Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist reveal “Alfredo 2” tracklist; Larry June, Anderson .Paak, and more featured

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Jul 17, 2025

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist reveal “Alfredo 2” tracklist

Five years after their acclaimed debut Alfredo, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist are back with a cinematic bang. Their highly anticipated sequel, Alfredo 2, is set for release on July 25, 2025 — and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most compelling hip-hop drops of the year.

From Tokyo-shot visuals to a new single that nods to the past, the duo is blending nostalgia with bold new storytelling. Here’s everything you need to know about the album, the short film, and why this sequel matters so much in today’s hip-hop landscape.

A Tokyo Crime Saga: The Short Film That Set the Stage

In a bold and unexpected move, Gibbs and Alchemist premiered a short film to tease Alfredo 2. Titled “Alfredo: The Movie”, the 14-minute noir piece was filmed entirely in Japan and directed by Nick Walker. The result is an atmospheric black-and-white crime saga — gritty, stylish, and full of the moodiness we’ve come to expect from the duo’s work.

Set in Tokyo, the film features Gibbs playing a quiet martial artist living in the mountains, forced to return to the city under mysterious circumstances. What follows is a series of tense encounters, cryptic phone calls, ramen shop hideouts, and yakuza dealings. It’s rich with symbolism and layered storytelling — a visual appetizer for the full album.

The film doesn’t just entertain. It sets the tone, deepening the aesthetic that fans will experience sonically through the upcoming album.

“1995” – A Callback to a Classic

Released alongside the short film, the lead single “1995” instantly caught the attention of hip-hop heads. Produced by The Alchemist, the track is a spiritual successor to “1985” from the original Alfredo. But where “1985” was smooth and jazzy, “1995” amps up the energy with gritty guitar licks and deeper introspection.

Gibbs sounds laser-focused. His delivery is confident but mature — a reflection of where he is now in his career and life. Meanwhile, Alchemist crafts a beat that feels nostalgic but fresh, laced with vinyl crackle, warped keys, and clever transitions.

This song doesn’t just build hype. It confirms that Alfredo 2 isn’t just a retread. It’s a continuation.

Release Date & Rollout Strategy

The official release date for Alfredo 2 is July 25, 2025. That puts it smack in the middle of summer — a smart choice given the buzz around music festivals, outdoor shows, and high streaming activity.

Leading up to the announcement, fans picked up on several hints:

  • A mysterious billboard in Los Angeles with Japanese text and an old payphone number.
  • A short-lived pre-save link that appeared (and disappeared) online.
  • Social media clips of Tokyo streets and ramen shops, cryptically posted by The Alchemist.

Each of these teases was intentional. They leaned into the film’s noir aesthetic and built organic curiosity — no gimmicks, just smart marketing.

Tracklist & Featured Artists

Alfredo 2 will include 14 tracks, all produced by The Alchemist. It features three high-profile guest artists:

  • Anderson .Paak on “Ensalada” – expect soulful vocals and dynamic instrumentation.
  • Larry June on “Feeling” – his laid-back Bay Area style meshes well with Gibbs’ focused flow.
  • JID on “Gold Feet” – the Dreamville MC brings lyrical dexterity to the project.

Here’s the full tracklist:

  1. 1995
  2. Mar‑a‑Lago
  3. Lemon Pepper Steppers
  4. Ensalada (ft. Anderson .Paak)
  5. Empanadas
  6. Skinny Suge II
  7. Feeling (ft. Larry June)
  8. I Still Love H.E.R.
  9. Shangri La
  10. Gas Station Sushi
  11. Lavish Habits
  12. Gold Feet (ft. JID)
  13. Jean Claude
  14. A Thousand Mountains

Each title hints at themes of luxury, street life, and cultural mash-ups — a signature style for both artists.

Legacy of Alfredo: Why This Matters

Released in 2020, the original Alfredo became an instant classic. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album and landed on numerous year-end lists. Critics praised its brevity, consistency, and replay value. At just 35 minutes, Alfredo proved that short albums could still feel complete.

Beyond the accolades, Alfredo marked a new peak in both artists’ careers:

  • Freddie Gibbs cemented his status as one of the most versatile rappers of his generation.
  • The Alchemist reinforced his reputation as a top-tier producer who could evolve with the times.

Alfredo 2 carries the weight of expectation — and based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s more than ready to deliver.

A Global Lens on Hip-Hop

Shooting the short film in Tokyo isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It represents the growing global scope of hip-hop. The culture is no longer confined to U.S. cities — it’s worldwide. By setting their story in Japan, Gibbs and Alchemist acknowledge that hip-hop can transcend borders, languages, and cultural norms.

This global storytelling trend mirrors moves by other artists like Travis Scott (Egypt), Tyler, The Creator (Europe), and Kendrick Lamar (Africa).

And it’s more than just location. The Japanese crime noir inspiration brings an evergreen cinematic flavor that will keep this rollout feeling fresh, even months after release.

What Makes a Great Rap Collab Album?

Fans often ask: What makes a great rapper-producer album?

Alfredo (and likely Alfredo 2) fits the mold because:

  • Consistency: A single producer ensures sonic cohesion.
  • Trust: Gibbs and Alchemist push each other creatively.
  • Vision: Each project has a defined aesthetic and mood.
  • Focus: No bloat — just tight, refined songs.

Other successful examples include:

  • Madvillainy (MF DOOM & Madlib)
  • Run the Jewels (El-P & Killer Mike)
  • Bandana (Freddie Gibbs & Madlib)
  • Piñata (Freddie Gibbs & Madlib again!)

These collaborations prove that hip-hop albums can be cinematic, intentional, and deeply replayable — not just playlists of singles.

How to Experience Alfredo 2 Fully

To get the most out of Alfredo 2, fans should:

  1. Watch the short film first to absorb the tone.
  2. Listen to “1995” closely — there are lyrical nods to past tracks.
  3. Read the lyrics when the full album drops — Gibbs hides gems in plain sight.
  4. Use headphones — Alchemist’s production has intricate layers.
  5. Follow the features — each one brings a different flavor that complements Gibbs’ style.

A Sequel Done Right

In an era of quick drops and algorithmic content, Alfredo 2 stands out as a passion project — one that respects its fans while evolving its artistic identity. Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist aren’t chasing trends. They’re building worlds.

With the return of their signature sound, cinematic rollouts, and a sharp focus on craft, Alfredo 2 is poised to not just meet expectations — but exceed them.

Mark your calendar. July 25 is coming fast.