Attention all music enthusiasts and hip hop aficionados, I’m diving straight into this review with no frills or embellishments because the latest project from the seasoned hip hop veteran Freddie Gibbs and the legendary producer, The Alchemist, is an absolute gem we didn’t even know we needed. Allow me to take you back to the golden era of gangster rap, my friends, which serves as the bedrock of my youth. While I’ve always had a penchant for the old school rather than the new school, my first introduction to Freddie Gibbs dates all the way back to 2009, when he collaborated with Devin the Dude. Since then, he has solidified his place among my favorite rappers, consistently delivering high-quality music. And now, an entire LP dedicated solely to the themes of hip hop and mafiosi? Count me in, no doubt.
But before we delve deeper, let’s establish a few key facts. Freddie Gibbs, a 38-year-old American rapper, rose to fame through a series of internet-distributed mixtapes. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, a city plagued by high unemployment and crime rates due to the decline of the steel industry, Gibbs signed with Interscope Records in 2006 and temporarily relocated to Los Angeles. However, the contract was terminated the following year. Many of the tracks recorded during this period found their way onto the highly acclaimed mixtapes “The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs” and “midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik,” paying homage to albums by Lauryn Hill and OutKast, respectively. By March 2010, he had already established himself as one of the most promising rap newcomers of the year, gracing the front page of the hip-hop magazine XXL.
In August 2010, Gibbs released the EP “Str8 Killa,” which was followed by his debut album, “Baby Face Killa,” as well as numerous other EPs and LPs. Notably, he collaborated with producer Madlib on two joint albums: “Piñata” in 2014 and “Bandana” five years later. Now, let’s shine a spotlight on The Alchemist:
The Alchemist embarked on his career as a rapper named Mudfoot back in 1993. He was a part of the group The Whooliganz, which was discovered by Cypress Hill. Alchemist later joined the ranks of the Soul Assassins. When the group disbanded, he continued working with Cypress Hill, honing his music production skills.
He has produced tracks for acclaimed artists such as Mobb Deep, Eminem, Nas, and Jadakiss. Since May 2005, he has served as Eminem’s live DJ. In 2008, he released the EP “The Alchemist’s Cookbook: Better Living Through Chemistry” on iTunes. He also formed a duo called Gangrene with producer Oh No, and together they released the album “Gutter Water” in 2010. The project featured guest verses from Fashawn, Evidence, Raekwon, M.E.D., Guilty Simpson, Planet Asia, Rocc, and the Big Twins. The duo’s follow-up album, “Vodka & Ayahuasca,” dropped in 2012.
One of The Alchemist’s most notable achievements thus far was his 2014 album, “Lord Steppington,” a collaboration with Evidence under the moniker Step Brothers. As mentioned earlier, their latest ten-track album delves into the world of Cosa Nostra. The allure of the mafia has always been intertwined with the hip-hop scene. Just think about how drug dealers rap about their encounters with law enforcement rather than smoking cigars in tailored suits while enjoying Italian cuisine. It’s all about gangstas with style. And let’s take a moment to acknowledge my fellow Sopranos fans—how can you not love Tony? From the Mario Puzo cover art to the clever incorporation of gangster movie samples, this duo delves deep into the Mafioso aesthetic and transforms it into a noir narrative.
Now, let’s talk about my personal favorites from the album. “Frank Lucas” featuring Buffalo-born rapper Benny the Butcher stands out, with Gibbs delivering thought-provoking lines about Harlem and black gangsters who once ruled over their own neighborhoods, peddling drugs to their fellow black community members. Another highlight is undoubtedly “Baby $hit.” Hands down, it boasts the best beat on the entire album. The deep bass line, the soaring chords, and the gripping drums, all complemented by Freddie Gibbs’ raw and commanding voice.
Any questions so far? It’s absolutely mind-blowing, folks, I-N-S-A-N-E. And we haven’t even touched upon the remarkable samples yet. Take, for instance, the sample of Chazz Palminteri portraying Joseph Bonnano in the TV series “Godfather of Harlem” on the track “Baby $hit.” Moreover, the extended sample from the ’70s blaxploitation film “The Black Godfather” in “Look at Me” hints at the kind of narrative that a rapper entrenched in the world of the dope game, like Gibbs, aspires to convey—a street kid clawing his way to the top, wresting control of his neighborhood’s criminal empire from its white interloper. “Alfredo” boasts a rich, dark, and authentically hip-hop sound, evoking the spirit of classic Biggie beats. While this collaborative album clearly showcases Freddie’s prowess, both technically and thematically, let’s not overlook the contributions of The Alchemist. He expertly spices up the classic 808s with guitar melodies and piano riffs, adding an extra layer of depth.
