Freddie Gibbs stands as a defining force in modern hip-hop, celebrated for his unmatched lyricism and genre-defying sound. His groundbreaking album "Alfredo," a collaboration with producer The Alchemist, garnered Gibbs Grammy nominations and secured him a place at the forefront of hip-hop's elite. Utilizing bold and unfiltered storytelling approaches, Gibbs solidified himself as a persistent voice in addressing societal issues within the urban landscape. From topping Billboard charts to crossing musical boundaries to developing his record label, ESGN, Freddie Gibbs continues to captivate global audiences while redefining the very essence of hip-hop artistry.

UC Berkeley alumni Ben Lambert's impact on the music industry is undeniable, as he has masterfully guided artists to new heights and redefined industry norms. His expertise was particularly significant in shaping Freddie Gibbs' journey, which helped propel Gibbs, whom he discovered during his time at Cal, to global recognition through album releases, such as "Alfredo" and "Bandana." Lambert's keen eye for talent and innovative marketing strategies led to the breakout success of numerous artists under his management. Lambert's ability to navigate the ever-evolving music landscape while nurturing artistic authenticity certifies his reputation as a trailblazer in artist management.

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Founded in 2012, the Forum organizes panels, debates, and talks by leading experts and distinguished persons on issues both topical and timeless. Forum events are open to the public and broadcasted online on our Facebook Page. Admission to Forum events is free for UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty. The Forum is run entirely by undergraduate students at the University of California, Berkeley from a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds. The Forum provides students valuable first-hand experience and a channel to explore and challenge the ideas that motivate them.


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Timestamps
(0:00) Opening remarks
(4:32) Growing up in non-traditional hub
(7:54) Returning to major labels
(12:00) Working with multiple producers
(18:04) Growing up on music not rap
(22:00) Slow burn success & marketing
(25:51) Rapping about hardships
(33:45) Entering the acting industry
(35:07) Navigating acting vs music
(39:38) Future projects
(40:12) Don Cheadle resemblance
(42:08) Rap & Hip-Hop as Commodity
(46:39) Working with Aminé & Kaytranda
(48:10) Speaking at Berkeley
(50:45) Burn-out & Mental Health
(55:08) Dealing with negativity
(59:04) Creative process
(1:04:02) Streaming platforms
(1:03:49) Favorite track
(1:05:37) Favorite producer