We all know that ASAP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator are the best of friends, but don’t think that the Mob’s frontman isn’t down with the rest of the Odd Future alumni. Moreover, Rocky and Earl Sweatshirt were recently pictured in The Alchemist’s legendary home studio. Even though the iconic producer isn’t in the photo, the stack of records and general set-up is instantly recognizable for anyone slightly familiar with how it looks. If you’re one of those people who’s enough of a fan to know Uncle Al’s cave, they you’re probably very excited at the thought of these two MCs teaming up together on a track with a production legend.
Of course, the most obvious immediate thought with this is that this could be for ASAP Rocky’s upcoming album. While it’s unlikely given delays and how long it’s been in the oven, it would still be wild to see how he could match with Earl Sweatshirt. Their styles are quite different, but they can both easily tap into each other’s typical lanes or general appeals. Just look at Pretty Flacko’s lyrical displays on tracks like “Canal St.,” or at the Tan Cressida leader’s wavy and woozy recent single “Making The Band (Danity Kane).”
However, it’s just as exciting to think about The Alchemist being both artists’ connective tissue, as he can really call the shots from behind the board. Maybe this will be part of another collab-heavy project like the Flying High EP, a solo release, or the unthinkable: ASAP Rocky and Earl Sweatshirt were just hanging out with Al at his place with no plans to drop anything. That’s the disappointing answer for fans, but can’t we let some friends chill out without any expectations? After all, the SICK! spitter and the ALC Records mastermind just gave us a full collaborative effort, VOIR DIRE.
As such, the bottom line is that it’s just great to see these amazing individuals come together, whether they release something or not. There’s a lot of anticipation for the father of two in particular given he hasn’t dropped in five years. If this picture is any indication, then we should get nothing less than something really special soon, if only for the fact that he’s around the right people. For more news and updates on Earl Sweatshirt, ASAP Rocky, and The Alchemist, check back in with HNHH.
Last year, Roc Marciano and The Alchemist collaborated for one of 2022’s best rap albums: The Elephant Man’s Bones. For the lyrically-minded and for fans of abstract production, this project filled pretty much every niche and desire. In addition, the duo bolstered it with excellent features from Boldy James, Action Bronson, Ice-T, and Knowledge The Pirate. However, they weren’t quite done with it just yet, and they realized that there’s more to share from his fitting, chemistry-filled, and creative team-up. With two new bonus tracks, the underground legends graced us with The ALC Edition of this album, fitting for a 2023 revamp.
Furthermore, now’s the perfect time to tune into Roc Marciano’s latest if you missed it last year. These new bonus tracks represent everything that made The Elephant Man’s Bones such a compelling LP, and The Alchemist doesn’t slouch in the slightest. “DNA” opens with a menacing bassline and string arrangement, providing fertile ground for the New York MC to stomp on with vivid and twisted hunger. Conversely, the dreamy synth pads and chill, perky rhythms on “Turkey Wings” offer Marciano’s verses a more nostalgic and laidback context.
The Elephant Man’s Bones The ALC Edition From Roc Marciano & The Alchemist: Stream
Meanwhile, it’s actually been a busy couple of weeks for Uncle Al, revamping one of 2022’s best and dropping what will surely be one of 2023’s best. On Friday (August 25), he and Earl Sweatshirt unveiled VOIR DIRE, releasing it completely for free (no DSPs yet, though) and putting up each individual track for purchase as an NFT. We’ll never complain about new music from these incredible wordsmiths, or from one of hip-hop’s best producers. If you haven’t heard The Elephant Man’s Bones The ALC Edition yet, find it on your preferred streaming service and peep the tracklist below. Also, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Roc Marciano and The Alchemist.
Tracklist 1. Rubber Hand Grip 2. Daddy Kane (feat. Action Bronson) 3. Deja Vu 4. Quantum Leap 5. The Elephant Man’s Bones 6. Bubble Bath 7. Liquid Coke 8. Trillion Cut (feat. Boldy James) 9. The Horns of Abraxas (feat. Ice-T) 10. JJ Flash 11. Zig Zag Zig 12. Stigmata 13. Zip Guns (feat. Knowledge The Pirate) 14. Think Big 15. DNA – Bonus Track 16. Turkey Wings – Bonus Track
In August of this year, the same month that he released this new album with The Alchemist, Earl Sweatshirt celebrated the ten-year anniversary of his studio debut Doris with a series of live shows, one of which hosted a reunion of the collective that propelled him into fame: Odd Future. In that time span, his talent and honesty propelled him further into peace. The meet-up was a wholesome, fulfilling, and nostalgic moment for fans, despite the wildly different directions those careers went in individually. For Earl, that path unraveled his personal growth and grievances, exploring his highs and lows in the search for the truth behind his story. On VOIR DIRE, he seems closer to that goal than he’s ever been on wax, without compromising what makes him and the legendary producer such idiosyncratic and captivating figures in hip-hop.
Moreover, this new 11-track and near-28-minute-long LP was released under unconventional methods and with mysterious origins. For those unaware, it followed years of teases of a full collab project that was apparently on YouTube under a different name, according to The Alchemist. When a joint effort between him and Earl Sweatshirt finally dropped, it was on the NFT-centered site Gaia Music (where you can stream VOIR DIRE for free), with each track available for purchase with its artwork and yielding advertised rewards like T-shirts, FaceTime calls, and a smoke session. Needless to say, it’s a cryptic record in the streaming age: free, yet on the blockchain, and taking a bit more effort to tune in from fans. Nevertheless, it might be the most consistent, cohesive, and no-frills album that either has dropped in years.
Earl Sweatshirt’s Lyrical Excellence & Chemistry With The Alchemist
BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 03: Rapper Earl Sweatshirt performs on stage during Primavera Sound 2022 on June 03, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jim Bennett/WireImage/Getty Images)
To achieve this, the Chicago-born and Santa Monica-raised MC and Uncle Al complement each other’s styles seamlessly. The latter’s cavernous, tight, dense, and always gorgeous sample flips are caves and pockets that the former explores meanderingly, but with conviction and an avalanche of exciting and dynamic flows. Earl Sweatshirt is one of the most expressive, emotionally impactful, and downright skillful lyricists today, and The Alchemist has been an excellent partner (and also leader) for his tales. Both shift between moods on VOIR DIRE, though, pushing each other to new corners. Al can be dramatic, soft, funky, grimy, or melancholic; Earl comes off as confident, downtrodden, nihilistic, triumphant, reflective, and wholly present in the moment, all at once.
On that last note, recalling every amazing bar on here without running VOIR DIRE from front to back is impossible. Whether it’s his sharp wordplay and references, his stark imagery, or his gut-wrenching phrasing, the 29-year-old comes off as wise beyond lifetimes. Tracks like “Geb” and “Mac Deuce” attest to his unmatched abilities in the game. But for every high, there’s a pained and brutally sincere examination of the journey there, like “Vin Skully” or “Dead Zone.” Also, newer topics in his discography emerge, like being a father on “27 Braids” (“She said I got a son on the way, made my bed so that’s where I’ma lay”) or somber reflections on violence in rap that took his collaborator and fellow Cali MC Drakeo The Ruler on “Free The Ruler” (“Streetcar called pride droppin’ n***as off in the morgue… It’s not normal, but I swear this s**t is regular”).
VOIR DIRE‘s Sonic Palettes & Structures
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 31: The Alchemist performs during NBA Leather Tour at O2 Academy Brixton on May 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns/Getty Images)
In order to condense these expressions in sonic form, The Alchemist makes the most out of what seems like a little. Sample loops evolve once Earl Sweatshirt’s verses end, the instrumentals fade in and out with new minimal details, and spoken word passages add to VOIR DIRE’s truth and story-driven themes. What often happens on this album is that a tear-jerking instrumental will contrast with boastful or hopeful lines, and vice versa. As such, they end up creating a nuanced and complex emotional image with each track, which makes itself more unique among the cast with each listen. Some highlights include the shimmering keys on “All The Small Things,” the infectious guitar lick on “Vin Skully” (one of many), the shrill and lo-fi strings on “100 High Street,” and the breezy woodwind melodies on- you guessed it, “My Brother, The Wind.”
Of course, the Tan Cressida rapper is no stranger to beats like these, especially from Uncle Al. For a while now, Earl Sweatshirt has been a master at the short but punch-packing one-verse hip-hop song formula, sometimes with a chorus. There’s as much emotion in the lyrics as there is in a given song’s sound. For example, “My Brother, The Wind” hits you with self-aware, regretful, but optimistic assessments like, “Etch-A-Sketch what I live, shiverin’, erasin’ what I did, opaque, be complacent as the wind.” In addition, there are the reflections on diamonds in the rough on “All The Small Things”: “New s**t consumed quick, it’s perishable, embed it with gold and it’s gon’ never get old.”
Still, there are plenty of left hooks, impressive innovations, and unearthed previous tendencies on VOIR DIRE, as familiar as this aesthetic territory is for both artists. One shining example is the shifting and malleable flows and rhythmic accents on “Sentry.” While Earl Sweatshirt gives the track a 4/4 feel, MIKE’s gripping feature verse brings the track to a 3/4 swing that can completely change how you conceptualize the song as you listen. It’s a small detail, but with an album at this level of craft, it’s those minute concoctions that make it so engaging. Another standout surprise is “Sirius Blac,” whose easy-going beat mixes its glittering joy with a chorus, verse, and delivery reminiscent of early Odd Future anthems that could’ve popped up on Doris, something Earl hasn’t fully tapped into in a long time.
However, that familiarity is what might land as lukewarm for fans who tune into VOIR DIRE. Earl and Al are simply doing what they do best, and what they’ve already condensed into masterworks. With that in mind, this album isn’t a revolution for either musician at first glance. It’s definitely a niche-scratching effort, but it yields some of the best material either has ever put out because of its simplicity, concise nature and for being probably the most tender thing either of them has ever released. Finally, if you complained about this NFT concept, the only true crime of two rap legends getting their bag through a free album and a new avenue that brings fans closer than streaming services ever could is that the web player on Gaia is glitchy, and that’s a fortunate thing to name as the project’s greatest flaw.
Overall, this long-awaited collab album is everything fans ask from this duo. Despite its brevity, it packs addictive instrumentals, so many rewind-warranting lyrics, and seemingly every theme under the sun into a powerfully all-killer and honest project. Family, genealogy, ego, regret, death, constancy, uncertainty, hope, perseverance, and much more fall under Earl’s magnifying glass, and the lens this time is much more calm, measured, accountable, and accepting of his path forward from past mistakes and struggles. It might not tread completely new ground, but it sums up the abstract lyricist’s past work with a beatsmith who’s been there for him every step of the way: I Don’t Like S**t‘s hunger and darkness, SRS‘ dejected solitude, mixed with Alfredo’s sheen and Return of the Mac’s hope. They champion their humanity, and through the specific vividness of their emotions, they create something universal, potent, and comforting.
Akin to the legal term behind its namesake, which determines a witness or juror’s ability to tell the truth, VOIR DIRE hammers on the veracity and authenticity behind each creative’s artistry. Like the spoken word passage on the closing track states, their mission is to make listeners understand them as individuals, for which The Alchemist provides some of his most crisp and heartfelt instrumentals in years that define his undefinable style. The result is a highly compelling exercise in providing context and clarity to Earl’s whole career: his demons, dreams, dominance, and determination — things he’s tackled since before Odd Future welcomed him. Thebe Neruda Kgositsile’s endured a lot, with his art updating his unfiltered perspective as the world’s student. Rather than dwelling on peaks and valleys, it feels like Earl’s finally found balance in his growth, and is grateful for the ride.
It’s always interesting, exciting, and sometimes mind-blowing to see two artists who you never thought would team up in a million years get to work together. Of course, that’s just the boundary-pushing, collaborative, and ingenious spirit of hip-hop at work. When you think of The Alchemist’s woozy, cavernous, and often abstract beats, Lil Yachty might not be the first person you think could ride them well. However, following a recent collab between the two along with Draft Day, “SUMMER SUPERSTARS,” we now know that they actually have a lot of chemistry. In fact, they’ve had it for a while, as the Atlanta rapper recently took to Twitter to hint at more to come.
“i’ve for many years secretly enjoyed recording on alchemist beats..,” Lil Yachty wrote along with the visualizer for the track. “i think it’s time to drop a couple of them now..” However, for some die-hard fans of the “Strike” MC’s recent material, this is actually an obvious and cheeky link-up. After all, on his most recent album Let’s Start Here, Yachty has a song titled “The Alchemist” on it, so maybe sone listeners saw this one coming.
Furthermore, it’s nonetheless exciting to think of what the two could’ve cooked up together despite their differing styles. For example, maybe Uncle Al tackled more bubbly and synthetic production styles, or Yachty put on his old-head lyrical cap and spit absolute fire over some grimy boom-bap. Either way, their creativity and vision is key to their artistry, and so a successful result shouldn’t be too surprising. Regardless, it signifies them stepping out of their comfort zone and finding common ground. Even if it doesn’t result in the most amazing songs ever, it’s a commendable effort.
Meanwhile, maybe we’ll hear Lil Boat on Al’s next release, the last of which was the Flying High EP. That also boasted plenty of guests that, while not too similar to Yachty, showed that anyone working with the legendary producer gets that spark of inspiration in them. All we can do now is wait to see what’s in store. With that in mind, stay logged into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Lil Yachty and The Alchemist.
Flying High is the latest project from super-producer The Alchemist. He’s been quite busy recently but he’s truly always working. He released a collab project with Larry June titled The Great Escape and did a song with Hit-Boy in March. Last year he did collab projects with Curren$y and Roc Marciano. He also produced “We Cry Together,” the most polarizing song from Kendrick Lamar’s most recent album. He’s also worked multiple times with Griselda, Freddie Gibbs, Action Bronson, and many more.
Listeners of underground rap music are well acquainted with The Alchemist and this project is a sampler of sorts of his work in that realm. It’s eight songs, with the last four tracks being instrumental versions of the first four. Featured artists on the project include Earl Sweatshirt, Boldy James, billy woods, Larry June and more.
The Alchemist Crafts Unique & Eeerie Soundscapes
The Alchemist’s Flying High showcases a glimpse of the various production styles he has in his bag. The opener, “RIP Tracy,” is unique on every front. Earl Sweatshirt’s trademark monotone slides like syrup over the production. Lines like, “Same time I’m out here tryna change and stay solid / Take care, Bruce Lee say to be water,” blend accessible punchlines with semi-niche references. Billy Woods (stylized “billy woods”) has a stream-of-consciousness flow that takes these qualities to the next level while adding more character to his delivery. “Trouble Man” shifts the tone. T.F and Boldy James tell street tales over an eerie horn and bass loop with no drums – a common practice in underground rap today. Boldy James drops bars that combine modern and classic references with lines like, “Trappin outta state in Louis V Supreme / Slappin’ all this base, I show you why they call me B.B. King.”
The Alchemist Brings Luxury & Soul
“Bless” is easily the most elegant-sounding song on the project. A dreamy piano sample is paired with an equally smooth guitar loop. Underground artists MIKE and Sideshow share stories of personal feelings and reflection which pairs well with the production. Closer “Midnight Oil” is truly a standout track because it features a verse from The Alchemist himself. This is his third verse this year, which has been a treat for those only familiar with his production. This one features Larry June and Jay Worthy on this one. Like the other two artists, Alc’s verse combines luxury and aggression over a soulful loop. He raps, “I clutch a pump / Dump it and jump a country / Might be in Paris speaking bluntly” with ease.
The Alchemist Lets His Music Speak For Him
Flying High by The Alchemist offers production lovers a treat: instrumentals. This has become more common these days as it was the standard for past generations. The Alchemist has been around since the late ’90s and has seen this return in real time. With the instrumentals on this project, listeners can focus on just how creative The Alchemist was with his sample usage. Those who play instruments can try replicating the loops he uses on the project.
The Alchemist’s Flying High is a project with several purposes. These songs are likely leftover from his sessions with the featured artists based on their length and a few lyrics. This doesn’t mean their quality is low; it makes them stand out. The Alchemist has given listeners a peak at his ever-expanding hard drive of music.
This project also is a good teaser for anyone curious about what’s happening in the world of underground rap right now. The Alchemist has been integral in shaping the myriad of soundscapes today. Every underground artist is not represented on this project, but considering who The Alchemist has worked with most people in that lane, going to his Spotify page is a good place to start. Flying High is just an appetizer for the seven-course (and beyond) meal that is his discography.
Listening to an Alchemist beat is unlike anything else in hip-hop. The boom-bap icon’s beats convey pure happiness and freedom, ranging from his works with Boldy James to Freddie Gibbs. Raised in Beverly Hills, California, he quickly identified with the rebellious nature of hip-hop. By the mere age of 14, The Alchemist, born Alan Daniel Maman, decided to spearhead hip hop duo The Whooliganz in 1991 alongside Scott Caan, who went by the moniker Mad Skillz. They initially grabbed the attention of B-Real of Cypress Hill. While the two recorded an entire album for Tommy Boy Records, the label would decide not to release their project in 1993 after their debut single failed to reach commercial success. Eventually, Caan would venture into acting to great success. However, The Alchemist fell further in love with the creative process of hip-hop.
While The Alchemist’s first musical initiative had failed, hip-hop contemporaries noticed his hunger. He would quickly become fascinated with the production aspect of rap. Under DJ Muggs’ guidance, he learned the functionalities of using a sampler and a mixing board. By the late 1990s, The Alchemist had become the go-to producer for Dilated Peoples. This opened the gates for his work with Mobb Deep and eventually, collaborations alongside Nas, Ghostface Killah, and Snoop Dogg. He became a household name in hip-hop, and by 2005, Eminem recruited him to be his official DJ under Shady Records. While he had reached the pinnacle of hip-hop production by the 2000s, his heart remained in the rugged sounds of underground hip-hop. On top of his production credits, he also released several solo projects, including 2004’s 1st Infantry and 2022’s The Alchemist Sandwich.
The Alchemist’s Beats Have Revived New York Rap
The Alchemist’s production style attempts to unite the sound of the underground with radio. Polished yet rugged, his golden-age sampled loops attracted a wide range of elite MCs from New York to Los Angeles. However, his reputation is most associated with the long-lasting trait of hard work. There’s seemingly an announcement of a new Alchemist-produced album every few weeks. So far, 2023 has seen the release of Larry June’s The Great Escape. The project features mellow beats entirely created by The Alchemist that pair perfectly with June’s laid-back California flow. In addition, he contributed to an astounding 17 hip-hop albums in 2022 alone.
While The Alchemist grew up in Southern California, his beat-making days have most heavily influenced the revived boom-bap sound of New York. He’s played a crucial role in reviving the East Coast underground through his many production credits with artists such as Earl Sweatshirt, Navy Blue, Wiki, and the Griselda crew. He told Complex, “My process is to become friends first, or just to get to know a person and like them. When I think back on a lot of the good music I made with people, when we first met, there was a moment when I was like, ‘I like this guy.’” That perspective is a fresh one in hip-hop, especially as many producers work with artists for underlying financial motivations.
The Alchemist Supports Smaller Artists
That focus on creating great music has been more apparent as The Alchemist has continued to develop as a producer. Rather than work with the biggest MCs in the game, many of his recent records have been with underground and independent artists who are carving out their legacy. However, that hard work would culminate with a Grammy nomination for Freddie Gibbs’ Alfredo in 2020. Combining Italian mafia themes and electrifying guitar strings, many hold Alfredo as the best album in Gibbs’ deep discography. The Alchemist continued that classic streak since then, releasing critically acclaimed projects such as Roc Marciano’s The Elephant Man’s Bones and Curren$y’s Continuance.
Many modern-day beat lovers wouldn’t know it, but The Alchemist is also a talented verse-dropper. While he briefly ditched his pen game after his teenage project wasn’t deemed entertaining enough to hit the charts, he’s still dabbled with creating his own verses during his spare time. Take 2012’s Russian Roulette, a project that he expanded on with Tidal. “At first it was instrumental, then I filled it in with some rhymes and just wanted to spread my wings a little bit as far as the stuff I was accustomed to making. I wanted to subvert what people were expecting and just go left a little bit.” Most recently, he traded bars with Hit-Boy on “Slipping Into Darkness” off of Surf Or Drown.
Only Getting Started
Now approaching the halfway mark into 2023, The Alchemist has yet to announce another project for us to look forward to. However, Vince Staples recently expressed frustration regarding the leak of his unreleased Alchemist-aided tracks. If the past is any indicator, we’ll be hearing much more from one of boom-bap’s most iconic producers by the end of the year. The Alchemist has garnered a reputation as hip-hop’s hardest worker throughout a career that now surpasses three decades. Impressively enough, it looks as if the 45-year-old is only just getting started.
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