Without a doubt, Freddie Gibbs is one of the best emcees in the game right now. And during a recent recording session in L.A. with songstress ZZ Ward, photographer Gari Lamar Askew II was able to capture some awesome images of the process. While you can check those out below, I also caught up with Gari to find out what went down.

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How To Make It: Tell me about your time in the studio with Freddie Gibbs.
Gari Lamar Askew II: It was a really cool experience. You know, I think that’s the joy of this profession is that you get to observe other artists or individuals in their personal element – which can often be rewarding just to bare witness. And Freddie and ZZ Ward were both super cool. So once they got in their element I did my best to blend in and try to become invisible.

How To Make It: What was he recording, and how good was ZZ Ward?
Gari: Freddie was there to lay a few verses with ZZ Ward who is this really talented singer/songwriter from Portland. However I say that with a bit of leeway in that she’s not so much in the traditional vein for singer/songwriters like Joni Mitchell. I say she’s a bit kind of like Dusty Springfield meets the hood – hence the Freddie Gibbs collab. I see her doing big things. You definitely wanna keep your eye on her ’cause she’s a talent.

Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs