Rapper/producer collab albums have become one of the most exciting recipes in hip-hop today. Between MF DOOM and Madlib with “Madvillainy” or Clipse and Pharrell with “Let Go Sort Em Out,” the formula often results in a perfect union of cohesiveness and focus.
Five years after the original installment, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist have teamed up once again for their newest album Alfredo 2. The record serves as a sequel to their Grammy-nominated record Alfredo, which is a portmanteau of Gibbs and The Alchemist’s names.
Alfredo 2 was first teased after a pre-save link for the album surfaced online on June 24, with the album cover attached to the link. Weeks later, Gibbs previewed the upcoming Alfredo: The Movie, where the lead single “1995” would be teased and the album was officially announced to be released on July 25.
The 14 track album spans over 47 minutes and is entirely produced by The Alchemist. The record is released through ESGN Records and ALC Records and is distributed by Virgin Music Group.
The project kicks off with the lead single “1995.” The track is a continuation of the appropriately titled intro track to Alfredo, “1985.” 95’ sees Gibbs spitting braggadocios bars about his penmanship, sex life and perfectly timed double entendres over an expensive Alchemist beat. The soundscape of the project is established on the track with samples from various asian influences and a down tempo pace.
“Mar-a-Lago” is one of the most lowkey tracks that Freddie has rapped over. Various horn instruments with a drowsy drum pattern feels like Gibbs is strolling through the streets of Tokyo late at night, as he reflects on his career.
“Ensalada” is easily the biggest highlight from the project. The Alchemist creates a swirling atmosphere that is met with ease with Anderson .Paak singing the chorus. Freddie talks about the trauma he endured growing up as he continues to come to terms with those experiences, making for a heartfelt listen.
On “Empandas” and “Skinny Suge II,” Gibbs continues to show his impressive storytelling abilities, but Al’s production lacks the flair needed to make Freddie’s familiar flow stand out. The production is rich and puts you into the mindspace of being at a high-end Japanese restaurant and is brought down by Al’s decision to make each beat more lowkey than the previous track.
“Gold Feet” adds a much needed change of pace to the record with a verse of Dreamville’s JID. The piano-driven production matches Gibbs and JID’s pristine flows and unmatched wordplay.
“Alfredo 2” continues to show why Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist are one of the best rapper/producer duos of all time. Between Freddie’s top-tier lyricism and The Alchemist’s illustrious production style, Alfredo 2 should make every top 10 rap album of the year lists.
Although Al’s beats fails to differentiate from one another at times, each instrumental still paints a vintage aesthetic that matches the style of Uncle Al and Freddie.
