The Earvin Edit

Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist are back with a sequel to their Grammy-nominated 2020 album Alfredo. What does the duo have in store this time around, and how does this project stack up against the original?

Written by Earvin Adjei

Five years after the release of Alfredo, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist return for round two. With a longer tracklist and a refreshed supporting cast, Alfredo 2 positions itself as an intriguing follow-up.

The Good:

To nobody’s surprise, the production across this album is exceptional. Even calling it that might undersell it. The Alchemist continues to prove why he’s one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time, delivering some of his best work to date. Certain instrumentals here are so good they could make a grown man cry (I nearly did). Shangri La is a beautiful, spacey track that pulls you into its own world. Lavish Habits sounds like luxurious music that’s meant to be played on the beach while pouring a glass of wine. I Still Love H.E.R. slows things down with a methodical, boom-bap–inspired beat that allows Freddie to showcase his rapping ability. The production is layered, cohesive, and versatile enough to appeal to a variety of rap fans.

Freddie Gibbs once again proves that he’s at an elite level lyrically. His storytelling, flows, and delivery are razor-sharp throughout the album. The opening track, 1995, sets the tone immediately, making it clear that Freddie isn’t easing his way into this project; he’s rapping with confidence and hunger.

There are only three features on Alfredo 2, but each one makes a strong impression. Anderson .Paak delivers an emotional and soulful hook on Ensalada that complements both the production and Freddie’s introspective verses. Larry June’s laid-back, smooth style fits naturally on Feeling, further adding to the song’s relaxed vibe. JID, another top-tier lyricist, goes bar-for-bar with Freddie on Gold Feet, further cementing his reputation as one of the sharpest pens in modern hip-hop. It’s a short feature list, but every guest feels purposeful and well-placed.

Final Verdict:

When you pair a producer as consistent as The Alchemist with a rapper as skilled as Freddie Gibbs, this level of quality should be expected. The case could be made that Alfredo 2 surpasses the original. The production delivers. The rapping delivers. Together, they deliver one of the strongest hip-hop releases of the year. 10 out of 10.