Freddie Gibbs recently released the critically acclaimed album Shadow of a Doubt, solidifying the rapper's position as a voice of honesty and vulnerability in hip-hop. The Gary, Indiana rapper's success was further compounded with the birth of his first child, Irie Jane about one year ago. Gibbs says the birth of his daughter completely changed him, both as a man and an artist. The birth of his daughter inspired Freddy to tone down his thuggish image, and focus on themes of positivity and self-empowerment. Gibbs did not want to appear as a bad influence on his child, and began to realize the importance of his position as a rapper and generational spokesman.

Freddie Gibbs recently spoke with NPR's Microphone Check, saying, "You know, your responsibility level definitely has to raise when you have a child. 'Cause I mean, just that alone has - me knowing - waking up every morning knowing that I'm somebody's father, I have to move different. I have to do things differently. I got to run my business more efficiently. It just makes me want to be more sharp as a businessman, as an artist, and everything. Because I gotta set an example for somebody now. I'm not just living for myself."

The rapper also discussed the legalization of marijuana as well as other illicit drugs. The rapper says that all drugs should not be legalized, though he feels differently about cannabis.

"Yeah, weed is different. I think that heroin and all that type of stuff should be illegal, man, cause it's highly addictive," he said. "Prescription drugs are really a bad thing going on right now. I know I've made music about them. I used to be addicted to prescription drugs myself. Oxycontin, Xanax, Vicodin. You know what I mean?"

See More freddie gibbs
Join the Discussion