Stanisland Magazine

Hip-hop producer The Alchemist also continues rare run of bad form

Erykah Badu and The Alchemist have finally dropped their first collaborative single, taken from their upcoming album.

Titled Next to You, it releases on the eve of the duo’s tour of Japan, with shows scheduled in Osaka, Tokyo, and Yokohama.

What Next to You Sounds Like

Featuring a stripped-back yet evocatively throwback sound, the two partner to create a work for fans of both artists.

The two have never shied away from producing earthy, yet ethereal music. On this new drop, they unveil something of the sort, but with a light lick, estranged from what we hoped for.

READ MORE: Erykah Badu x The Alchemist Reveal Colossal Album That Will Make Fans Happy

Running the track, Badu’s vocals take flight over synth and string samples taken from Mobb Deep’s ‘The Realest’ which is a tremendous work, but repurposing it, adding minor additions, calling it your own? Weird.

That said, her delivery feels a part of the instrumental nature of its production, but I’m not running home to tell the world about it.

Next to You is taken from their joint upcoming LP titled, Abi & Alan.

Music Video Controversy

The music video has caused significant controversy for its use of AI. One YouTube commenter said: “I’m hoping this is a placeholder, there’s millions of talented artists who would love to draw you a wonderful animation for this song.”

Both artists are embraced for their analogue origins, sound, as well as their authenticity, and it’s a key reason why so many remain loyal listeners. “The AI feels contradictory to why I like them in the first place,” one said, while another exclaimed, “I didn’t expect Erykah to use this AI slip but here we are.”

In response to the backlash, ALC remained defiant, going as far as to taunt his fans. In a statement on social platform X, he said: “A cell phone is AI, think about that. Nah really think about it. Angry commentary about AI, while on a cell phone. How dumb this conversation is LOL. This is fun.”

While he makes a point, he is way off the mark. Most complaints are with regard to the creative licence AI operates within —which strips and scrapes existing works to create new ones that border on plagiarism.

The Verdict

It’s nice, but that’s as far as we’ll go with this. It does the job of satisfying those of us waiting for something fresh from the pair, especially The Alchemist, whose recent efforts don’t quite live up to his standards. Virtually repurposing a beat says it all. In truth, Havoc produced this one. I expect we won’t return to it.

Listen to it Now

You can stream the new single on Spotify and Apple Music.