Stanisland Magazine

The pair also revealed a short film titled “Alfredo: The Movie” to partner their highly-anticipated album

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist are back with the second instalment of their acclaimed debut, Alfredo 2. The saga continues with the two suited and booted —both vocally and sonically — for a demonstrative platform of hip-hop purism, led by their debut single, 1995.

Short Film “Alfredo: The Movie” Excites Fans

Following in the footsteps of score-like soundscapes, the pair release the track alongside a short film set in Tokyo. It begins with a narration about the popular Japanese movement Ikigai, inside a ramen shop owned by both Gibbs and Maman.

READ MORE: ‘Next To You’: Erykah Badu Lands Surprisingly Simplistic Effort

However, things go wrong when they become embroiled in perilous sitiuation involving the underworld, complete with themes of betrayal.

The film is directed by Nick Walker, who has photographed and filmed for FKA Twigs, Eminem and Mac Miller.

1995 Review and Verdict

As usual, The Alchemist lays down a sample-heavy track with loops of throwback audio, tracking behind Gibbs‘ flowful delivery chock-full of match-lit wordplay.

READ MORE: Freddie Gibbs X The Alchemist: ‘Alfredo 2’ Could Be Better

Overall, it’s akin to a Tarantino soundtrack — replete with a textural overlay of grit laden boom-bap music only they can deliver.

Drawing parallels with between their musical partnership, the rapper compares their style to Lethal Weapon characters portrayed by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.

“Had to come back for the sequel, ain’t no equal
Riggs and Murtaugh, this s**t lethal
Pluckin’ the feathers off this eagle, when I chef it”

It’s a plucky layered composition that grinds against — ironically — a 1970s transitional audio, made possible by two musicians who make this work. With notable feeling and a flair for modest execution, it can feel like poetry — charged by a restful production and intonations that have long been exhibited by a rare hip-hop force.

This has been an impressive run of form for the rapper in particular, with the beatmaker busy dropping music on a frequent basis too. Their duology continues to set the tone and bar in a landscape of ever-changing sounds; their constant is not only skilled but a measured achievement.