A surprise new EP and 13th album from Beverly Hills producer, DJ and rapper The Alchemist. They started out as 1/2 of the group The Whooliganz in 1993 with Scott Caan, they broke up a year later after recording their debut album, but the album was eventually shelved and Scott started acting like his father. Mudfoot, on the other hand, has quickly established himself as one of the greatest producers in hip-hop history, with a resume that includes names ranging from Mobb Deep and Eminem to Travis Scott and even Drake. The Genuine Articulate finds himself rapping more and more, and he’s back behind the plate once again to celebrate the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals win in Liquid Form.
Kool G Rap’s “Gutter Pain” opens with a booming bap intro that tells a story no one else can, while 2 Chainz’s “Beat Like a Key” keeps things dusty and talks about blowing shit down when he stops. Conway the Machine’s “Streets Don’t Change” kicks off the second half with some darker boom bap shit, with Con explaining that the streets will always be the same, but Boldy James’ “On the Spectrum” gives us the teaser for the upcoming Boldy LP, produced by Uncle Al himself.
It’s been a long time since the Knicks last won a title more than half a century ago, so I totally understand why Alchemist said “fuck it” and hit us with a 4-pack return behind the plate in preparation for the upcoming Forensic and Abby and Allen’s self-titled debuts. Rather than continuing the abstract, drum-less vibe that The Genuine Articulate was aiming for, Guests , comprised of separately formed veterans, depicts gangster life with significantly more drums.
Score: 8/10
