Released: 2025
Genres: Gangsta Rap, Jazz Rap, Drumless, Boom Bap
The Musiquarium’s Alfredo II Review Score: 9 out of 10
Five years after the critically-acclaimed Alfredo, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist join forces once more for a sequel that’s just as superb as the original.
Where Alfredo began with the guitar-laden 1985, Alfredo II starts with the guitar-laden 1995, which is just as classy of an opener. Despite being one of Donald Trump’s alternate headquarters, Mar-a-Lago makes for an elegant track. Lemon Pepper Steppers has an eastern vibe, almost like a calmer Wu-Tang Clan instrumental. Empanadas is as tasty as its namesake. Silk Sonic’s Anderson .Paak appears on Ensalada, but thank god that Bruno Mars is nowhere in sight.
Skinny Suge II sees a buttery-smooth continuation of the song from the first album. Feeling sounds like eating inside a five-star restaurant that has a pianist — the type of place most people would only see in the movies. I Still Love H.E.R. has a pleasant cascading piano riff. Gas Station Sushi might usually give you the shits, but this song only gives you some nice synths. The guitar sample in Lavish Habits is truly luxurious. Jean Claude name-drops the legendary martial artist turned actor (I need to rewatch Universal Soldier).
Like its predecessor, Alfredo II primarily revolves around old soul samples, giving it a vintage, grainy 1970s vibe. Considering there are fourteen tracks here (as opposed to the concise ten on Alfredo), the album can get a bit same-y by the end, but these songs are all so sublime, so what difference does it make? Here’s hoping for Alfredo III in 2030.
For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist on Discogs.
Back to the 2025 Album Guide or the Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Album Reviews page.
Written by Brett Nippard
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