Freddie Gibbs at The Deaf Institute

Freddie Gibbs came to wider attention in 2014 via his collaboration with legendary producer Madlib, Piñata (fka Cocaine Piñata) for label Madlib Invazion, despite being a decade deep into the game. A surefire candidate for many a hip hop head’s album of the year, it’s perhaps Madlib’s most direct, accessible and ‘street’ joint that he’s done, having worked closely with Gibbs to create a work full of interplay between melody, beats and words. This in turn has tilted the spotlight towards Gibbs’ own debut album proper, ESGN (Evil Seeds Grown Naturally), a further showcase of his lyrical dexterity, powerful flow and gangsta tendencies. Having been burned by the industry in the past, Gibbs is fiercely independent and driven but reassuringly likes to think of himself as a ‘gentle giant’. Freddie is earning a reputation for working the crowd well and superior performances, and the intimate surroundings of Deaf seem perfect for a memorable Manchester visit from the Indiana-born rapper.

Wed 3 Sep, The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HE. Tel: 0161 276 9350, 7pm, £12.50, www.seetickets.com

Image: Peter Beste