Freddie Gibbs drops “Alfredo 2” album with The Alchemist
In 2020, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist teamed up for Alfredo, an album that blended lush, minimalist manufacturing with exact avenue lyricism. It was a standout challenge in a yr filled with notable releases, incomes a Grammy nomination for Finest Rap Album and a spot within the fashionable hip-hop canon.
Now, 5 years later, they’ve returned with Alfredo 2. Whereas sequels in music usually really feel rushed or gimmicky, this one lands with depth, readability, and function. As a substitute of repeating the method of the primary challenge, Alfredo 2 refines it—providing a richer soundscape, extra layered lyricism, and a broader sense of introspection.
Freddie Gibbs is not the scrappy underdog. He raps like somebody who’s already received—and has little interest in convincing you. The Alchemist, for his half, as soon as once more proves that nobody can create a temper fairly like he can.
The Tracklist: Tight, Targeted, and Characteristic-Prepared
Alfredo 2 spans 14 tracks, every produced solely by The Alchemist. The sonic cohesion is instant. Al’s manufacturing weaves classic soul chops, eerie loops, and stripped-back drums that depart area for Gibbs to function with out distraction.
Tracklist:
- 1995
- Mar-a-Lago
- Lemon Pepper Steppers
- Ensalada (feat. Anderson .Paak)
- Empanadas
- Skinny Suge II
- Feeling (feat. Larry June)
- I Nonetheless Love H.E.R.
- Shangri-La
- Gasoline Station Sushi
- Lavish Habits
- Gold Ft (feat. JID)
- Jean Claude
- A Thousand Mountains
From the primary observe, “1995,” the tone is ready. It’s a religious sequel to Alfredo’s opener, “1985,” echoing the identical sense of unease and momentum. Freddie sounds comfy, if not surgical, transferring by means of recollections and flexes with the boldness of a veteran.
Characteristic Verses That Carry Actual Chemistry
In an period the place album options usually really feel like playlists stitched collectively, Alfredo 2 does issues otherwise. The visitor appearances are restricted, and that makes them extra impactful. Every function provides new texture with out breaking the album’s tone.
Anderson .Paak brings a melodic carry on “Ensalada,” delivering a hook that’s each catchy and delicate. He by no means overshadows the observe however elevates its vibe with easy smoothness.
Larry June, identified for his laid-back motivational stream, matches seamlessly on “Feeling.” The 2 rap about monetary wins and development, making it a feel-good, hustler’s anthem.
JID seems on “Gold Ft,” and it’s right here the lyrical sparks fly. His rapid-fire model creates a compelling distinction to Gibbs’ slower, menacing supply. It’s a lyrical back-and-forth that followers of technical rap will replay greater than as soon as.
The visitor record is brief however strategic—supporting slightly than distracting.
Themes: Reflection, Loyalty, and Survival
Whereas Gibbs has all the time balanced bravado with vulnerability, Alfredo 2 leans even additional into self-awareness. There’s nonetheless speak of avenue codes, cash, and betrayal, but it surely’s filtered by means of the lens of somebody who’s made it out and is keen to replicate on the price.
Reflection: On “Skinny Suge II” and “A Thousand Mountains,” Gibbs seems like a person taking inventory. He’s not preaching, however he’s clearly talking from classes earned the arduous means.
Loyalty and Code: “Lavish Habits” dives into the paradox of loyalty in environments the place survival usually comes first. It’s a gritty observe that balances luxurious with loss.
Love for Hip-Hop: The standout “I Nonetheless Love H.E.R.” references Frequent’s traditional whereas critiquing fashionable rap’s obsession with algorithms over artistry. It’s a love letter and a call-out all of sudden.
Even the track titles—like “Empanadas” and “Gasoline Station Sushi”—trace at one thing extra layered. These aren’t simply quirky names. They symbolize contradictions: the consolation of meals vs. the instability of the world round you. It’s indulgence and instability in the identical chew.
The Alchemist: Letting the Loops Communicate
The Alchemist doesn’t chase radio performs. He doesn’t attempt to reinvent himself yearly. As a substitute, he does what he’s all the time performed: ship textured, emotional, and infrequently eerie backdrops that demand repeat listens.
On Alfredo 2, his beats don’t simply help Gibbs—they form the emotional arcs. The manufacturing is sparse however by no means empty. “Gasoline Station Sushi” rides a haunting vocal loop, whereas “Jean Claude” makes use of cinematic strings that really feel straight out of a noir movie.
The place many producers over-layer and over-polish, The Alchemist practices restraint. His strategy is delicate however extremely intentional. It’s music that doesn’t rush you. It asks you to take a seat with it.
This type of cohesion between artist and producer is uncommon. It’s a part of what made Alfredo nice—and what makes Alfredo 2 really feel like an much more mature extension
Important and Fan Reception: Fast Impression
Since its launch, Alfredo 2 has obtained sturdy reactions from each followers and critics. On boards and social platforms, the album is being hailed as among the best hip-hop releases of 2025 to date.
Followers have praised:
- The minimal however highly effective manufacturing
- The lyrical readability and depth
- The purposeful options
- The pacing and observe sequencing
Importantly, it looks like a full album—not only a playlist of songs. It encourages you to begin at Monitor 1 and keep locked in till the ultimate seconds of “A Thousand Mountains.”
There’s no clear radio single, and that’s a part of its energy. Alfredo 2 isn’t chasing a viral second. It’s aiming for replay worth. The extra you pay attention, the extra you catch. The layered metaphors, the delicate manufacturing prospers—it’s all designed to unfold over time.
A Fashionable Traditional within the Making
Alfredo 2 is greater than a sequel—it’s a reassertion of why albums like this nonetheless matter.
It’s an album that respects its listeners. It doesn’t pander, doesn’t over-explain, and doesn’t rush. It assumes you’re right here to concentrate—and rewards you should you do.
Freddie Gibbs continues to develop, not simply as a rapper, however as a author. His stream is as sharp as ever, however now there’s extra distance between the tales and the ego. He’s targeted, skilled, and unshaken.
The Alchemist, as all the time, delivers soundscapes that give the challenge timeless texture. This isn’t increase bap revivalism—it’s one thing extra particular and lived-in.
Collectively, they’ve created one thing that feels each present and traditional.
Whether or not you liked the primary Alfredo or are discovering this duo for the primary time, Alfredo 2 is a reminder that hip-hop—at its greatest—is about greater than beats and bars. It’s about collaboration, storytelling, and craft.
And on that entrance, this album delivers in full.
