Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist, two titans of modern Hip Hop, have reunited for Alfredo 2. This 14-track, 48-minute follow-up to their 2020 Grammy-nominated classic Alfredo trades the original’s nocturnal haze for a brighter, more accessible vibe, delivering a cohesive blend of soulful production and razor-sharp lyricism. While the first album simmered in shadowy, dreamlike melancholy, Alfredo 2 basks in daytime clarity, with jazzy textures and vivid storytelling that reflect Gibbs’ evolution and The Alchemist’s meticulous craftsmanship.
Freddie Gibbs, born Fredrick Tipton in 1982 in Gary, Indiana, emerged from a city once dubbed the “murder capital of America.” His early mixtapes, like Full Metal Jackit (2006), showcased his gritty storytelling and versatile flow, rooted in the harsh realities of street life. After signing with Interscope and later CTE World, Gibbs found his stride with independent releases, collaborating with producers like Madlib (Piñata, 2014) and The Alchemist (Fetti with Curren$y, 2018, and Alfredo, 2020). Known for his braggadocious yet introspective bars, Gibbs’s ability to weave humor, menace, and vulnerability has made him a mainstay in Hip Hop, consistently delivering critically acclaimed projects.
The Alchemist, born Daniel Maman in 1977 in Beverly Hills, California, is a producer, rapper, and DJ whose soulful, sample-heavy beats have shaped Hip Hop for decades. Starting as part of the duo Whooliganz and later crafting hits for Mobb Deep and Dilated Peoples, he gained prominence with albums like 1st Infantry (2004). His more recent collaborations with artists like Gibbs, Boldy James, Armand Hammer, and others highlight his knack for blending jazzy loops, vinyl crackle, and cinematic textures, making him a go-to for underground and mainstream artists alike.
Alfredo 2 swaps the original’s pasta metaphor for ramen, a fitting nod to its vibrant, flavorful shift. The Alchemist’s production leans into jazzy, retro-fusion textures, drawing from late-60s and 70s soul and funk. Tracks like “1995” kick off with crunchy guitar licks and subtle vocal chops, evoking a warm, sunlit drive. The beat’s electric flourishes and tight drum loops provide a sturdy canvas for Gibbs’ commanding flow. “Ensalada,” featuring Anderson .Paak’s soulful hook, glides over slick guitars and a buoyant bassline, creating a radio-ready groove that hums with summer energy. “Gas Station Sushi” hits with cinematic synth leads and a thumping drum pattern, its gritty edge balanced by a polished sheen. The Alchemist’s beats are meticulous, with details like the spiraling piano runs in “Gold Feet” and the hypnotic flutes in “A Thousand Mountains” adding depth without overwhelming the listener.
The album’s sound is cohesive yet varied, avoiding the monotony that plagued some of The Alchemist’s recent work. “Shangri La” shimmers with twinkling keys and a laid-back R&B vibe, while “Skinny Suge II” channels an 80s-noir menace with squealing synths and heavy snares. Unlike Alfredo’s smoky, shapeless melancholy, Alfredo 2 feels directional, like paint swirling in water—vivid and present. The production’s luxurious glow, paired with Gibbs’ confident delivery, creates a sense of ease, as if the duo is cruising through a sun-drenched cityscape.
The mood of Alfredo 2 is a blend of brash confidence and subtle introspection, reflecting Gibbs’ growth as an artist and individual. Where Alfredo was haunted by paranoia and nocturnal tension, this sequel is relaxed yet assertive, capturing the swagger of a seasoned hustler who’s found stability. “Lavish Habits” drips with humor and bravado, with Gibbs tossing jabs at DJ Akademiks and Gunna over a low-key rock instrumental laced with buried horns. The track’s cheeky energy—Gibbs rapping, “I like variety”—sets a playful tone, but beneath the surface lies a seasoned perspective on the rap game’s volatility.
Tracks like “Jean Claude” weave introspective threads, with Gibbs pondering relationships and the “in and out” motion of his career against a warm, Miami-sunset glow of jazzy keys. “I Still Love H.E.R.,” a nod to Hip Hop itself, carries a tender edge, with Gibbs admitting his heart stays “in the gutter” over a soulful, softcore beat. The mood shifts to somber reflection in “Gas Station Sushi,” where Gibbs’ vivid storytelling about love and loss unfolds over a gritty, emotional instrumental. The album’s balance of luxury talk and personal insight creates a dynamic listening experience, grounded in Gibbs’s ability to humanize the anti-hero archetype.
At 14 tracks and 48 minutes, Alfredo 2 is longer than its predecessor’s lean 35-minute runtime but remains tightly structured. The album flows like a cohesive narrative, with skits and interludes—like the crime-film quote before “A Thousand Mountains”—adding a cinematic thread. The sequencing is deliberate, opening with the reflective crunch of “1995” and building to high-energy peaks like “Lemon Pepper Steppers,” where Gibbs’ forceful flow accelerates into a slick double-time delivery over classy, nasty production. The middle stretch, with standouts like “Ensalada” and “Empanadas,” keeps the momentum with vibrant guest features and catchy hooks.
The back half maintains variety, with “Shangri La” and “Gold Feet” offering contrasting vibes—smooth R&B and artsy sprawl, respectively. The closing track, “A Thousand Mountains,” is a hypnotic finale, its cavernous flute-laced beat and Gibbs’ “Black Bruce Wayne” declaration leaving a lasting impression. While every track lands, “Feeling” falters slightly due to Larry June’s lackluster verse, which lacks the rhythm and energy of Gibbs’ hook and The Alchemist’s silky piano backdrop. Still, the album avoids filler, with each song contributing to its overarching narrative of hustle, love, and reflection.
“Ensalada” is the album’s crown jewel, with Anderson .Paak’s infectious chorus soaring over a jazzy, guitar-driven beat. Gibbs’ verses glide effortlessly, making it a standout for its mainstream appeal and undeniable groove. “Gold Feet,” featuring JID, is another highlight, with spiraling pianos and thumping drums providing a luxurious stage for both rappers’ rapid-fire flows. JID’s verse, with its intricate wordplay, nearly steals the track, but Gibbs holds his own with razor-sharp bars. “Gas Station Sushi” delivers emotional weight, its synth-heavy beat and Gibbs’ poignant storytelling creating a gripping narrative. “Lavish Habits” shines for its humor, with Gibbs’ Akademiks diss landing like a well-aimed dart over a lush, horn-flecked instrumental.
The features are carefully chosen, elevating the album without overshadowing Gibbs. Anderson .Paak’s soulful energy on “Ensalada” adds a radio-friendly polish, while JID’s technical prowess on “Gold Feet” brings a dynamic edge. Larry June’s appearance on “Feeling,” however, feels flat, his apathetic delivery clashing with the track’s vibrant energy. Despite this misstep, the guest spots enhance the album’s diversity, complementing Gibbs’ commanding presence.
Alfredo 2 arrives at a time when Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist are at career peaks. Gibbs, now 43, continues to dominate with his versatility, following strong releases like You Only Die 1nce (2024). The Alchemist, despite a 2025 AI controversy, reaffirms his status as a production legend, delivering some of his most vibrant work ever. The album’s shift to a brighter, more accessible sound reflects a cultural moment where Hip Hop balances nostalgia with innovation, which should appeal to both underground purists and mainstream listeners. The album’s flawless blend of luxury rap, introspective storytelling, and jazzy production positions it as a standout in 2025’s crowded Hip Hop landscape.
The album’s strengths lie in its cohesive vision and meticulous execution. The Alchemist’s production is consistently lush, with every vinyl crackle and piano run adding texture. Gibbs’ flow is a masterclass in versatility, shifting from menacing to reflective with ease. Alfredo 2 is a vibrant, confident sequel that swaps the original’s nocturnal haze for sunlit swagger. The Alchemist’s jazzy, soulful beats and Gibbs’ razor-sharp lyricism create a rich, engaging listen that balances luxury talk with introspective depth. While not every track hits the highs of “Ensalada” or “Gold Feet,” the album’s consistency and vivid storytelling make it a standout in 2025. Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist prove their chemistry remains electric, delivering a project that’s as satisfying as a bowl of ramen on a summer day.
8.5/10
Also read: The Best Hip Hop Albums Of 2025
