Al’s latest record flexes his lyrical muscles.
Boasting a discography that extends longer than a CVS receipt, The Alchemist has established himself as one of the most prolific figures in the current landscape of hip-hop music. In 2023, he teamed up with frequent collaborator Earl Sweatshirt to drop VOIR DIRE, a project that has remained in my rotation since its release. That same year, he produced for two of my favorite artists: MIKE and Wiki, on Faith Is A Rock. This year has been no different, as Alchemist has already released two collaborative projects since January, including Heads I Win, Tails You Lose, which saw him take on the roles of emcee and producer alongside multi-talented artist Oh No, as the duo Gangrene.
With the release of his newest solo project The Genuine Articulate, Uncle Al returns to the scene not only with his characteristically masterful production but also with more bars of his own. I was unaware that he would be rapping on this project, so imagine my surprise when I heard his first verse on “Ferraris in the Rain.” His voice melds exceptionally well with the triumphant horn instrumentals on this track; it is a perfect embodiment of the drumless hip-hop sound that has taken over the underground scene. ScHoolboy Q, featured on the track, also comes through with a sharp performance reminiscent of his critically acclaimed project, Blue Lips, released in March.
Throughout this project, The Alchemist’s production is as bold as the braggadocio in his lyrics. The track, “Minnesota Fats” — whose title is a nod to the iconic The Hustlers character of the same name — is forward and unforgettable. Al, alongside rapper and chef Action Bronson and his “Albanian cousin” Big Body Bes, spits over a strange bassline similar to the theme of a clumsy cartoon villain. While Bes’s verse in combination with the instrumental proves a difficult listen, Alchemist spits one of the most memorable lines on the album:
”Father forgive me, I’m in a holy bag.”
Another instance of experimental production choices is found in “Something Light.” The track entranced me with its spacey synth line and unconventional time signature. Though this one may take some adjusting to for some listeners, once it hits… it really hits.
The cumulative feature game on this project was a success. Conway the Machine, Larry June, and Havoc all performed to the par set by their independent discographies. The artists draw their own fans into Al’s project by providing solid, supportive voices, each matching the mood of their respective tracks extremely well. June’s breezy flow matches the soul flip on “Details” especially well. However, it comes as a shock that the highest points of the album are the solo tracks: “Everybody’s Favorite Uncle” and “Seasons Change.”
The instrumental on “Everybody’s Favorite Uncle” is easily the most addictive on the album. It features a synth melody on top of electric piano chords, which foster the most appealing aspect of the track: the transition from the intro loop’s end to the first verse. The feel of this song is incredibly bright and sunny, and with its easygoing rhythm, it reminds me of Madlib’s “What a Day.” In combination with the succeeding tracks “Diego Maradona” and “Details,” this makes way for the show-stopping moment of beauty on the album: “Seasons Change.”
“Seasons Change” puts The Alchemist’s rapper-producer skills on full display as he paints a picture of everyday life with his child over a cozy guitar melody. This track encapsulates appreciation for the small things in life; it expresses the quiet peace of a cold, rainy morning. Throughout Al’s verse, audio samples of special moments with his son peek in and out, firmly establishing a heartwarming tone that draws a tear from everyone’s eye. I once thought the perfect closing track did not exist, but this song came onto my radar to prove me wrong.
What else can be said about the strength of the release, The Genuine Articulate? It has come to the point where the words ‘The Alchemist’ in song credits guarantee a playlist addition for me. All I ask of this man is that he never stops sharing his art. For those who appreciate the culture of hip-hop, his work is instrumental.
Featured album image from The Genuine Articulate – The Alchemist on Spotify.
