by Freddie Gibbs & the Alchemist
Released May 29, 2020 via ESGN / ALC / Empire
Reviewed June 14, 2020
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Something to Rap About (47%), 1985 (35%), Scottie Beam (34%)
Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist are amongst the upper echelon in regards to their respective crafts. This collaboration between the two is a perfect showcase as Freddie’s immaculate flow glides over some of the year’s smoothest production from Alc. Continuing to mature as a lyricist, Gibbs keeps finding interesting ways to reflect on his past crimes and subsequent transition to rap star on Alfredo. – Dominick (9/10)
Over the past ten years, Freddie Gibbs has proven himself to be one of the more consistent rappers around and this latest album is further proof. His first solo outing with producer The Alchemist shows a great level of chemistry and understanding for one another’s musical capabilities. The Alchemist puts out some of his best beats to date, all with that signature dirty, jazz-based style. And even if Freddie isn’t doing anything new here, he continues to show how consistently great he is. His braggadocio and confidence in selling coke is still his topic of choice, but he always manages to find a new angle to approach it and keeps his flows diverse. This is a great album showing a new musical pairing that could definitely iron out its creases with future releases. – Jared (8.5/10)
Alfredo is for Freddie Gibbs a hip-hop exhibition into the hearts and minds of a larger audience. Without sacrificing an ounce of artistic integrity, his enamoring personality is on full display, creating a full-course meal with The Alchemist on yet another stellar effort. This is aggressive expansion, like a restaurant opening up shop beyond its main location. The menu is being further enriched, demanding more mouths to be fed. But, unlike many commercially motivated attempts, Alfredo’s cuisine isn’t hampered by the need to be watered down. The unadulterated fusion of Gibbs and Uncle Al’s distinct personalities create accessibility through their authenticity. – Ben (Synth) (8.5/10)
A real gangsta never dies… Gary, IN landscaped the miseducation of Freddie Gibbs, froze his heart, and hardened his shell until he was the king crab in his bucket. A real gangsta never dies... but he'll get chubby and move to the West Hills if life permits, because when life gives him fettucini, he'll make Alfredo. 10 Alchemist productions, 4 well-placed guests, and 35 minutes of smoldering microphones make for the best Freddie album outside the MadGibbs domain. – DeVán (8/10)
Freddie Gibbs is back with a new partner in crime, along with the same formula that’s worked wonders over the last few years. The same flows, beats and rhyme schemes, but once again, its irresistibly high quality. Alfredo doesn’t progress into uncharted territory for either artist, but it certainly bolsters both participants' catalogues. The machismo rap schtick laid over Alchemist's lush instrumentals works too well to not use. Guest features from the likes of Rick Ross and Tyler, the Creator add just enough to break things up and intervene in Gibbs' 'caine lane. Even though Freddie has aced everything that he’s put out during his recent run, it would be nice to see it freshened up a little bit. An experiment here or there to breathe new life into the Gibbs discography wouldn't go astray. Overall a strong project, as expected, but most definitely more of the same from Freddie Kane. – Peter (7/10)
Hadley: 9.5/10 | Ben (Synth): 9/10 | Dominick: 9/10 | Alan: 8.7/10 | Cam: 8.5/10
Jared: 8.5/10 | Pax: 8.5/10 | DeVán: 8/10 | Enth: 8/10
