Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist just cooked up an album of the year contender

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It’s undeniable that this summer has been thrilling for hip-hop enthusiasts, as top-tier albums seem to drop almost every weekend. Yet, among these releases, a collaboration between one of the genre’s finest producers and one of its most reliable rappers might just be the unexpected standout.

On July 25th, the collaborative album “Alfredo 2” by The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs hit the airwaves. This new release is a continuation of their highly praised joint effort, “Alfredo” from 2020 in the hip-hop scene. Given this, it’s understandable that the news about a sequel sparked enthusiasm among fans.

This time around, the pair really pulled out all the stops for the launch. Instead, they presented an engaging 15-minute film titled “Alfredo: The Movie“, which perfectly complements the accompanying album.

If you’re seeking an unfiltered, genuine expression of top-tier rap, few can compare to Gibbs. His rough, evocative voice recalls rap legends like 2Pac and DMX. When combined with Alchemist’s soulful beats, the outcome is a perfect blend. Consequently, my anticipation for this album was sky-high.

A review of The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs’ Alfredo 2

As a gamer, let me tell you, Alfredo 2 surpassed all expectations set by the previous duo. To be honest, I’d even dare say it’s worth discussing for the title of Rap Album of the Year.

The album carries a cinematic vibe, given it’s divided into three acts and mirrors the narrative of its accompanying movie. Scenes from the brief film are woven throughout, linking one track to another, creating smooth transitions and enhancing the listening enjoyment.

Much like the original “Alfredo,” this album boasts a minimal list of collaborations, which appears deliberate since each artist contributes uniquely to the distinct mood of their respective songs. The artists featured in “Alfredo 2” are Larry June, Anderson .Paak, and JID. This strategic choice of collaborators aligns with the overall approach taken during the creation of this album.

Standout tracks

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve spun this album multiple times, but not a single flaw has been uncovered yet. It’s amazing how the music seems to improve with each playthrough. My top picks among the tracks have got to be “1995,” “Feeling,” and “Ensalada.

1995 serves as an apt introduction to the album, mirroring the mood for the entire piece. Much like a film’s opening scene, it paints a vivid picture of Gibbs’ mental state during this album’s creation. It delves into his reflections about his journey in rap, his past, and the hardships he endured to reach this point.

Listening to this track, you immediately sense the flavor of what the entire album offers. Filled with mellow, rhythmic tunes, it creates an ideal ambiance for the evening. The mood intensifies on the track “Feeling” where Larry June is featured.

June is another artist who often collaborates with The Alchemist, a well-known producer. As a proficient creator of “lifestyle rap,” June shines particularly bright when working with The Alchemist’s relaxed beats, which align perfectly with the casual tone of his lyrics that detail the opulent lifestyle of a rapper.

One of the songs I adore most is titled “Ensalada.” Not only does it boast the finest album production, but it also showcases Anderson .Paak, whose involvement elevates the track to an entirely new dimension.

In the song, Gibbs reflects once more on the harrowing violence of his past and his battle to escape that environment. He raps, “If your life is a nightmare, you can’t dream,” encapsulating the hardship of pursuing dreams while trapped in a bleak reality. Later, Paak joins with the chorus, crooning, “Assist me in leaving this forsaken, seemingly God-abandoned location.

In simpler terms, the chorus seems like a desperate call for assistance from Gibbs, asking divine guidance to navigate him out of this deep pit.

This tune not just highlights Gibbs’ ingenious use of language, as he cleverly links “it’s a lotta” with the Spanish word “ensalada,” but also his narrative skills. The song has an intensely cinematic feel to it, making it a strong contender for my top tracks of the year.

In contrast to numerous rap albums from the last ten years, Alfredo 2 breaks this trend by having no filler songs. Each track serves a specific purpose within the album’s narrative. For quite some time, it seemed like artists would release albums with 20 or more songs and extra deluxe editions to inflate sales. It appeared as though well-crafted concept albums and thoughtful playlists were becoming obsolete.

It appears that hip-hop has experienced a revival recently, with quality being valued more than volume. Shorter albums like Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out, and Tyler, The Creator’s new DON’T TAP THE GLASS have been more favorably received than longer projects such as Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s $ome $exy $ongs 4 U or Travis Scott and Don Toliver’s JACKBOYS 2.

Alfredo 2 showcases brilliantly the fresh path that hip-hop music is currently following. The album comprises just 14 tracks, amounting to a total playtime of just 47 minutes. This compact structure leaves no space for unnecessary songs, and it also simplifies the process of replaying the entire album.

In summary, I believe this album is a serious contender for the best rap album of the year. It sits comfortably at the pinnacle of my list, just below “Let God Sort ‘Em Out”.

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2025-08-01 19:00