Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist have unveiled their joint album VOIR DIRE. This 11-track masterpiece arrives as a digital collectible, accessible exclusively through Gala Music. However, the track “Sentry,” featuring rapper MIKE, is now available on all major streaming platforms.
The album’s release was ingeniously unveiled through an intricate scavenger hunt, engaging fans in a series of real-life and digital puzzles. The global fan base united in online forums, piecing together clues from various sources, including Earl’s GOLF WANG store pop-up in Los Angeles and events in Chicago, New York City, and London. This long-awaited collaboration between Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist has ignited excitement and intrigue across the music community.
For months, Earl Sweatshirt and the Alchemist have been teasing a collaborative album, and while fans were undoubtedly excited for the project to exist, at least a few of them are likely to be disappointed to learn that it’s only available (for now, at least) as an NFT. That’s right; the quintessential iconoclasts of rap have jumped on the NFT train. (To their credit, they are like… two years too late; that train has already derailed.)
The album’s called Voir Dire and is exclusively available through Gala Music — the same outfit that put out Mount Westmore’s Bad MFs last year. According to Stereogum, you can still stream the album if you sign up for an account with Gala Music, and the songs on the album album are typically “short and hazy,” with one guest appearance from New York rapper MIKE.
MIKE, of course, has been a fixture on projects from Alchemist over the past couple of years, while he and Earl are good friends. They appear together on “Sentry,” the album’s lead single. You can check out the “Sentry” video above. Check out the tracklist for Voir Dire below.
1. “100 High Street”
2. “Vin Skully”
3. “Sentry” (Feat. MIKE)
4. “All The Small Things”
5. “My Brother, The Wind”
6. “27 Braids”
7. “Mac Deuce”
8. “Sirius Blac”
9. “Geb”
10. “Deadzone”
11. “Free The Ruler”
Sometimes it can be easy to forget that rappers are rap fans themselves. Earl Sweatshirt reminded everyone of that during a recent show when he bumped some Playboi Carti between tracks. Clips hit the internet of Earl vibing on stage while the rapper’s song “JumpOutTheHouse” booms over the speakers. Fans in the audience are clearly feeling it as the jump around to the beat and sing along to the lyrics. The crossover surprised some given the major stylistic differences between Carti and Earl, but the “Chum” rapper appears to be a big fan regardless.
Earlier today Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist announced a joint show they’ll perform in London. The pair each took to Instagram to share a flyer for the show, which also includes a tease towards a new album. Fans speculate that Voir Dire could be the name of an upcoming project between the two. The rapper and producer have worked together often in the past, even as recently as earlier this year. Earl appeared on the opening track “RIP Tracy” from The Alchemist’s Flying High EP that dropped in June.
Over the weekend Earl Sweatshirt was joined by his fellow Odd Future rapper Tyler, The Creator on stage to perform one of their classic tracks. The pair treated the crowd to their team-up “Whoa” from Earl’s 2013 album Doris. Fans have been calling for an Odd Future reunion for years and with numerous members also at the show, this may be the closest they’ve ever gotten.
Back in June, Earl Sweatshirt released his first new song of 2023. It’s called “Making The Band (Danity Kane)” and dropped with an accompanying music video before hitting streaming a week later. The song featured production from both Clams Casino and Surf Gang’s Evilgiane. What do you think of Earl Sweatshirt enjoying some Playboi Carti music during a recent concert? Let us know in the comment section below.
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.
An instrumental can make or break a song, as rappers heavily rely on producers to craft their sound. Whether it is a sampled loop or an intricately arranged production with live instrumentation, the possibilities of production in hip hop are limitless. Rap music is so varied in this modern age, allowing producers from different backgrounds with various skill sets to showcase their creativity. Today, we have compiled a list of seven influential hip hop producers you should know.
Mastermind producers like Dr. Dre, Pharrell, and Timbaland have been omitted from this list as they are household names and are only selectively producing in recent times. This list of hip hop producers includes established names actively producing in the 2020’s. Each producer on this list has a signature sound, has worked with a variety of artists, and has a deep discography of instrumentals. You should know these seven influential producers below, listed in no particular order.
The Alchemist
Not many producers are as consistent as The Alchemist. He often works with underground lyricists but has produced for Eminem, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and more. Last year, he notably produced Kendrick Lamar’s “We Cry Together.” The Alchemist’s earliest claim to fame was crafting beats for Mobb Deep and eventually collaborating with both members as solo artists. Frequent collaborators of his include Action Bronson, members of Odd Future, and Griselda. He is also a part of multiple duos, including Step Brothers with Evidence and Gangrene with Oh No.
The Alchemist is known for his ability to cater to any artist’s sound, but his most acclaimed works feature minimally chopped and looped samples. He has utilized his skills to create an extensive discography of compilations, instrumental albums, soundtracks, EPs, and mostly collaborative albums. His most recent full-length collaborations include projects with Larry June, Roc Marciano, Boldly James, Armand Hammer, and Freddie Gibbs for the Grammy-nominated Alfredo. These albums do not even begin to encompass the high volume of quality work that The Alchemist has released in his career. His influence on hip hop spreads across the mainstream and underground scenes.
Madlib
Madlib is one of the most influential hip hop producers, known for creating some of the underground’s most iconic albums. He’s teamed up with J Dilla for Champion Sound, an album with Strong Arm Steady, and the legendary Madvillainy with MF DOOM. Madlib is known for his ability to transform obscure samples into imaginative beats. His creativity knows no bounds; he has also released many jazz albums and beat tapes.
Madlib’s most influential acclaimed works came out in the early 2000s, but he is still actively releasing music. He recently teamed up with Talib Kweli for Liberation 2 and also produced the long-awaited second Black Star album, 2022’s No Fear of Time. Madlib’s most notable contributions to contemporary hip hop include Piñata and Bandana with Freddie Gibbs, now considered classics. He has been highly respected for a while but continues influencing modern hip hop.
Hit-Boy has been producing for over a decade but is finally hitting his stride. His name suits him as he produced many big hits early in his career. Hit-Boy has appeared on landmark releases such as Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, Watch the Throne, Long.Live.A$AP, and Astroworld. The California beatmaker has also produced songs for Beyoncé and Rihanna. While earning many accolades as a newcomer, Hit-Boy built his sound with his label, producing for West Coast acts like Nipsey Hussle and Dom Kennedy.
It was not until recently that Hit-Boy was given his props as a producer. He has been on a prolific run of collaborative albums with Benny the Butcher, Big Sean, and, most significantly, Nas. Hit-Boy and Nas found their groove with the King’s Disease trilogy and their Magic album. Nas even likened his pairing with Hit-Boy to “Michael and Quincy.” He may have a knack for collaborating, but Hit-Boy also produces his own rap albums as well, releasing multiple solo works this year. His sound is versatile, and he encourages other producers to up their game.
Metro Boomin
Metro Boomin is one of Trap’s most influential producers. He has been involved in some of the most monumental trap anthems and produced crossover pop hits. Metro Boomin has worked closely with Future, 21 Savage, and Migos. He also produced “Heartless” for The Weeknd and “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” for Kanye West. Metro Boomin is one of the most well-known creators of sinister trap beats and has seen recent success with his studio albums. Last year’s Heroes & Villains contained many hits, and most recently, Metro Boomin created the soundtrack for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Daringer
Daringer is the architect of the Buffalo sound. As the primary producer of Griselda, he completely transformed the state of underground hip hop with his signature style. Daringer is known for his slow and simple drum breaks, haunting soul loops, bombastic guitar melodies, and reconfigured jazz samples. He generally works with his Griselda crew of Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher but has recently branched out. Daringer has since worked with the likes of Action Bronson, Evidence, and Your Old Droog.
Kaytranada
Kaytranada’s music reaches beyond hip hop, but his signature sound has proven influential in rap music. His music is a fusion between dance, house, R&B, and hip hop. Kaytranada’s distinctive bounce and upbeat tempos lean into pop and R&B, but Kaytranada can adapt to any style. His most recent full-length collaboration with Aminé attests to his ability to fuse genres. Kaytranada has produced both experimental and traditional hip hop styles, working with Mick Jenkins, GoldLink, Talib Kweli, Freddie Gibbs, and Chance the Rapper. Additionally, he handled half of Bishop Nehru’s conceptual Elevators album. Kaytranada’s unique approach to production may be more well-known in the dance and R&B spaces, but his influence on hip hop today should not go unnoticed.
Jae5
Jae5 started his career primarily producing for J Hus, pioneering the afroswing sound with hit songs like “Did You See” and “Friendly.” Afrobeats has taken over the world, and one of its many subgenres, afroswing, currently dominates the UK charts, thanks to producers like Jae5. Hip hop and pop music have drastically changed due to afrobeats and the UK-influenced afroswing. Derived from afrobeats, dancehall, hip hop, R&B, and grime, afroswing became an influential genre for modern music, and Jae5 was responsible for some of its biggest and best songs. Many of the biggest rappers in the UK, like Skepta, Stormzy, and Dave have embraced their African roots over Jae5 production. He has also produced songs for some of the biggest names in African music, like Burna Boy and Rema.
Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist are once again teaming up for a release, with both artists sharing the cover art for something called Flying High dropping this Friday, June 30. While fans appear to be speculating that it’s a joint album from Earl and Al with the latter on production, the two have given few details, although clicking on the cover art on Alchemist’s post pulls up the names of some of their frequent collaborators like Billy Woods, Boldy James, Jay Worthy, Larry June, and MIKE, suggesting that it could be The Alchemist’s project with all those rappers featured.
The Alchemist has worked with most of the artists listed above as recently as early this year. He and Boldy James have released four projects together to date, with the most recent being Super Tecmo Bo in 2021, while he and Larry June dropped The Great Escape this March. Billy Woods appeared on the album Haram as part of the duo Armand Hammer with Elucid, while MIKE teamed up with Al and Wiki late last year for the EP One More.
The output of songs from Boldy James deserves to be celebrated. The Detroit rapper dropped four projects in 2022 and has already released one this year. All of these projects were also producer-exclusive collaborations. This showcases his chemistry with various producers and range as an artist. Each project has a unique sound, and Boldy adapts to them all.
His signature monotone delivery and bleak subject matter bring many listeners in because it helps his stories stick. Boldly was involved in a car accident this year but has since fully recovered. Interestingly enough, he actually dropped a project the week this happened. For many, this was a testament to his work ethic. However, Boldly seems to be on a well-deserved break at the moment. We highlighted some of his most popular songs before he kicks into high gear again.
5. “Long Live Julio” (2020)
This Boldy James song is from his debut Griselda project. Appropriately titled The Versace Tape, it was entirely produced by Jay Versace. With 3.2 million streams, it’s safe to say people were curious about his production skills and chemistry with another artist. This one finds Boldy rapping over a looped soulful sample. The horns have an easygoing feel, and the drums even drop out during Boldy’s verse.
However, there’s a bass line that remains the entire time. Boldy’s verse is unique because he uses the same end rhyme for every bar. His subject matter begins with a focus on his past and, by the verse’s conclusion, has shifted to his present. During the former, he namedrops some people from his upbringing and includes more notable figures in punchlines later in his verse.
4. “Level Tipping Scales” (2021)
This Boldy James song is from one of his projects with producer The Alchemist. The record is titled Super Tecmo Bo, and this song is one of the shortest tracks on the project. It’s also the project’s opening track. Considering this, the song overviews one of the central topics: drug trafficking. Boldy details his various methods of storing and delivering his product.
Meanwhile, The Alchemist’s production provides an eerie soundscape for Boldy to tell his tale. There’s a looping piano paired with a bass line and a subtle sound, almost like a siren. Furthermore, dusty boom bap drums fit well with the other vintage-sounding sampled instruments. With 3.8 million streams, this one certainly drew many listeners into this entry in the duo’s multiple collab projects.
This Boldy James song has a feature from one of his Griselda labelmates, Benny The Butcher. However, this was not their first time on a song together. Additionally, someone who they have both worked with is on production – The Alchemist. He provides eerie synths and grimy bass for the duo, elements both rappers have performed well over in the past. This song comes from another collab project with Alchemist and Boldy, Bo Jackson.
Both Benny and Boldy reference each other in their verses. Boldly uses an internal rhyme-packed rapid-fire flow during his verse before switching to his trademark slower flow by its end. The closing moments of it praise his relationship with Benny. With 6.1 million streams, it’s safe to say the cross-section of listeners of both artists immensely enjoyed this collaborative track.
2. “Carruth” (2020)
This is a song from Boldy James’ discography that was a part of many listeners’ introductions to him. It comes from his album The Price of Tea in China – or TPOT in China for short. Once again, tried and true producer The Alchemist handled the production on the entire album. Additionally, this is the first song on the project, too. In this track, Boldly gives listeners a more sentimental recap of things he’s been through. Once again, he incorporates real names of people he’s known, validating the stories he’s telling.
The Alchemist provides a soulful sample loop, whose volume is lowered during Boldy’s verse. Further, the sentimental piano loop enhances the emotional feeling of the verse. The minimal, almost inaudible drums hone in focus on the song’s melody. With over 7.6 million streams, this one served as a well-received opener to the world Boldy took his listeners into.
1. “Great Adventures” (2021)
This Boldy James song is another track from his collab album with The Alchemist, Super Tecmo Bo. Instead of sounding borderline or straight-up eerie/menacing, this song has a luxurious sound. Considering it dropped years ago, some may see it as a glimpse of what The Alchemist favored on his latest collab album, The Great Escape. The production on this track combines a bass guitar, piano keys, and/or a synthesizer and even chimes. Boldly’s comfortable monotone delivery fits well among these sounds as he cuts through them while maintaining the song’s atmosphere. Basketball and pop culture references are a staple in Boldy’s verses, and he offers some of his most accessible yet creative lines here. This could be one reason it has over 11 million streams, as listeners enjoy it and may use it to show someone just how talented Boldy James is.
As our list proves, Boldly James has created much of his music with The Alchemist. However, he also has other collab projects with different producers that deserve recognition. Perhaps his output will inspire even more artists to release special collaborative projects. These records are more common in underground rap, but producers like Metro Boomin have also collaborated with chart-topping rappers. These projects help bring new listeners to everyone involved with the project. Rappers should just note if they choose to collaborate with The Alchemist, they will have a high bar to reach.
What are some of your favorite songs from Boldy James? Let us know in the comments section.
Larry June and The Alchemist have their album loaded. Due this Friday (March 31), Larry and Al will drop off The Great Escape.
The new album will be 15 tracks deep and feature Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Curren$y, Ty Dolla $ign, Joey Bada$$, and more. The duo has already dropped a video for the Big Sean-featured “Palisades.”
Larry June has announced a Live Nation-produced 47-date national tour. The tour will begin on May 8 in Minneapolis and touch Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and many other cities before closing up on July 23 at Oakland’s Fox Theater for a hometown performance.
Presale for the tickets starts this Wednesday, March 22nd, at 10 am local time, with general on sale beginning this coming Friday, March 24th at 10 am local. Tickets can be purchased at larryjune.org/tour.
The tour comes just ahead of Larry June’s collaborative album with The Alchemist, The Great Escape. The release will come on March 31 and will feature the singles “60 Days” and “89 Earthquake.” The album is previewed by a mini-documentary highlighting the duo’s creative process. You can see the full tour dates below.
(@larryjunetfm)