Beverly Hills, California producer, The Alchemist has been one of the busiest artists in the rap game all year long. In 2023 alone he put out four albums and now is up to eight singles in nine months. But, this should come as no surprise because his work ethic has been like this since he burst onto the scene back in the mid-2000s. The first project he released was with king of laid-back rap, Larry June. The Great Escape featured Big Sean, Action Bronson, Ty Dolla $ign, Boldy James and more. Then, On April 20, he teamed up with Domo Genisis for No Idols.
The grind continued, as just two months would pass before Flying High made its way to streaming. Finally, on the first day of September, The Elephant Man’s Bones The ALC Edition with Roc Marciano would be the most recent album. In between and after that, The Alchemist was still hopping on other albums and releasing more singles. Just last week, Vince Staples and Earl Sweatshirt joined him for the terrific track, “The Caliphate.” He also worked alongside frequent partner in crime, Westside Gunn, and Travis Scott. It was a surprise for many to see him land on such a massive mainstream release. He absolutely killed it on UTOPIA, with his instrumental input on “LOST FOREVER.”
Listen To “Mayors A Cop” From The Alchemist, MIKE, And Wiki
All of this leads us to his latest single, “Mayors A Cop.” It features two New York rappers, MIKE and Wiki. Both love to rap on abstract beats and who better to collaborate with than The Alchemist? In fact, all three are dropping an album together which will be out on September 22. The title is Faith Is A Rock, and the producer announced this on his Instagram. According to Genius, this latest LP will have 10 tracks on it too. The Alchemist just does not know how to slow down.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand new collaboration single, “Mayors A Cop,” from The Alchemist, MIKE, and Wiki? Is this one of the The Alchemist’s best beats of the year? Who had the better rapping performance on the track? We want to know what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the hottest song releases, as well as all of the latest breaking news around the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
The mayor’s a cop The blues quadrupled up, the block is hot Shit, this how they chose to use the guap
Last month, Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist teamed up for a new album. While the pair have worked together on songs in the past this is the first time they’ve ever made an entire album together. The project was called Voir Dire and while it received lots of critical acclaim plenty of fans didn’t get the chance to hear it. That’s because the album was exclusively released on an NFT based music streaming service called Gala.
Now thanks to a new announcement, fans who haven’t heard the record yet know when they’ll be able to give it a try. “You asked for it. VOIR DIRE on all streaming platforms 10/6,” The Alchemist announced in a new Instagram post. The excitement came with layers as well. Not only is the album arriving on streaming very soon, but it’s coming with three new tracks. Two of the new tracks feature one of Earl Sweatshirt’s longest-running collaborators, Vince Staples. The first of the pair, “The Caliphate” dropped on streaming last night. Check out the Instagram post below.
The release on streaming will come at a pretty good time. Fans will have the chance to see Alc and Earl performing songs from the album when they take it on tour later this year. The pair will spend November of this year touring behind the record. They’ll hit 11 cities across North America alongside MIKE and Black Noise.
In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music Radio, Earl confessed to being a very sensitive rapper. “I’m the most sensitive n*gga that’s outside. I’m not going to lie to you. No, that’s what I was saying outside to them. I was like, what if I went in there with Zane Lowe and sat down and just started profusely crying right now. Serious,” he said in the interview. What do you think of Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist’s new album dropping on streaming with two new Vince Staples features? Let us know in the comment section below.
This time, they’ll be bringing along frequent collaborator MIKE and producer Black Noi$e, who produced a couple of tracks on Earl’s 2022 album, Sick! The tour kicks off November 6 and runs through the 27th, hitting the Pacific Northwest, the Bay Area, and key stops in the South and East Coast (although, curiously, it does not run through their shared hometown, Los Angeles. I’m betting that’s going to change at some point). You can see the tour dates below.
11/06 — Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
11/07 — Portland, OR @ McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom
11/09 — San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
11/14 — Dallas, TX @ The Studio at The Factory
11/15 — Houston, TX @ The Ballroom at Warehouse Live
11/18 — Atlanta, GA @ Heaven at The Masquerade
11/20 — Washington, DC @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
11/21 — Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
11/22 — New York City, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/24 — Boston, MA @ Royale
11/27 — Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist are hitting the road together! Today, Earl Sweatshirt took to Instagram to share the news that he and The Alchemist will be embarking on an 11-city tour. The tour is in support of their joint album VOIR DIRE. Joining them on this musical journey is the talented underground rapper from New York City, MIKE, and experimental rap producer Black Noi$e, who will be part of the tour for the first three shows.
Moreover, VOIR DIRE, their project that dropped on August 25 this year, is an album that stands out not only for its music but also for its innovative release approach. It was released exclusively through Gala Music as an NFT-backed project. However, although the album is available for free streaming, to unlock access to special merchandise and unique experiences, listeners must make a track purchase. The available merchandise includes items such as t-shirts and autographed album posters. Meanwhile, the “experiences” category includes the opportunity to make cameo appearances in the music video for a track or to participate in the virtual event titled “Smokeout: Light Up with Earl & Al.”
Subsequently, the tour itself should be a dynamic showcase of talent. This provides Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist with a platform to connect directly with their dedicated fan base. The journey kicks off on November 6 in Seattle, marking the first step in an extensive itinerary. The tour will span various cities across the United States, including stops in Portland, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, New York City, Detroit, and more. As these acclaimed artists bring their music to life on stage, fans can look forward to an immersive experience.
Tour Dates
9/6 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo 9/7 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom 9/9 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom 9/14 – Dallas, TX – The Studio At The Factory 9/15 – Houston, TX – The Ballroom At Warehouse Live * 9/18 – Atlanta, GA – Heaven At The Masquerade * 9/20 – Washington, DC – The Fillmore Silver Spring * 9/21 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts * 9/22 – New York City, NY – Brooklyn Steel * 9/24 – Boston, MA – Royale * 9/27 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall *
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.
