Back in 2020, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist linked up for Alfredo, which I reviewed at the time. Looking back, I probably should have given it a classic rating (I gave it a 4.6 out of 5). The 10-track project went on to become one of the year’s most acclaimed Hip-Hop albums and even earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. Four years later, the duo is back with Alfredo 2.
Since the first Alfredo, Gibbs has stayed busy, dropping $oul $old $eparately in 2022, jumping on features, and keeping his name in headlines thanks to a few high-profile beefs and controversies. Alfredo 2 marks his first full collaborative album with Alchemist since their Grammy-nominated debut, and with it already landing as the highest-charting release for either artist, expectations are high.
1. 1995
Produced by The Alchemist
On the first track, the duo delivers a sequel to their “1985” opener from the original Alfredo. “1995” also serves as Alfredo 2’s first single, and at first, I wasn’t sure it was the best choice. Turns out, I was wrong. This might be my favorite song on the album.
As much as Gibbs is effortlessly rapping here with clever lines (“Nothin’ in your catalog classic, you Shaqtin’ like Thanasis”), Alchemist really shows out with the production, from the soulful loops on the first half to the electric guitar–led second half. “1995” kicks the album off in style.
2. Mar-A-Lago
Produced by The Alchemist
If I had to describe the vibe on “Mar-A-Lago,” I’d go with “pimpish” or maybe even “hazy,” like it was made in a room full of weed smoke (which, honestly, might be the vibe for the whole album). The verses don’t necessarily match that mood, but it still works and connects. Extra points for sampling Ving Rhames from Baby Boy.
For those wondering, the title comes from a lyric in the song: “Feds hit my shit, they ain’t gettin’ shit, Mar-a-Lago.”
Sidenote: Gibbs also mentions Moissanite here, something I just happened to learn about the other day.
3. Lemon Pepper Steppers
Produced by The Alchemist
I thought “Lemon Pepper Steppers” was going to be another slower-paced track, and it does start out that way. But as soon as the verse hits, the beat turns more sinister, things get more gangster, and Gibbs gets right to it:
Smokin’ opps, walk down your block, I put that bitch in shock
Wipe his nose, tag on they toes, I just knocked off his socks (Yeah)
Hundred shots came right back at us, same day, ain’t nothin’ drop
Send your shooter back to you shot, tell ’em you fucking flopped
It’s a quick track with only two short verses from Gibbs, but I enjoyed it. A solid album cut.
4. Ensalada
Featuring Anderson .Paak; Produced by The Alchemist
Going back to listen for this review, I appreciate the production on “Ensalada” even more. With its smooth, lush backdrop and Anderson .Paak handling the hook, I’m surprised this wasn’t the first single. It’s definitely a highlight. Gibbs rapping about distrust and murder fits perfectly with the haunting atmosphere Alchemist provides.
My only gripe: Let Anderson .Paak get a verse next time.
5. Empanadas
Produced by The Alchemist
If you want to hear someone crack jokes while casually dissing people, check out “Empanadas.” Over a smooth, jazzy loop, Gibbs fires shots at both Jim Jones (“Smacked him in Miami, his boys jumped me, he played it safe”) and Benny The Butcher (“Bitches in Buffalo get the same thing, they was throwin’ plates / Limped away on his good foot, but he ain’t bust a grape”).
That being said, my favorite part of the track is this run:
Chelle fucked me so good in Bali, might have to bring her back
If she get pregnant, I’ll teach my son to shoot like Tee Morant
Ho, I’m courtside, drunk as fuck like I’m Tee Morant
Caught the ball in Barclays Center, I should’ve dunked that bitch
Never catchin’ feelings, these bitches might suck a hundred dicks
And put you in the system, ho, get a job with the government, biatch
Hilarious.
6. Skinny Suge II
Produced by The Alchemist
This is the first track I didn’t like at first. I still don’t care for the production here since the loop can get a little annoying. But here’s the thing: Gibbs might have delivered his best verse on the whole album with this one. I kind of forgot about the beat as soon as he came in channeling Ice-T on “Colors”:
I am a nightmare walkin’, psychopath talking
The last fuckin’ nail in the coffin, the flame on the crosses
Black, bald-headed Jesus, I hang on the cross
Industry crucified me, but I stay bouncin’ off it
This might be one of those songs I come back to later and end up loving the production. For now, I still prefer the first “Skinny Suge” from the original Alfredo.
7. Feeling
Featuring Larry June; Produced by The Alchemist
The piano-led production here feels like it could have been on Life Is Beautiful, so it makes sense that we get an appearance from Larry June. I’ve seen people online mention the contrast between Freddie’s fast-paced, sing-song delivery and Larry June’s super laid-back verse not really meshing, and they might be right. I’ve also always thought Gibbs is at his best when he’s straight rapping, but I get wanting to switch things up.
Either way, the production alone makes this one worth a listen.
8. I Still Love H.E.R.
Produced by The Alchemist
“I Still Love H.E.R.” is one of the warmer tracks on the album in both production and lyrics. I’m partial to most songs that serve as love letters to Hip-Hop, and this one fits right in. Gibbs also keeps his sense of humor intact, dropping a mention of Umar Johnson (complete with a sample of Dr. Umar’s viral “Donations” clip):
Niggas is nincompoops, tennis my necklace, VVS hula hoops
Fuck thе church girl in a Sunday suit with some Gucci boots
Suburban snow bunnies, tell Umar I gеt that cougar loot
I’m breakin’ bitches’ wages, donations pop out that Bentley coupe
I still love H.E.R. too, Gibbs.
9. Shangri La
Produced by The Alchemist
On “Shangri La,” Gibbs leans into a rapid, multi-syllable flow over one of Alchemist’s smoothest productions on the album, and it works. His delivery is sharp, weaving in and out of the beat without losing clarity. I also didn’t expect to hear Three 6 Mafia’s patented “Yeah, ho!” ad-lib here, but it somehow fits perfectly (Update: Now it makes sense).
10. Gas Station Sushi
Produced by The Alchemist
I love the weird, spacey vibe of the production on “Gas Station Sushi.” But don’t expect rhymes about space travel. Gibbs delivers sharp gangster lines instead:
Fell back but never fell down
Condo, Sunny Isles, drop the scale, but never scaled down
Put the rabbit on the cross, they had me nailed down
But since they did my ultrasound, bitch, I’ve been Hell-bound
He also throws a jab at Curren$y here (“Could’ve ran that Fetti by myself, bitch, I’m the best with Al”), which is surprising given Spitta and Alchemist have worked on multiple projects together. And to think, it all apparently stems from Curren$y not promoting an album.
All that said, this is still a dope track.
11. Lavish Habits
Produced by The Alchemist
This was an early standout when I first listened to the album. I’m not talented enough to fully explain it, but if someone wanted to play you a trademark Alchemist beat, “Lavish Habits” might be the one they’d choose. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s a perfect example of why ALC remains one of the most consistent and prolific producers in Hip-Hop.
On Gibbs’ side, he hilariously disses DJ Akademiks and Gunna (“I’m still gon’ squeeze Akademiks’ titties, that fat bastard/Gunna dissed me and took a plea, he a rat bastard”), raps about pissing on “city girls like P. Diddy,” and even showing up at your funeral like Big Fendi.
There’s a reason this was one of my early favorites.
12. Gold Feet
Featuring JID; Produced by The Alchemist
At this point, when you see JID on a tracklist, there’s a good chance you’re about to get some serious rapping. That’s exactly what happens here. Both JID and Gibbs showcase their talents with high-octane yet still somewhat restrained verses.
Who had the best verse? JID.
13. Jean Claude
Produced by The Alchemist
One of the best beats on the album, and it’s for a track named after the “Muscles from Brussels.” The jazzy keys give it an almost uplifting atmosphere, which somehow works with Gibbs rapping about life being like Bloodsport and cheating with a lesbian (“She sneak dickin’”). And somehow, it just works. Another highlight.
14. A Thousand Mountains
Produced by The Alchemist
This was the second single and music video released from the album, and while I didn’t necessarily love it as a single, it works perfectly as the closer. It feels like the kind of song that would play over the credits at the end of a movie, with Freddie rapping about getting a “flute and just disappear in the mountains” over production anchored by a flute sample. A fitting way to wrap things up.
Alfredo 2 might not top its predecessor, but it’s still proof that Gibbs and Alchemist haven’t lost a step. The album plays more like a continuation than a sequel, sticking to the tried-and-true mix of razor-sharp lyricism, sly humor, and immersive production without forcing unnecessary reinvention. It’s also a reminder of how well they complement each other: Gibbs can shift from gritty street talk to absurd punchlines in the same breath, while Alchemist’s beats range from soulful and smooth to off-kilter and cinematic. In a year stacked with quality Hip-Hop releases, Alfredo 2 stands tall as another fine example of grown-man rap, one fans will have no trouble running back.
