Freddie Gibbs
When: March 31, 5 p.m.
Where: Memorial Glade – Berkeley, CA
Known for his modern take on Gangster rap, Freddie Gibbs is a mainstay in talks of the next hip-hop great. Gibbs’ versatility as a rapper and his natural charisma create a wholly individual sound that fends off classification and broaches the boundaries of the genre.
Gibbs’ prowess as a storyteller is not to be underestimated either; his work has drawn comparisons to the likes of 2Pac, Biggie and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony with brutally honest lyrics of his hometown of Gary, Indiana, and his violent life as a drug dealer. His latest album, Shadow of a Doubt, features dark, muted production that meshes well with Gibbs’ polished delivery. With his unique flow and bumping trap beats, Gibbs is an act that you don’t want to miss — be sure to catch his early-evening performance on Memorial Glade, which will take place at 5 p.m.
—Josh Gu
Viva La Hip Hop 