Beverly Hills producer, DJ and rapper The Alchemist follows up the Flying High EP with his 12th EP. They started out as 1/2 of 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 began to act 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. Gangrene reunited this spring with “Heads I Win,” “Tails You Lose” and “The Genuine Articulate,” refusing to slow down.
“Ferraris in the Rain” featuring ScHoolboy Q is a jazzy, drumless opener where they both pray for rain to take away all the pain they’re experiencing in their lives, while the first 3 songs feature Uncle Al’s solo “Something Light” and the future Compared with the sturdy and durable homemade instruments, it is more hardcore. “Minnesota Fats,” starring Action Bronson, finds the pair pledging allegiance to the fellowship on a rock sample, while “Scientology,” starring Havoc, shows just how chill they are.
Alchemist’s penultimate solo track, “Everybody’s Favorite Uncle,” once again strips away the drums, further elaborating on the Uncle Al nickname Earl Sweatshirt gave him on Doris a decade ago until “Diego Mardona,” starring Conway the Machine The outrageous talking scenes only get more intense & darker. Larry June’s “Details” bounces around on this bare-soul sample, boasting that anyone can do it, but “Seasons Change” is the thing to do this summer ’s phenomenal Father’s Day single, and the closest thing imaginable.
As opposed to a lot of Alchemist’s previous solo material that I’ve covered in the past, this is probably the most I’ve heard his voice since he performed on every track (including with guests), which I welcome because He’s been on the cover mic since before he became one of my top ten producers. He maintains his signature sound and holds his weight lyrically alongside a cast of high-profile MCs.
Score: 8/10
