Freddie Gibbs/The Alchemist @ 5th Annual West Coast Feast 11/24/21 [LA]
Freddie Gibbs performing at the 5th Annual West Coast Feast (Photo ©2021 Avery Junius)
‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving at the Vermont Hollywood, where Freddie Gibbs delivered a feast full of raps backed by his frequent collaborator and hip-hop legend, the Alchemist who served as Freddie Gibbs DJ for the night. The duo’s latest offering, Alfredo, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Albumin 2020 and was the dish served as the majority of the playlist for the 5th Annual West Coast Feast.
The Alchemist set the ambiance with his signature zany sound effects and record scratches before bringing in the guitar riffs featured in Alfredo’s lead single “1985,” in which Freddie Gibbs recounts tales from his past life via visceral flows that hit in the chest. The Gary, Indiana native ensured the crowd knew he was feeling the ‘shrooms from the night prior, however, this did not impact the impressive stage presence he exuded. Freddie Gibbs’s rap prowess could not be denied, especially in a live setting. His voice is a captivating instrument, which commanded head nods from the crowd as the night progressed. The track “Baby $Hit” was a standout cut, with Freddie Gibbs chopping up Alchemist’s mid-tempo production to send the crowd in a frenzy.
Longtime fans were audibly elated to performances of older favorites such as “Thuggin” and “Crime Pays” from the critically acclaimed Madlib collaboration albums Piñata and Bandana, respectively. The West Coast Feast ended with an encore performance for his newest single, “Black Illuminati,” featuring Jadakiss, set to be featured on Freddie Gibbs’s upcoming album Triple SSS.
Washington, D.C.’s singer, songwriter, and guitarist Nick Hakim opened for Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist who received a tremendous amount of love from the fans in Los Angeles. His newest album with Roy Nathanson, Small Things, is out now on streaming services.
Symba and Ted When also served as openers for the 5th Annual West Coast Feast concert. Each of their latest albums, Don’t Run from R.A.P and evening, are available for listening on streaming services.
Photos by Avery Junius
Covid Safety Rating
Venue Check for Proof of Vaccination? Yep
Masks required? Yep
Was the audience wearing masks? 90-100%
But at least the staff was wearing masks, right? Yep