SOBs.  New York, NY
Interview: Doug Knickrehm

If you’re intimidated by Freddie Gibbs’ penetrating stone face, then plug your ears when he’s on stage.  Hearing his rhymes will only make matters worse for you.  The Gary, Indiana native has given a whole new meaning to the title Music Man.  And it looks like there’s trouble waiting in River City for any MC who would dare challenge him to a battle of words.  “Now I’m my own man, grown man, making my own dirt/Perfectly pounding the pavement and purchase my own work,” he sings confidently on “Midwest Malcolm” from his 2009 mixtape midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik. He’s certainly not lacking confidence, but confidence is part of the job description.

Gibbs transcends scenes and cliques, sharing his talent with the likes of Devin the Dude, Chip the Ripper, Jay Rock, Cunninlynguists, and, most recently, Dan Auerbach.  He has garnered critical acclaim from Pitchfork, as well as various hip-hop blogs and publications.  He has even graced Daytrotter, a website known for its mellow acoustic rock sessions, with his presence.  But despite his impressive track record (and his self-assured lyrics), Gibbs is surprisingly gracious behind the scenes, always quick to thank his doting fans for their kind words and well wishes.

He released his first EP Str8 Killa through Decon Records and Gibbs Family on August 3rd.  And that’s precisely the night that IF’s Doug Knickrehm found him after his performance with Black Milk at SOB’s in New York City to ask him a few questions and take a couple excellent ferret photos.

Inflatable Ferret: You’ve mentioned bringing back Midwest street rap a few times.  Are there any specific Midwest artists who have influenced you or is it just the general sound?

Freddie Gibbs: Yeah, definitely.  Psychodrama, Twista, Tracksta, DA Smart…shit, Bone Thugz N Harmony…even Eminem.  So, I try to ball all of them up into one to formulate my style.

IF: “Crushin’ Feelings” seems to be a statement song.  That song seems to be saying, “Freddie Gibbs is here.  This is me.”

FG: Yeah, I’m just saying I don’t got to ride no coattails to get my spot in this game.  That’s all I was saying.  You know, I see a lot of dudes doing that, and that’s just not what I do.

IF: Can you talk about coming up independently?

FG: Yeah, I haven’t even been rapping that long, you know what I mean?  Fresh out of the gate I got the major deal.  So, I saw where all that bullshit was in the world.  So, once that deflated I’ve just been on the indie ground ever since, just trying to get mine however I need to go.  There ain’t no friends in this motherfucking industry.  Motherfuckers do shit on you, so you’ve got to do what’s best for yourself by yourself.

IF: You just came out with the EP Str8 Killa today.  What can we expect from you in the future?

FG: Baby-Faced Killa. That’s the full-length album.  Motherfuckers better watch their goddamn heads because it’s going down.  You got the Str8 Killa out now, and you’re about to get the Baby-Faced Killa.  I don’t know when I’m putting it out or how I’m putting it out, but just know that I’m working on it, and I’m almost done with it.  So niggas need to tuck their motherfuckin’ tails and run.

IF: When are you going to be back in New York?

FG: I’ll be in New York…shit, I don’t know.  Whenever y’all want me to.

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