Working on an Alchemist beat serves as a true test of skill for emcees, it measures their abilities and validates their lyrical prowess. While mainstream rap has faced its share of challenges—like Lil Baby’s repetitive tracks, skyrocketing Drake ticket prices, and Lil Uzi’s Pink Tape’ there’s a vibrant underground scene thriving with quality releases and accessible performances. In the mid to late 2010s, Alchemist, one of the most talented producers in the game, primarily collaborated with these artists. Rappers like Earl Sweatshirt, Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Freddie Gibbs, and Boldy James benefit from his top-tier production, showcasing Al’s commitment to working with innovative and charismatic lyricists.
This commitment has made Alchemist a cult favorite, allowing him the freedom to choose his collaborators. Being selected for one of his projects feels like a badge of honor, granting a sense of immortality to those who work with him. His new EP, “Flying High”, follows the familiar formula of previous works like “This Thing of Ours 1 & 2”. It features Alchemist skillfully chopping and looping cinematic samples, creating seamless transitions that forge vibrant new tracks from the ground up with some of the best rappers in the game today. Released a couple of months after the fantastic collaboration with Larry June on “The Great Escape”, this EP sees Alchemist returning to the mic. He delivers a solid verse on “Midnight Oil” alongside Larry June and Jay Worthy, blending pleasure and awkwardness as he reflects on his lifestyle with a tone reminiscent of Tony Soprano. The standout track is the introspective collaboration between Earl Sweatshirt and billy woods, “RIP Tracy.” Both artists possess dense lyrical styles that invite careful listening. Earl’s poetic verses are shrouded in mystery, while billy grounds his lyrics in reality. Alchemist’s production here feels like a cinematic score building to a climactic moment, with soaring synths enhancing the tension.
In “Trouble Man,” Boldy James teams up with South LA rapper T.F., and Alchemist crafts a backdrop that immerses you in a high-stakes bank heist. The escalating drama of the beat adds to the intensity. Meanwhile, “Bless,” featuring MIKE and Sideshow, offers a refreshing change from the mafioso themes, presenting a jazz-infused vibe reminiscent of a cozy lounge with lit cigars and cognac. MIKE’s verse stands out as one of the most memorable on “Flying High”, as he reflects on his struggles: “Where I slept is where callous grew, A rat, some Bombas for my breath I gotta travel through, laughed so much, dread.” Overall, “Flying High” is an enjoyable listen, though it gives off a sense that the legendary producer might be settling into a creative comfort zone. There’s an opportunity for him to open up collaborations with a broader range of artists beyond his usual circle of “Earl and friends.” *Flying High* ultimately leaves listeners wanting more, and that’s a positive takeaway.
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