The deluxe edition showcases both Freddie Gibbs’ playful side and lyrical dominance.
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TOP 3 SONGS
3. Torture
“Torture” is Freddie Gibbs at his most relentless. The eerie production creates a dark atmosphere as he reflects on being targeted, plotting revenge, and keeping his guard up against fake individuals lurking around him.
Vocally, Freddie is phenomenal here. His delivery evolves throughout the song, shifting from frustration to menace to pure determination. Every bar lands with conviction, and the way he rides the instrumental is a masterclass in control. The beat twists and turns beneath him, yet he handles it effortlessly. It’s one of the most captivating performances on the project.
2. Nobody
Why is Freddie Gibbs going off like this on a love song?
While the soulful production attached to “Nobody” could set the mood for a slow dance with your little s**t, Freddie takes a completely different approach. He comes through with a relentless flow, rapping about everything from his Nintendo-playing days to his time in the streets. He even touches on relationships, admitting that his hustle always came first. And get this—the track is only 2 minutes and 44 seconds long, but the way he packs in so many bars makes it feel like a six-minute lyrical marathon.
1. Rabbit Mode
There aren’t many rappers today who sound like they could comfortably fit into the golden era of hip-hop, but Freddie Gibbs absolutely feels like one of them. “Rabbit Mode” carries a very ’90s-inspired feel production-wise, and Freddie attacks it effortlessly. Throughout the track, he mixes detailed storytelling with reflections on his highs and lows while also sneaking in a few jabs at podcasters. All you need to do is toss one of Diddy’s shiny suits on this mf, and he would embody every single hard-ass rapper Diddy signed to Bad Boy.
SONG-BY-SONG RATINGS
1. Outside (4/5)
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(80%)
Fresh off RBT, Freddie Gibbs is giving fans even more to digest with the deluxe edition of You Only Die 1nce. The expanded release adds ten new tracks to an already acclaimed album, and in many ways, these songs showcase the breadth of Freddie’s abilities better than the original version.
What stands out immediately is how much fun he’s having. Throughout the project, Freddie jumps onto beats that don’t necessarily fit his traditional playbook. Some are playful, some are nostalgic, and others feel completely detached from the hard-nosed style that first made him famous. Rather than forcing his usual approach, he adapts and thrives.
Of course, the playful experimentation only makes the serious moments hit harder. When Freddie locks into storytelling mode or starts attacking a beat with laser focus, it’s impossible not to be reminded of his elite status as an MC. His command of flow, cadence, and lyricism remains virtually unmatched.
The deluxe edition feels like a collection of leftovers. If you’re a fan of Gibbs and would listen to anything he drops, you’ll enjoy the project. If you’re expecting a whole new full effort project, you’ll have to wait for that.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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