Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Serve Up "Alfredo 2"
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The Gangsta Gibbs Renaissance Continues
Few pairings in modern hip-hop history have had the impact of Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist. More than just another timely rapper-producer duo project, 2020's Alfredo differed in tone from the former's critically acclaimed collabs with Madlib and the latter's work with Action Bronson, Boldy James, and Earl Sweatshirt. However, capturing the unique magic of a confirmed classic a second time around has challenged many but in this case, though, both artists rise to the proverbial occasion with cinematic flair.
Five years in the making, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist have delivered the sequel "Alfredo 2" which dropped today (July 25th, 2025).
A Cinematic Return
The duo premiered "Alfredo: The Movie," a 14-minute noir piece filmed entirely in Japan and directed by Nick Walker, setting the stage for what unfolds sonically. The black-and-white Tokyo crime saga perfectly captures the album's mood: gritty, stylish, and dripping with the kind of atmospheric tension that only Gibbs and Alchemist can create together.
Even without that context, these 14 songs showcase what makes their partnership so dynamic. The lead single, "1995",itself a sequel to Alfredo's "1985," immediately establishes the album's introspective tone.
Alchemist's Unparalleled Production
Yet as good as these verses would sound even over some pretty basic boom-bap, Alchemist's instrumentals elevate the proceedings without fail. His ability to cultivate and maintain a vibe is all but unparalleled, putting listeners at ease with the hazy comforts of "I Still Love H.E.R." and "Jean Claude." Elsewhere, he exercises an extraordinary restraint with the soul of "Shangri La," never letting the samples overpower the MC.
Stream "Alfredo 2" now on all platforms. And don't miss the Tokyo crime film—it's essential viewing for the full experience.
Next up: Gibbs has already confirmed he's working on a collaborative album with Kaytranada.
