Freddie Gibbs talks Gary, Indiana and Working with Scarface

Freddie Gibbs Shines Spotlight on Gary, Indiana Hip-Hop Scene

Freddie Gibbs has never shied away from representing his roots. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Gibbs is proud to spotlight the unique challenges and gritty authenticity of his hometown’s hip-hop scene. As one of the few artists to emerge from Gary onto the national stage, Gibbs uses his platform to highlight both the struggles and the talent of his city.

Gary, often overshadowed by neighboring Chicago, has a musical legacy largely tied to the Jackson family. However, Freddie Gibbs is ensuring that the city’s hip-hop scene gets its due recognition. During an interview, Gibbs shared his perspective on the local music scene, describing it as raw and unapologetic, shaped by the harsh realities of life in Gary.

A City Full of Hustlers and Thug Rappers

For Gibbs, the Gary hip-hop scene is defined by its authenticity and rawness. Unlike other cities with established open mic nights or venues for artistic growth, Gary offers few spaces for hip-hop artists to hone their craft. According to Gibbs, the lack of resources forces local rappers to draw directly from their lived experiences.

“The rappers I know in Gary are hustlers and thugs,” Gibbs explained. “There aren’t open mics or venues. The guys rapping are doing it straight from the streets, and they’re heavily influenced by Scarface. In Gary, Scarface is like a god.”

Gibbs highlighted local pioneers like CCA, Will Scrilla, and MCGz, crediting them as the trailblazers of Gary’s hip-hop movement. He sees himself as an extension of the groundwork they laid, striving to elevate the city’s name in hip-hop circles.

Scarface: From Inspiration to Collaboration

Growing up, Freddie Gibbs didn’t look to traditional sources of influence like TV shows or mainstream pop culture. Instead, he found his role models in Southern rap legends like Scarface and Bun B. For Gibbs, Scarface wasn’t just an influential rapper—he was a father figure whose music narrated the struggles of street life in a way that resonated deeply.

“Scarface’s music raised me,” Gibbs admitted. “His albums like The Diary and The Untouchable were the soundtrack to my life. His music spoke about everything I was seeing in my neighborhood—dope houses, gang violence, and struggle. Sesame Street wasn’t giving me that.”

Fast forward to 2011, and Gibbs has realized a lifelong dream: collaborating with Scarface. Their track, set to appear on Gibbs’ upcoming mixtape Cold Day in Hell, is nearing completion. Gibbs expressed excitement about meeting Scarface in person, calling it a “dream come true” and a moment that validates his journey in hip-hop.

Challenges of Breaking Out of Gary

Breaking out of Gary, Indiana’s music scene is no easy feat. The city’s high crime rates and limited venues make it difficult for artists to gain exposure. Gibbs acknowledged that hosting shows in Gary can be risky due to the type of crowd his music often attracts.

“Promoters are hesitant to host shows in Gary because of the potential for violence,” Gibbs explained. “I get it. Nobody wants a shootout in their club. It’s tough to make it out of here, even with the internet.”

Despite these challenges, Gibbs has managed to carve out a space for himself on the national stage. He attributes his success to unwavering confidence and a refusal to compromise on his authenticity. “If I didn’t believe I could compete with the best in the game, I wouldn’t be doing this,” he said.

Reflecting on Lessons from the Streets

Freddie Gibbs credits much of his success to lessons learned from both his failures and his triumphs. His journey has been anything but linear, marked by setbacks like being dropped from Interscope Records early in his career. However, these experiences have shaped his resilience and work ethic.

“When I got dropped from Interscope, I was back on the corner selling dime bags,” Gibbs recalled. “But I didn’t let that stop me. I worked harder, and now I’m in a better place.”

Gibbs also reflected on the influence of his mother, who instilled in him a relentless work ethic. Growing up in a crowded apartment in Gary, Gibbs’ mother exemplified strength and resilience, qualities he carries with him to this day.

“My mom didn’t take any nonsense,” Gibbs shared. “She showed me what it means to work hard and never give up. That’s where I get my drive from.”

Bringing Authenticity Back to Hip-Hop

Gibbs is on a mission to restore what he sees as a lost element in mainstream hip-hop: authenticity. He lamented the current state of the industry, where many artists prioritize trends over storytelling and originality.

“Back in the day, you’d buy an album because you wanted the whole experience—liner notes, stories, everything,” Gibbs said. “Now, it’s just 10 or 15 songs, and the thrill is gone after a week. I want to bring that experience back.”

With projects like Cold Day in Hell and his secret album collaboration, Gibbs aims to deliver music that resonates on a deeper level. He wants listeners to feel the same excitement he once felt buying albums from legends like UGK and A Tribe Called Quest.

Looking Ahead

As Gibbs prepares for the release of Cold Day in Hell, he remains focused on his mission to elevate Gary’s hip-hop scene and bring raw, unfiltered storytelling back to the forefront of rap. Whether he’s collaborating with legends like Scarface or headlining shows across the country, Gibbs stays true to his roots and his vision.

For Freddie Gibbs, the journey is far from over. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m here to represent Gary and show the world what we’re capable of.”

Conclusion

By highlighting his hometown’s struggles, his personal journey, and his passion for authenticity, Freddie Gibbs proves why he’s a force to be reckoned with in hip-hop. His story is one of resilience, ambition, and a commitment to staying true to himself and his craft. Now, Freddie Gibbs has his fans waiting on the official release of Cold Day In Hell, which should drop in a few days.