Super-producer The Alchemist Links up with Earl Sweatshirt, Boldy James, Maxo, and Others to Continue his Impressive Run

The Alchemist is setting the rap game ablaze over the last 12 months. Since 2020, the legendary producer has dropped a slew of impressive projects, including the Grammy-nominated Freddie Gibbs collaboration tape “Alfredo.” 2021 has simply been a continuation of the success he found last year, with The Alchemist’s latest project “This Thing Of Ours” showcasing exactly why he’s one of the most respected producers within the genre.

Across a brief four tracks, The Alchemist recruits familiar faces to accompany his experimental, dusty, drum-looped production. Frequent collaborators Earl Sweatshirt and Boldy James impress on tracks “Nobles,” “TV Dinners,” and “Loose Change,” while upcoming underground rappers Pink Stiifu and Maxo slow things down on “Holy Hell.”

However, the clear standout track is the lead single and the opening track “Nobles.” Earl and Navy Blue have formed a compelling duo with substantial chemistry, as they trade bar for bar on this track. The sample is immaculate, consisting of looped strings and horns that give the track a euphoric and triumphant feel. Considering both Navy Blue and Earl tend to favor darker, rougher production in their own discographies, hearing them on upbeat, higher-tempo beats provided by The Alchemist displays their artistic versatility.

Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist in the Studio

The only valid criticism of such a well-done project such as “This Thing Of Ours” is its obvious brevity. At the end of the project, the listener is simply left wanting more. However, considering Al has already dropped two projects this year prior to the release of “This Thing Of Ours,” criticizing his musical yield isn’t valid.

“This Thing Of Ours” is a microcosm of what makes The Alchemist successful. Each beat is wildly unique and intriguing, although simple in construction with mesmerizing, harmonious loops. Despite the project being four tracks long, any output from The Alchemist is a blessing, especially considering his unmitigated consistency in the past year. Overall, “This Thing Of Ours” is a great offering from the veteran producer and easily one of his best solo projects to date.

Favorite Tracks

Nobles (feat. Navy Blue & Earl Sweatshirt)

TV Dinners (feat. Boldly James & Sideshow)

Loose Change (feat. Earl Sweatshirt)

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