Stream: Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist – “Alfredo 2”
Freddie Gibbs drops “Alfredo 2” album with The Alchemist
In 2020, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist teamed up for Alfredo, an album that blended lush, minimalist production with precise street lyricism. It was a standout project in a year packed with notable releases, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album and a place in the modern hip-hop canon.
Now, five years later, they’ve returned with Alfredo 2. While sequels in music often feel rushed or gimmicky, this one lands with depth, clarity, and purpose. Instead of repeating the formula of the first project, Alfredo 2 refines it—offering a richer soundscape, more layered lyricism, and a broader sense of introspection.
Freddie Gibbs is no longer the scrappy underdog. He raps like someone who’s already won—and has no interest in convincing you. The Alchemist, for his part, once again proves that no one can create a mood quite like he can.
The Tracklist: Tight, Focused, and Feature-Ready
Alfredo 2 spans 14 tracks, each produced entirely by The Alchemist. The sonic cohesion is immediate. Al’s production weaves vintage soul chops, eerie loops, and stripped-back drums that leave space for Gibbs to operate without distraction.
Tracklist:
- 1995
- Mar-a-Lago
- Lemon Pepper Steppers
- Ensalada (feat. Anderson .Paak)
- Empanadas
- Skinny Suge II
- Feeling (feat. Larry June)
- I Still Love H.E.R.
- Shangri-La
- Gas Station Sushi
- Lavish Habits
- Gold Feet (feat. JID)
- Jean Claude
- A Thousand Mountains
From the first track, “1995,” the tone is set. It’s a spiritual sequel to Alfredo’s opener, “1985,” echoing the same sense of unease and momentum. Freddie sounds comfortable, if not surgical, moving through memories and flexes with the confidence of a veteran.
Feature Verses That Bring Real Chemistry
In an era where album features often feel like playlists stitched together, Alfredo 2 does things differently. The guest appearances are limited, and that makes them more impactful. Each feature adds new texture without breaking the album’s tone.
Anderson .Paak brings a melodic lift on “Ensalada,” delivering a hook that’s both catchy and subtle. He never overshadows the track but elevates its vibe with effortless smoothness.
Larry June, known for his laid-back motivational flow, fits seamlessly on “Feeling.” The two rap about financial wins and growth, making it a feel-good, hustler’s anthem.
JID appears on “Gold Feet,” and it’s here the lyrical sparks fly. His rapid-fire style creates a compelling contrast to Gibbs’ slower, menacing delivery. It’s a lyrical back-and-forth that fans of technical rap will replay more than once.
The guest list is short but strategic—supporting rather than distracting.
Themes: Reflection, Loyalty, and Survival
While Gibbs has always balanced bravado with vulnerability, Alfredo 2 leans even further into self-awareness. There’s still talk of street codes, money, and betrayal, but it’s filtered through the lens of someone who’s made it out and is willing to reflect on the cost.
Reflection: On “Skinny Suge II” and “A Thousand Mountains,” Gibbs sounds like a man taking stock. He’s not preaching, but he’s clearly speaking from lessons earned the hard way.
Loyalty and Code: “Lavish Habits” dives into the paradox of loyalty in environments where survival often comes first. It’s a gritty track that balances luxury with loss.
Love for Hip-Hop: The standout “I Still Love H.E.R.” references Common’s classic while critiquing modern rap’s obsession with algorithms over artistry. It’s a love letter and a call-out all at once.
Even the song titles—like “Empanadas” and “Gas Station Sushi”—hint at something more layered. These aren’t just quirky names. They represent contradictions: the comfort of food vs. the instability of the world around you. It’s indulgence and instability in the same bite.
The Alchemist: Letting the Loops Speak
The Alchemist doesn’t chase radio plays. He doesn’t try to reinvent himself every year. Instead, he does what he’s always done: deliver textured, emotional, and often eerie backdrops that demand repeat listens.
On Alfredo 2, his beats don’t just support Gibbs—they shape the emotional arcs. The production is sparse but never empty. “Gas Station Sushi” rides a haunting vocal loop, while “Jean Claude” uses cinematic strings that feel straight out of a noir film.
Where many producers over-layer and over-polish, The Alchemist practices restraint. His approach is subtle but incredibly intentional. It’s music that doesn’t rush you. It asks you to sit with it.
This kind of cohesion between artist and producer is rare. It’s part of what made Alfredo great—and what makes Alfredo 2 feel like an even more mature extension
Critical and Fan Reception: Immediate Impact
Since its release, Alfredo 2 has received strong reactions from both fans and critics. On forums and social platforms, the album is being hailed as one of the best hip-hop releases of 2025 so far.
Fans have praised:
- The minimal but powerful production
- The lyrical clarity and depth
- The purposeful features
- The pacing and track sequencing
Importantly, it feels like a full album—not just a playlist of songs. It encourages you to start at Track 1 and stay locked in until the final seconds of “A Thousand Mountains.”
There’s no clear radio single, and that’s part of its strength. Alfredo 2 isn’t chasing a viral moment. It’s aiming for replay value. The more you listen, the more you catch. The layered metaphors, the subtle production flourishes—it’s all designed to unfold over time.
A Modern Classic in the Making
Alfredo 2 is more than a sequel—it’s a reassertion of why albums like this still matter.
It’s an album that respects its listeners. It doesn’t pander, doesn’t over-explain, and doesn’t rush. It assumes you’re here to pay attention—and rewards you if you do.
Freddie Gibbs continues to grow, not just as a rapper, but as a writer. His flow is as sharp as ever, but now there’s more distance between the stories and the ego. He’s focused, experienced, and unshaken.
The Alchemist, as always, delivers soundscapes that give the project timeless texture. This isn’t boom bap revivalism—it’s something more specific and lived-in.
Together, they’ve created something that feels both current and classic.
Whether you loved the first Alfredo or are discovering this duo for the first time, Alfredo 2 is a reminder that hip-hop—at its best—is about more than beats and bars. It’s about collaboration, storytelling, and craft.
And on that front, this album delivers in full.