Adult Swim Festival
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Image via Getty/Scott Dudelson

Freddie Gibbs performs onstage during the Adult Swim Festival

Freddie Gibbs’s revenge tour continues as he gears up for the release of his next album. Although he’s never been shy about making big statements, Gibbs sent shockwaves when he declared the upcoming project the “best produced” album in his discography. 

During a recent interview with the United Kingdom’s Mixmag, Gibbs listed out the producers that will appear on his upcoming album.

“It’s another album of the year,” he claimed. “I’m about to go and work with Pharrell next week. MadlibWorking On Dying, The Alchemist, Sevn Thomas, Hit-Boy, I just talked to [Mike Will Made-It]. It’s gonna be the best produced album that I ever made.”

This is a bold statement considering the projects he’s created. Gibbs and Madlib formed an evil empire with the release of Piñata in 2014. 

“I think I’m the best ever to rap on a Madlib beat,” he told the magazine. “Rest in peace to MF DOOM. I feel like he gave me the measuring stick. He set the tone. When I was making Piñata, everyone was talking about how he did the best shit and you know the competitor in me wanted to make the better album.”

Freddie proceeded to strengthened his relationship with The Alchemist to create their joint album with Currensy, Fetti, in 2018. This set the stage for him and Madlib to return with 2019’s Bandana which was followed up by 2020’s Grammy-nominated album with Alchemist, Alfredo. That project, which was up for Best Rap Album, ultimately lost to Nas’ King’s Disease; however, Freddie told Mixmag he wasn’t disappointed with the outcome.

“If you’re gonna lose to somebody, you’re gonna want to lose to Nas,” he explained. “Nas is a hall of fame MC. If anything it just shows how great I am to lose to such an MC. I could’ve lost to Macklemore or something.”

Outside of his close connections with Madlib and Alchemist, Gibbs has worked with Kenny Beats, KAYTRANADA, and others. He’s also produced for himself. Despite this, Gibbs believes his upcoming album, SSS—he has yet to reveal the meaning behind the title—could stand out as his crown jewel when it comes to production. 

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