Stanisland Magazine

The hip-hop dynamic duo still make great music, though ALC sounds languid and coasting at times — even as the rapper goes full-metal

Last updated: August 10th 2025

TL;DR

• Gibbs is incredible
• The Alchemist can do better, but still delivers
• Great synchronicity between the two though it can sound repetitive

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist drop their second part of a much-loved saga — Alfredo 2 — and we’re all going nuts for it. There’s never any doubting the skill of the rapper, though the Chemist has been an archer in a hurricane of late. But, 1995 was a great song, so we’re hopeful he can pull it out of the bag for hip-hop heads everywhere.

What Alfredo 2 Sounds Like

Maman continues to reside within a space of soulful loops and restrained tempos, while the sonorous-voiced lyricist showcases introspection with valued delivery. The production’s lento finish serves as a garnish for what we expected — though it can feel tunnel-visioned at times. It’s a simmering, ironcast verbose of rehearsed skill, but can feel much of a muchness.

READ MORE: Freddie Gibbs x The Alchemist’s Latest is Extra Thrilling on ‘1995’

Don’t get me wrong — it’s some of the best music this year, but there isn’t much separating it from The Alchemist’s recent work. While Gibbs tears down the house through a mismatched tempo-to-vocal arrangment, ALC gets busy, but they’re driving in the same lane with different tyre needs.

Gold Feet is the prize of the album and offers a window into the potential of a compilation by the producer. I’d like to see such a project populated by some of the best rappers right now — perhaps an intercontinental effort.

The Verdict

Ultimately, it sounds good — and tracks like Mar-a-Largo underscore a shadowy, brooding self-analysis that elements of the instrumentals effuse. It’s shrouded in a screenplay soundscape, something that may sound better on its own.

READ MORE: Freddie Gibbs Unlocks His Mind For ‘A Thousand Mountains’

One or two compositions will make great additions to a track list, and to platform the art of rhyme — it’s a perfect frame to highlight the abilities of Freddie. But a consistent adagio pace may not appeal to everyone.

Listening: Buy Vinyl and Stream

Streaming is available through Apple Music, YouTube, and Tidal. Vinyl copies of the album, can be purchased from HMV, Rough Trade or Normal Records.

Track List

• 1995*
• Mar-a-Lago*
• Lemon Pepper Steppers
• Ensalada (feat. Anderson .Paak)
• Empanadas
• Skinny Suge II
• Feeling (feat. Larry June)
• I Still Love H.E.R.
• Shangri La
• Gas Station Sushi
• Lavish Habits
• Gold Feet (feat. JID)*
• Jean Claude*
• A Thousand Mountains*

Recommended tracks*