Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist Serve Up a Potential Album of the Year: 'Alfredo' Album Review
By Miles Hagan
When was the last time Freddie Gibbs missed? He is the type of person that could accurately be described as your favorite rapper's favorite rapper. Bandana was arguably the best rap album of last year, and might have even had a legitimate case as best project regardless of category. Alchemist has basically taken over 2020 from a producer standpoint. From collabs with Boldy James and Conway the Machine he has proven this year that he is still at the top of his game. This is an allstar pairing that almost seems like it should have happened before. Freddie and Al both have illustrious careers and are vets in the game. They have both also managed to remain extremely relevant and relatable with the music they are creating. It almost seems like a perfect storm for these two to create something great.
What Alchemist provides Freddie with is a blank canvas. Every song has production that immediately captures you as a listener, but also allows Freddie to flow over it in so many different ways. This is what differentiates Alfredo from projects like Bandana or Piñata. The styles of production between Madlib and Alchemist are different. While both are excellent in their own right, Madlib often creates beats that are so intricate that, while they are still amazing, that we can almost get caught up trying to figure out where the beat will go next. Tracks like “1985” and “Scottie Beam” immediately grab your attention, but leave so much room for the rappers to work. Most importantly, Alchemist makes sure that all of the little details are perfect. While the beats may be simpler at times, even the most critical listener would be hard pressed to find a flaw in the production through the entire run time. Alchemist has this sound that sets the stage for what to come and then more so reinforces what Freddie is rapping about. It adds the perfect punch everytime because the beats and rhymes are working together.
From a technical standpoint Alfredo is bulletproof. Coke rap is a legitimate genre at this point, and we are watching the kingpin at the height of his powers. “Something to Rap About” is the epitome of what this project is attempting to do. Freddie sounds expressive and hungry even after all the success he has amassed. The whole concept of his verse is that God made him sell dope so he would have something to rap about. He found a way to make light of selling drugs, almost like he is seeing the comedy in it all. Not only that, but then he goes and gets one of the most colorful voices in music right now, Tyler, the Creator, to deliver yet another flawless feature this year. Throughout the album Freddie and Alchemist find new ways to tell the tale of a drug rapper in a refreshing way, and they get a host of great features to help them tell that story.
“Skinny Suge” is another very telling moment on Alfredo. The album plays like a reflection on a life in the game. It is similar to the film The Irishman. Freddie owns up to all of the things he has done and accepts all of his flaws, because that is what comes with the lifestyle. He seems almost unapologetic about everything, because look at everything he has achieved because of it. Yet on this track he takes a step back and acknowledges the pain. The life that is described seems exhausting, unsustainable, and maybe most notably of all, lonely.
The album ends with “All Glass”, which is a complete change of pace in every way. We are right back into the action and it is very strategic how he does this. Just like in real life people who live this lifestyle take time to reflect on what it took to get here, but at the same time there is still the reality that they can spend too much time here, no matter what realization they come too. The game will continue with or without them, so the only way to stay relevant is to go right back into moving work which is what he describes on the final track.
Overall, Alfredo is an experience to listen to. This music doesn't feel like you are listening to it, but rather it engulfs you for about 35 minutes, and you only lose focus once the story ends. Very few people could come up with the line, “Bitch, I'm in this shit, like Burberry shirts at baby showers”. Freddie sounds so free on this project. His subject matter remains similar for the most part, but it is how he goes about telling his story that makes it so compelling. He also knows who to work with both from a producer and feature standpoint. Alchemist was the perfect choice and he came through on Alfredo with something serious. The OG in the game still recognizes that he has to revamp his approach, and that is why Freddie will remain successful no matter how long he chooses to rap. He is the definition of an old dog with a new trick every time he produces a project and that should not be ignored.
Favorite Tracks
Something to Rap About (Feat. Tyler, The Creator)
Skinny Suge
Scottie Beam (Feat. Rick Ross)
Rating: 10
Listen to Alfredo here:
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