Jump to content

Alfredo (album): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m →Release and promotion: added link to artist's Wikipedia page
 
(46 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|2020 studio album by Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist}}
{{short description|2020 studio album by Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name = Alfredo
| name = Alfredo
| type = studio
| type = studio
| artist = [[Freddie Gibbs]] and [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]]
| artist = [[Freddie Gibbs]] and [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]]
| cover = Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist.jpg
| cover = Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist.jpg
| released = May 29, 2020
| released = May 29, 2020
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| length = 35:05
| length = 35:05
| label =
| label =
* ESGN
* ESGN
* ALC
* ALC
* [[Empire Distribution|Empire]]
* [[Empire Distribution|Empire]]
| producer = The Alchemist
| producer = The Alchemist
| prev_title = [[Fetti]]
| prev_title = [[Fetti]]
| prev_year = 2018
| prev_year = 2018
| next_title =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| next_year =
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| title = Alfredo
| title = Alfredo
| year = 2020
| year = 2020
Line 23: Line 23:
| prev_title = [[Bandana (album)|Bandana]]
| prev_title = [[Bandana (album)|Bandana]]
| prev_year = 2019
| prev_year = 2019
| next_title =
| next_title = [[Soul Sold Separately]]
| next_year =
| next_year = 2022
}}
}}
{{Extra chronology
{{Extra chronology
Line 32: Line 32:
| prev_title = Lulu
| prev_title = Lulu
| prev_year = 2020
| prev_year = 2020
| next_title =
| next_title = [[Haram (Armand Hammer album)|Haram]]
| next_year =
| next_year = 2021
}}
}}
{{singles
{{singles
Line 42: Line 42:
'''''Alfredo''''' is a collaborative studio album by American rapper [[Freddie Gibbs]] and American hip hop producer [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]]. It was released on May 29, 2020, through Gibbs' own record label ESGN Records, as well as ALC Records and [[Empire Distribution]].
'''''Alfredo''''' is a collaborative studio album by American rapper [[Freddie Gibbs]] and American hip hop producer [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]]. It was released on May 29, 2020, through Gibbs' own record label ESGN Records, as well as ALC Records and [[Empire Distribution]].


The album is the first project between only Gibbs and The Alchemist, as it also marks the second time they have collaborated on a full-length project, following 2018's ''[[Fetti]]'' with fellow rapper [[Currensy]]. It features [[guest appearance]]s from fellow rappers [[Rick Ross]], [[Benny the Butcher]], [[Tyler, the Creator]], and [[Conway the Machine]]. It received a nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]] at the [[63rd Annual Grammy Awards|2021 Grammy Awards]].
The album is the first project between only Gibbs and The Alchemist, as it also marks the second time they have collaborated on a full-length project, following 2018's ''[[Fetti]]'' with fellow rapper [[Currensy]]. It features [[guest appearance]]s from fellow rappers [[Rick Ross]], [[Benny the Butcher]], [[Tyler, the Creator]], and [[Conway the Machine]]. It was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]] at the [[63rd Annual Grammy Awards|2021 Grammy Awards]].


==Background==
==Background==
The Alchemist and Gibbs first worked together as early as 2003–2004. However, nothing from that period was released.<ref name="classic"/> Their first official collaboration was in April 2011 on the [[Currensy]] and Alchemist song "Scottie Pippen", which Gibbs was featured on.<ref name="classic">{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/05/freddie-gibbs-alchemist-alfredo-interview|title=Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist Break Down New Album 'Alfredo'|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|last=Setaro|first=Shawn|date=May 29, 2020|accessdate=July 8, 2020}}</ref> In October 2018, the trio released a collaborative album titled ''[[Fetti]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/09/freddie-gibbs-currensy-fetti-halloween/|title=Freddie Gibbs & Currensy to Drop 'Fetti' Album on Halloween|work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|last=Hopkins|first=Anna|date=September 27, 2018|accessdate=July 8, 2020}}</ref>
The Alchemist and Gibbs first worked together as early as 2003–2004. However, nothing from that period was released.<ref name="classic"/> Their first official collaboration was in April 2011 on the [[Currensy]] and Alchemist song "Scottie Pippen", which Gibbs was featured on.<ref name="classic">{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/05/freddie-gibbs-alchemist-alfredo-interview|title=Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist Break Down New Album 'Alfredo'|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|last=Setaro|first=Shawn|date=May 29, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020}}</ref> In October 2018, the trio released a collaborative album titled ''[[Fetti]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/09/freddie-gibbs-currensy-fetti-halloween/|title=Freddie Gibbs & Currensy to Drop 'Fetti' Album on Halloween|work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|last=Hopkins|first=Anna|date=September 27, 2018|access-date=July 8, 2020}}</ref>


==Title and artwork==
==Title and artwork==
The title is a portmanteau of The Alchemist and Gibbs' names.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/06/04/869072903/freddie-gibbs-and-the-alchemist-perfect-the-rap-duo-recipe|title=Freddie Gibbs And The Alchemist's 'Alfredo' Perfects The Rap Duo Recipe|publisher=[[NPR]]|last=Suarez|first=Gary|date=June 4, 2020|accessdate=June 24, 2020|quote=Alfredo, is a delicious portmanteau of their names.}}</ref> The [[album cover]], designed by Vlad Sepetov, shows a hand puppeteering a [[Fettuccine Alfredo]] dish. It draws similarities to the logo of renowned crime film franchise ''[[The Godfather (film series)|The Godfather]]''.<ref name="Hypebeast interview"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/05/freddie-gibbs-alchemist-alfredo-stream|title=Stream Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist's Latest Project 'Alfredo'|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|last=Rose|first=Jordan|date=May 29, 2020|accessdate=June 24, 2020|quote=...with the puppet strings hanging over the expensive pasta, mirroring the cover art for the iconic ''Godfather'' trilogy.}}</ref>
The title is a portmanteau of The Alchemist and Gibbs' names.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/06/04/869072903/freddie-gibbs-and-the-alchemist-perfect-the-rap-duo-recipe|title=Freddie Gibbs And The Alchemist's 'Alfredo' Perfects The Rap Duo Recipe|publisher=[[NPR]]|last=Suarez|first=Gary|date=June 4, 2020|access-date=June 24, 2020}}</ref> The [[album cover]], designed by Vlad Sepetov, shows a hand puppeteering a [[Fettuccine Alfredo]] dish. It draws similarities to the logo of renowned crime film franchise ''[[The Godfather (film series)|The Godfather]]''.<ref name="Hypebeast interview"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/05/freddie-gibbs-alchemist-alfredo-stream|title=Stream Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist's Latest Project 'Alfredo'|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|last=Rose|first=Jordan|date=May 29, 2020|access-date=June 24, 2020}}</ref>


==Release and promotion==
==Release and promotion==
On May 27, 2020, Gibbs and The Alchemist announced the release of new music via social media, before confirming the collaborative project shortly after.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.56115/title.freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-announce-surprise-alfredo-album-with-1985-video|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Drop Surprise 'Alfredo' Album Stream|website=[[HipHopDX]]|last=Eustice|first=Kyle|date=May 28, 2020|accessdate=May 28, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Stereogum">{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2085936/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-1985/music/|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Announce Surprise Album 'Alfredo', Share First Single "1985": Listen|website=[[Stereogum]]|last=Breihan|first=Tom|date=May 28, 2020|accessdate=May 28, 2020}}</ref> The announcement came alongside the option for pre-ordering the album in digital and physical format, including a comic book stylized based on the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/5/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo-album-capsule-collection|title=Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist 'Alfredo' Comic Book|publisher=Hypebeast|last=Johnson|first=Patrick|date=May 28, 2020|accessdate=May 28, 2020}}</ref>
On May 27, 2020, Gibbs and The Alchemist announced the release of new music via social media, before confirming the collaborative project shortly after.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.56115/title.freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-announce-surprise-alfredo-album-with-1985-video|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Drop Surprise 'Alfredo' Album Stream|website=[[HipHopDX]]|last=Eustice|first=Kyle|date=May 28, 2020|access-date=May 28, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Stereogum">{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2085936/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-1985/music/|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Announce Surprise Album 'Alfredo', Share First Single "1985": Listen|website=[[Stereogum]]|last=Breihan|first=Tom|date=May 28, 2020|access-date=May 28, 2020}}</ref> The announcement came alongside the option for pre-ordering the album in digital and physical format, including a comic book by [[Mike del Mundo]] inspired by the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/5/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo-album-capsule-collection|title=Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist 'Alfredo' Comic Book|publisher=Hypebeast|last=Johnson|first=Patrick|date=May 28, 2020|access-date=May 28, 2020}}</ref>


The first single, "1985", was released a day before the album, alongside an accompanying music video directed by Nick Walker.<ref name="Stereogum"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/freddie-gibbs-and-alchemist-lay-waste-to-1985-new-song.1987369.html|title=Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist Lay Waste To "1985"|website=HotNewHipHop|last=Findlay|first=Mitch|date=May 28, 2020|accessdate=June 2, 2020}}</ref>
The first single, "1985", was released a day before the album, alongside an accompanying music video directed by Nick Walker.<ref name="Stereogum"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/freddie-gibbs-and-alchemist-lay-waste-to-1985-new-song.1987369.html|title=Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist Lay Waste To "1985"|website=HotNewHipHop|last=Findlay|first=Mitch|date=May 28, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
| MC = 88/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/alfredo/freddie-gibbs|title=Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs Reviews and Tracks|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
| MC = 88/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/alfredo/freddie-gibbs|title=Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs Reviews and Tracks|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/alfredo-mw0003389431|title=Alfredo – The Alchemist, Freddie Gibbs|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|last=Kellman|first=Andy|accessdate=June 11, 2020}}</ref>
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/alfredo-mw0003389431|title=Alfredo – The Alchemist, Freddie Gibbs|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|last=Kellman|first=Andy|access-date=June 11, 2020}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]''
| rev2 = ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]''
| rev2score = 9/10<ref name="Clash">{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo|website=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]|last=Murray|first=Robin|date=June 1, 2020|accessdate=June 2, 2020}}</ref>
| rev2score = 9/10<ref name="Clash">{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo|website=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]|last=Murray|first=Robin|date=June 1, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Exclaim!]]''
| rev3 = ''[[Exclaim!]]''
| rev3score = 9/10<ref name="Exclaim!">{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/freddie_gibbs_alchemist_alfredo_album_review|title=Freddie Gibbs Proves He's One of the Best Around on Alchemist Collaboration 'Alfredo'|website=[[Exclaim!]]|last=Tomlinson|first=Clayton|date=June 1, 2020|accessdate=June 2, 2020}}</ref>
| rev3score = 9/10<ref name="Exclaim!">{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/freddie_gibbs_alchemist_alfredo_album_review|title=Freddie Gibbs Proves He's One of the Best Around on Alchemist Collaboration 'Alfredo'|website=[[Exclaim!]]|last=Tomlinson|first=Clayton|date=June 1, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[HipHopDX]]''
| rev4 = ''[[HipHopDX]]''
| rev4score = 4.5/5<ref name="HipHopDX">{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3692/title.review-freddie-gibbs-the-alchemists-alfredo-is-a-premium-hip-hop-offering|title=Review: Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist's 'Alfredo' Is A Premium Hip Hop Offering|website=[[HipHopDX]]|last=Svetz|first=Joe|date=June 1, 2020|accessdate=May 2, 2020}}</ref>
| rev4score = 4.5/5<ref name="HipHopDX">{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3692/title.review-freddie-gibbs-the-alchemists-alfredo-is-a-premium-hip-hop-offering|title=Review: Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist's 'Alfredo' Is A Premium Hip Hop Offering|website=[[HipHopDX]]|last=Svetz|first=Josh|date=June 1, 2020|access-date=May 2, 2020}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[The Line of Best Fit]]''
| rev5 = ''[[The Line of Best Fit]]''
| rev5score = 9.5/10<ref name="TLOBF">{{cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/freddie-gibbs-and-the-alchemists-next-collaborative-effort-changes-the-game|title=Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist's next collaborative effort changes the game entirely|website=[[The Line of Best Fit]]|last=Bray|first=Jack|date=June 5, 2020|accessdate=June 5, 2020}}</ref>
| rev5score = 9.5/10<ref name="TLOBF">{{cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/freddie-gibbs-and-the-alchemists-next-collaborative-effort-changes-the-game|title=Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist's next collaborative effort changes the game entirely|website=[[The Line of Best Fit]]|last=Bray|first=Jack|date=June 5, 2020|access-date=June 5, 2020}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[Loud and Quiet]]''
| rev6 = ''[[Loud and Quiet]]''
| rev6score = 8/10<ref name="Loud and Quiet">{{cite web|url=https://www.loudandquiet.com/reviews/freddie-gibbs-and-the-alchemist-alfredo/|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo – Review|website=[[Loud and Quiet]]|last=Cashin|first=Cal|date=June 16, 2020|accessdate=June 16, 2020}}</ref>
| rev6score = 8/10<ref name="Loud and Quiet">{{cite web|url=https://www.loudandquiet.com/reviews/freddie-gibbs-and-the-alchemist-alfredo/|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo – Review|website=[[Loud and Quiet]]|last=Cashin|first=Cal|date=June 16, 2020|access-date=June 16, 2020}}</ref>
| rev7 = No Ripcord
| rev7 = ''No Ripcord''
| rev7score = 8/10<ref name="No Ripcord">{{cite web|url=http://www.noripcord.com/features/quick-takes-june-2020|title=Quick Takes (June 2020) – Music Feature|publisher=No Ripcord|last=Rodríguez|first=Juan Edgardo|date=July 9, 2020|accessdate=July 11, 2020}}</ref>
| rev7score = 8/10<ref name="No Ripcord">{{cite web|url=http://www.noripcord.com/features/quick-takes-june-2020|title=Quick Takes (June 2020) – Music Feature|website=No Ripcord|last=Rodríguez|first=Juan Edgardo|date=July 9, 2020|access-date=July 11, 2020}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev8 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev8score = 8.0/10<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo/|title=Freddie Gibbs / The Alchemist: Alfredo Album Review|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|last=Ruiz|first=Matthew Ismael|date=June 3, 2020|accessdate=June 3, 2020}}</ref>
| rev8score = 8.0/10<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo/|title=Freddie Gibbs / The Alchemist: Alfredo Album Review|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|last=Ruiz|first=Matthew Ismael|date=June 3, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2020}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
| rev9 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
| rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Q">{{cite magazine|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist: Alfredo|magazine=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|last=Howe|first=Rupert|issue=414|date=August 2020|page=107}}</ref>
| rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Q">{{cite magazine|title=Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist: Alfredo|magazine=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|last=Howe|first=Rupert|issue=414|date=August 2020|page=107}}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[Tom Hull (critic)|Tom Hull – on the Web]]''
| rev10 = ''[[Tom Hull (critic)|Tom Hull – on the Web]]''
| rev10score = B+ ({{rating-Christgau|hm1}})<ref name="Hull">{{cite web|url=http://tomhull.com/ocston/blog/archives/2855-Music-Week.html|title=Music Week|website=Tom Hull – on the Web|last=Hull|first=Tom|authorlink=Tom Hull (critic)|date=June 9, 2020|accessdate=June 20, 2020}}</ref>
| rev10score = B+ ({{rating-Christgau|hm1}})<ref name="Hull">{{cite web|url=http://tomhull.com/ocston/blog/archives/2855-Music-Week.html|title=Music Week|website=Tom Hull – on the Web|last=Hull|first=Tom|author-link=Tom Hull (critic)|date=June 9, 2020|access-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}
''Alfredo'' was met with widespread critical acclaim. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[standard score|normalized]] rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an [[weighted arithmetic mean|average]] score of 88, based on nine reviews.<ref name="MC"/>
''Alfredo'' was met with widespread critical acclaim. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[standard score|normalized]] rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an [[weighted arithmetic mean|average]] score of 88, based on nine reviews.<ref name="MC"/>


Jack Bray of ''[[The Line of Best Fit]]'' praised the album, stating, "It's an incredibly tight record packed with stellar performances, production and presence throughout. The blood, sweat and tears of hip-hop run through the album, but Gibbs has once again redefined what that means."<ref name="TLOBF"/> Joe Svetz from ''[[HipHopDX]]'' enjoyed the album, saying, "''Alfredo'' is a master class in rap — 35 minutes of cutthroat bars that feel like 15, leaving you hungry for another course. In a world where the basic function of waking up feels like a chore, Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist have served up a dish of quick comfort food packed with essential nutrients included."<ref name="HipHopDX"/> Reviewing the album for ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'', Robin Murray stated "''Alfredo'' excels on every front, a record that fuses a thirst for fresh innovation with a depth of love for hip-hop and rap music that is almost unparalleled. Pretty much an instant classic, it's the sound of Freddie Gibbs finally bursting free, working with tour de force production to surge past expectations and claim his place at the absolute pinnacle."<ref name="Clash"/> Juan Edgardo Rodríguez of No Ripcord gave a positive review, stating, "Gibbs is a masterful curator who knows who to match his flows with, like on God is Perfect and Look at Me, splicing soul loops, movie clips, and inventive beats etched into his gruff vocals. The beats are an attraction in itself, but make no mistake: they wouldn't be as good if Gibbs weren't behind the mic spitting his poetic yet matter-of-fact observations."<ref name="No Ripcord"/>
Jack Bray of ''[[The Line of Best Fit]]'' praised the album, stating, "It's an incredibly tight record packed with stellar performances, production and presence throughout. The blood, sweat and tears of hip-hop run through the album, but Gibbs has once again redefined what that means".<ref name="TLOBF"/> Josh Svetz from ''[[HipHopDX]]'' enjoyed the album, saying, "''Alfredo'' is a master class in rap — 35 minutes of cutthroat bars that feel like 15, leaving you hungry for another course. In a world where the basic function of waking up feels like a chore, Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist have served up a dish of quick comfort food packed with essential nutrients included".<ref name="HipHopDX"/> Reviewing the album for ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'', Robin Murray stated: "''Alfredo'' excels on every front, a record that fuses a thirst for fresh innovation with a depth of love for hip-hop and rap music that is almost unparalleled. Pretty much an instant classic, it's the sound of Freddie Gibbs finally bursting free, working with tour de force production to surge past expectations and claim his place at the absolute pinnacle."<ref name="Clash"/> Juan Edgardo Rodríguez of ''No Ripcord'' gave a positive review, stating, "Gibbs is a masterful curator who knows who to match his flows with, like on God is Perfect and Look at Me, splicing soul loops, movie clips, and inventive beats etched into his gruff vocals. The beats are an attraction in itself, but make no mistake: they wouldn't be as good if Gibbs weren't behind the mic spitting his poetic yet matter-of-fact observations".<ref name="No Ripcord"/>


Clayton Tomlinson of ''[[Exclaim!]]'' said, "The current king of rap manages, yet again, to offer a searing insight into his life, past and present. The songs on ''Alfredo'' are fun even when the themes aren't."<ref name="Exclaim!"/> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' critic Matthew Ismael Ruiz said, "Gibbs skates over these beats, effortlessly gliding in and out of the pocket. Even the moments of stark contrast feel natural."<ref name="Pitchfork"/> Writing for [[AllMusic]], Andy Kellman felt that "Whether Alchemist transmutes glacial boom-bap and trawling acid nightmares or spiritual soft rock and tear-jerking soul, Gibbs makes it all work to his benefit."<ref name="AllMusic"/> Rupert Howe of ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' said, "The melodic flow of Alchemist's beats perfectly offsets his partner's raw, unfiltered delivery."<ref name="Q"/>
Clayton Tomlinson of ''[[Exclaim!]]'' said, "The current king of rap manages, yet again, to offer a searing insight into his life, past and present. The songs on ''Alfredo'' are fun even when the themes aren't".<ref name="Exclaim!"/> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' critic Matthew Ismael Ruiz said, "Gibbs skates over these beats, effortlessly gliding in and out of the pocket. Even the moments of stark contrast feel natural".<ref name="Pitchfork"/> Writing for [[AllMusic]], Andy Kellman felt that "Whether Alchemist transmutes glacial boom-bap and trawling acid nightmares or spiritual soft rock and tear-jerking soul, Gibbs makes it all work to his benefit".<ref name="AllMusic"/> Rupert Howe of ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' said, "The melodic flow of Alchemist's beats perfectly offsets his partner's raw, unfiltered delivery".<ref name="Q"/>


===Accolades===
===Year-end lists===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="border:none; margin:0;"
|+Year-end lists for ''Alfredo''
|+Select year-end rankings of ''Alfredo''
|-
! scope="col"| Publication
! scope="col"| Publication
! scope="col"| Accolade
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| List
! scope="col"| Rank
! scope="col" data-sort-type="number"| Rank
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|-
Line 97: Line 96:
| The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2020
| The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2020
| {{center|6}}
| {{center|6}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9495066/best-rap-albums-2020-top-20|title=The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2020: Staff Picks|work=Billboard|last=Glicksman|first=Josh|date=December 10, 2020|accessdate=December 12, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9495066/best-rap-albums-2020-top-20|title=The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2020: Staff Picks|work=Billboard|last=Glicksman|first=Josh|date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[BrooklynVegan]]''
| ''BrooklynVegan''{{'}}s Top 55 Albums of 2020
| {{center|2}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/brooklynvegans-top-55-albums-of-2020/|title=BrooklynVegan's Top 55 Albums of 2020|work=[[BrooklynVegan]]|last=Sperry-Fromm|first=Rob|date=December 21, 2020|accessdate=December 21, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| [[Cleveland.com]]
| Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|23}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/12/best-albums-of-2020-from.html|title=Best Albums of 2020: Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Springsteen & more|publisher=[[Cleveland.com]]|last=Smith|first=Troy L.|date=December 3, 2020|accessdate=January 2, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]''
! scope="row"| ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]''
| The Best Albums of 2020
| The Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|4}}
| {{center|4}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/best-albums-2020/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo|title=The Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|last=Gee|first=Andre|date=December 1, 2020|accessdate=December 1, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/best-albums-2020/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo|title=The Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|last=Gee|first=Andre|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Consequence of Sound]]''
| Top 50 Albums of 2020
| {{center|9}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/12/top-50-albums-of-2020/6/|title=Top 50 Albums of 2020|work=[[Consequence of Sound]]|last=Melis|first=Matt|date=December 1, 2020|accessdate=December 1, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Crack Magazine]]''
| The Top 50 Albums of 2020
| {{center|8}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://crackmagazine.net/article/feature-lists/top-50-albums-of-2020/|title=The Top 50 Albums of 2020|work=[[Crack Magazine]]|last=Abiade|first=Yemi|accessdate=December 4, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Exclaim!]]''
! scope="row"| ''[[Exclaim!]]''
| ''Exclaim!''{{'}}s 50 Best Albums of 2020
| ''Exclaim!''{{'}}s 50 Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|15}}
| {{center|15}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/50_best_albums_of_2020/page/4|title=Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Exclaim!]]|last=Morawitz|first=Owen|date=December 2, 2020|accessdate=December 2, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/50_best_albums_of_2020/page/4|title=Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Exclaim!]]|last=Morawitz|first=Owen|date=December 2, 2020|access-date=December 2, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| {{sort|Fader|''[[The Fader]]''}}
! scope="row"| {{sort|Fader|''[[The Fader]]''}}
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|15}}
| {{center|15}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2020/12/15/50-best-albums-of-2020-j-hus-flo-milli-fiona-apple-sault-list|title=The 50 best albums of 2020|work=[[The Fader]]|last=Elder|first=Sajae|accessdate=December 15, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2020/12/15/50-best-albums-of-2020-j-hus-flo-milli-fiona-apple-sault-list|title=The 50 best albums of 2020|work=[[The Fader]]|last=Elder|first=Sajae|access-date=December 15, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''Flood Magazine''
| The Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|15}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://floodmagazine.com/83287/the-best-albums-of-2020/|title=The Best Albums of 2020|work=Flood Magazine|last=Courogen|first=Carrie|date=December 8, 2020|accessdate=December 9, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| {{sort|Guardian|''[[The Guardian]]''}}
! scope="row"| {{sort|Guardian|''[[The Guardian]]''}}
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|34}}
| {{center|34}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/01/the-50-best-albums-of-2020|title=The 50 best albums of 2020: the full list|work=[[The Guardian]]|last=Beaumont-Thomas|first=Ben|date=December 18, 2020|accessdate=December 19, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/01/the-50-best-albums-of-2020|title=The 50 best albums of 2020: the full list|work=[[The Guardian]]|last=Beaumont-Thomas|first=Ben|date=December 18, 2020|access-date=December 19, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| Hypebeast
| The Best Albums of 2020
| {{N/A}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/12/20-best-music-projects-albums-2020-the-weeknd-megan-thee-stallion-21-savage-mac-miller|title=The Best Albums of 2020|publisher=Hypebeast|last=Chon|first=Isabella|date=December 17, 2020|accessdate=December 17, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Mondo Sonoro]]''
| The Best International Albums of 2020
| {{center|47}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mondosonoro.com/blog-musica/mejores-discos-2020/|title=Los mejores discos internacionales de 2020|language=Spanish|work=[[Mondo Sonoro]]|last=Luna|first=Joan S.|date=December 13, 2020|access-date=January 8, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| {{ubl|{{sort|New Yorker|''[[The New Yorker]]''}}|{{small|(by [[Amanda Petrusich]])}}}}
! scope="row"| {{ubl|{{sort|New Yorker|''[[The New Yorker]]''}}|{{small|(by [[Amanda Petrusich]])}}}}
| The Best Music of 2020
| The Best Music of 2020
| {{center|9}}
| {{center|9}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2020-in-review/the-best-music-of-2020|title=The Best Music of 2020|website=[[The New Yorker]]|last=Petrusich|first=Amanda|authorlink=Amanda Petrusich|date=November 27, 2020|accessdate=November 27, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2020-in-review/the-best-music-of-2020|title=The Best Music of 2020|website=[[The New Yorker]]|last=Petrusich|first=Amanda|author-link=Amanda Petrusich|date=November 27, 2020|access-date=November 27, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| No Ripcord
| The Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|17}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noripcord.com/features/best-albums-2020|title=The Best Albums of 2020|publisher=No Ripcord|last=Moody|first=Mark|date=December 16, 2020|accessdate=December 18, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Noisey]]''
| The 100 Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|25}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/k7a7xa/the-100-best-albums-of-2020-noisey|title=The 100 Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Noisey]]|last=Josephs|first=Brian|date=December 8, 2020|accessdate=December 8, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| [[Okayplayer]]
| Okayplayer's Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|14}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.okayplayer.com/music/what-are-the-best-albums-of-2020.html|title=Okayplayer's Best Albums of 2020|publisher=[[Okayplayer]]|author=Zo|date=December 22, 2020|accessdate=December 30, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]''
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|13}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/best-albums/best-albums-of-2020/|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|last=Gomez|first=Jade|date=November 30, 2020|accessdate=December 1, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
! scope="row"| ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|44}}
| {{center|44}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-albums-2020/|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2020|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|last=Scarano|first=Ross|date=December 8, 2020|accessdate=December 9, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-albums-2020/|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2020|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|last=Scarano|first=Ross|date=December 8, 2020|access-date=December 9, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
! scope="row"| ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| The 30 Best Albums of 2020
| The 30 Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|16}}
| {{center|16}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/featured/30-best-albums-2020/|title=The 30 Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|last=Bell|first=Max|date=December 10, 2020|accessdate=December 10, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/featured/30-best-albums-2020/|title=The 30 Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|last=Bell|first=Max|date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Stereogum]]''
! scope="row"| ''[[Stereogum]]''
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| {{center|18}}
| {{center|18}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2108664/best-albums-2020/lists/year-in-review/2020-in-review/|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Stereogum]]|last=Helman|first=Peter|date=December 1, 2020|accessdate=December 1, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2108664/best-albums-2020/lists/year-in-review/2020-in-review/|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2020|work=[[Stereogum]]|last=Helman|first=Peter|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref>}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| ''Vinyl Me, Please''
! scope="row"| ''[[Under the Radar (magazine)|Under the Radar]]''
| The 50 Best Albums of 2020
| ''Under the Radar''{{'}}s Top 100 Albums of 2020
| {{N/A}}
| {{center|59}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://magazine.vinylmeplease.com/magazine/50-best-albums-2020/|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2020|work=Vinyl Me, Please|last=Penn II|first=Michael|date=December 14, 2020|accessdate=December 14, 2020}}</ref>}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.undertheradarmag.com/lists/under_the_radars_top_100_albums_of_2020/|title=Under the Radar's Top 100 Albums of 2020|work=[[Under the Radar (magazine)|Under the Radar]]|last=Redfern|first=Mark|date=January 15, 2021|accessdate=January 31, 2021}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| [[Yardbarker]]
| The 20 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2020
| {{N/A}}
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_20_best_hip_hop_albums_of_2020/s1__33585425|title=The 20 best hip-hop albums of 2020|publisher=[[Yardbarker]]|last=Singleton|first=Mya|date=December 16, 2020|accessdate=December 18, 2020}}</ref>}}
|}
|}


===Industry awards===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="border:none; margin:0;"
|+Awards and nominations for ''Alfredo''
|+Awards and nominations for ''Alfredo''
|-
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Award
! scope="col"| Ceremony
! scope="col"| Category
! scope="col"| Category
! scope="col"| Result
! scope="col"| Result
Line 217: Line 156:
| [[63rd Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]]
| [[63rd Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]]
| [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]]
| [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]]
| {{pending}}
| {{nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9489062/grammy-nominations-2021-full-list|title=2021 Grammy Nominations: See the Full List|website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|last=Warner|first=Denise|date=November 24, 2020|accessdate=November 24, 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9540098/2021-grammy-awards-winners-list|title=Here Are All the Winners From the 2021 Grammy Awards|website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|last=Warner|first=Denise|date=March 14, 2021|access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref>
|}
|}


==Commercial performance==
==Commercial performance==
In the United States, ''Alfredo'' debuted at number 15 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], earning 30,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s in its first week,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9396483/lady-gaga-chromatica-no-1-debut-billboard-200-chart|title=Lady Gaga's 'Chromatica' on Course for No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200 Chart|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=June 4, 2020|accessdate=June 10, 2020}}</ref> making it both Gibbs' and The Alchemist's highest-charting album to date.<ref name="Hypebeast interview">{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/6/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo-album-interview|title=Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist 'Alfredo' Interview|publisher=Hypebeast|last=Johnson|first=Patrick|date=June 19, 2020|accessdate=June 24, 2020|quote=Alfredo culminated in a debut at No. 15 on the ''Billboard'' 200, the highest charting position for both Freddie and The Alchemist in their respective careers.}}</ref>
In the United States, ''Alfredo'' debuted at number 15 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], earning 30,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s in its first week,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9396483/lady-gaga-chromatica-no-1-debut-billboard-200-chart|title=Lady Gaga's 'Chromatica' on Course for No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200 Chart|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=June 4, 2020|access-date=June 10, 2020}}</ref> making it both Gibbs' and The Alchemist's highest-charting album to date.<ref name="Hypebeast interview">{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/6/freddie-gibbs-the-alchemist-alfredo-album-interview|title=Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist 'Alfredo' Interview|publisher=Hypebeast|last=Johnson|first=Patrick|date=June 19, 2020|access-date=June 24, 2020}}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
Line 274: Line 213:
| writer10 = {{hlist|Tipton|Maman}}
| writer10 = {{hlist|Tipton|Maman}}
| length10 = 2:33
| length10 = 2:33
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Vinyl bonus track
| total_length = 36:23

| title11 = Daddy Loves You
| writer11 = {{hlist|Tipton|Maman}}
| length11 = 1:18
}}
}}


Line 292: Line 239:
* Eddie Sancho – mixing
* Eddie Sancho – mixing
* Joe Laporta – mastering
* Joe Laporta – mastering
* Vic Wainstein – additional engineering {{small|(track 6)}}
* Vic Wainstein – additional engineering (track 6)


==Charts==
==Charts==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for ''Alfredo''
|+Chart performance for ''Alfredo''
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2020)
! scope="col"| Chart (2020)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
Line 316: Line 262:
{{The Alchemist}}
{{The Alchemist}}


{{Authority control}}
⚫
[[Category:2020 albums]]

⚫
[[Category:2020 collaborative albums]]
[[Category:Freddie Gibbs albums]]
[[Category:Freddie Gibbs albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by The Alchemist (musician)]]
[[Category:Albums produced by the Alchemist (musician)]]
[[Category:Collaborative albums]]
[[Category:Empire Distribution albums]]
[[Category:Empire Distribution albums]]

Latest revision as of 06:48, 28 November 2024

Alfredo
Studio album by
Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist
ReleasedMay 29, 2020
GenreHip hop
Length35:05
Label
ProducerThe Alchemist
Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist chronology
Fetti
(2018) 		Alfredo
(2020)
Freddie Gibbs chronology
Bandana
(2019) 		Alfredo
(2020) 		Soul Sold Separately
(2022)
The Alchemist chronology
Lulu
(2020) 		Alfredo
(2020) 		Haram
(2021)
Singles from Alfredo
  1. "1985"
    Released: May 28, 2020

Alfredo is a collaborative studio album by American rapper Freddie Gibbs and American hip hop producer The Alchemist. It was released on May 29, 2020, through Gibbs' own record label ESGN Records, as well as ALC Records and Empire Distribution.

The album is the first project between only Gibbs and The Alchemist, as it also marks the second time they have collaborated on a full-length project, following 2018's Fetti with fellow rapper Currensy. It features guest appearances from fellow rappers Rick Ross, Benny the Butcher, Tyler, the Creator, and Conway the Machine. It was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards.

Background

[edit]

The Alchemist and Gibbs first worked together as early as 2003–2004. However, nothing from that period was released.[1] Their first official collaboration was in April 2011 on the Currensy and Alchemist song "Scottie Pippen", which Gibbs was featured on.[1] In October 2018, the trio released a collaborative album titled Fetti.[2]

Title and artwork

[edit]

The title is a portmanteau of The Alchemist and Gibbs' names.[3] The album cover, designed by Vlad Sepetov, shows a hand puppeteering a Fettuccine Alfredo dish. It draws similarities to the logo of renowned crime film franchise The Godfather.[4][5]

Release and promotion

[edit]

On May 27, 2020, Gibbs and The Alchemist announced the release of new music via social media, before confirming the collaborative project shortly after.[6][7] The announcement came alongside the option for pre-ordering the album in digital and physical format, including a comic book by Mike del Mundo inspired by the album.[8]

The first single, "1985", was released a day before the album, alongside an accompanying music video directed by Nick Walker.[7][9]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic88/100[10]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[11]
Clash9/10[12]
Exclaim!9/10[13]
HipHopDX4.5/5[14]
The Line of Best Fit9.5/10[15]
Loud and Quiet8/10[16]
No Ripcord8/10[17]
Pitchfork8.0/10[18]
Q[19]
Tom Hull – on the WebB+ ((1-star Honorable Mention))[20]

Alfredo was met with widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an average score of 88, based on nine reviews.[10]

Jack Bray of The Line of Best Fit praised the album, stating, "It's an incredibly tight record packed with stellar performances, production and presence throughout. The blood, sweat and tears of hip-hop run through the album, but Gibbs has once again redefined what that means".[15] Josh Svetz from HipHopDX enjoyed the album, saying, "Alfredo is a master class in rap — 35 minutes of cutthroat bars that feel like 15, leaving you hungry for another course. In a world where the basic function of waking up feels like a chore, Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist have served up a dish of quick comfort food packed with essential nutrients included".[14] Reviewing the album for Clash, Robin Murray stated: "Alfredo excels on every front, a record that fuses a thirst for fresh innovation with a depth of love for hip-hop and rap music that is almost unparalleled. Pretty much an instant classic, it's the sound of Freddie Gibbs finally bursting free, working with tour de force production to surge past expectations and claim his place at the absolute pinnacle."[12] Juan Edgardo Rodríguez of No Ripcord gave a positive review, stating, "Gibbs is a masterful curator who knows who to match his flows with, like on God is Perfect and Look at Me, splicing soul loops, movie clips, and inventive beats etched into his gruff vocals. The beats are an attraction in itself, but make no mistake: they wouldn't be as good if Gibbs weren't behind the mic spitting his poetic yet matter-of-fact observations".[17]

Clayton Tomlinson of Exclaim! said, "The current king of rap manages, yet again, to offer a searing insight into his life, past and present. The songs on Alfredo are fun even when the themes aren't".[13] Pitchfork critic Matthew Ismael Ruiz said, "Gibbs skates over these beats, effortlessly gliding in and out of the pocket. Even the moments of stark contrast feel natural".[18] Writing for AllMusic, Andy Kellman felt that "Whether Alchemist transmutes glacial boom-bap and trawling acid nightmares or spiritual soft rock and tear-jerking soul, Gibbs makes it all work to his benefit".[11] Rupert Howe of Q said, "The melodic flow of Alchemist's beats perfectly offsets his partner's raw, unfiltered delivery".[19]

Year-end lists

[edit]
Select year-end rankings of Alfredo
Publication List Rank Ref.
Billboard The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2020
6
[21]
Complex The Best Albums of 2020
4
[22]
Exclaim! Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2020
15
[23]
The Fader The 50 Best Albums of 2020
15
[24]
The Guardian The 50 Best Albums of 2020
34
[25]
 The Best Music of 2020
9
[26]
Pitchfork The 50 Best Albums of 2020
44
[27]
Spin The 30 Best Albums of 2020
16
[28]
Stereogum The 50 Best Albums of 2020
18
[29]
Under the Radar Under the Radar's Top 100 Albums of 2020
59
[30]

Industry awards

[edit]
Awards and nominations for Alfredo
Year Ceremony Category Result Ref.
2021 Grammy Awards Best Rap Album Nominated [31]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In the United States, Alfredo debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200, earning 30,000 album-equivalent units in its first week,[32] making it both Gibbs' and The Alchemist's highest-charting album to date.[4]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks produced by The Alchemist.

Alfredo track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."1985"
2:32
2."God Is Perfect"
  • Tipton
  • Maman
3:59
3."Scottie Beam" (featuring Rick Ross)
4:04
4."Look at Me"
  • Tipton
  • Maman
2:33
5."Frank Lucas" (featuring Benny the Butcher)
4:41
6."Something to Rap About" (featuring Tyler, the Creator)
4:42
7."Baby Shit"
  • Tipton
  • Maman
3:36
8."Babies & Fools" (featuring Conway the Machine)
3:26
9."Skinny Suge"
  • Tipton
  • Maman
2:52
10."All Glass"
  • Tipton
  • Maman
2:33
Total length:35:05
Vinyl bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
11."Daddy Loves You"
  • Tipton
  • Maman
1:18
Total length:36:23

Notes

  • "Baby Shit" is stylized as "Baby $hit"

Sample credits

  • "Scottie Beam" contains a sample of "Alone (Reprise)", performed by Wee and written by Norman Virgil Whiteside.
  • "Something to Rap About" contains samples from "On Love", written by D. Walker.

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Freddie Gibbs' social media.

  • Ben "Lambo" Lambert – creative direction
  • Rich Gains – engineering
  • Vlad Sepetov – art direction
  • Mike "Deadly Mike" Del Mundo – original illustration
  • Eddie Sancho – mixing
  • Joe Laporta – mastering
  • Vic Wainstein – additional engineering (track 6)

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Alfredo
Chart (2020) Peak
position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[33] 145
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[34] 76
US Billboard 200[35] 15
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[36] 12

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Setaro, Shawn (May 29, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist Break Down New Album 'Alfredo'". Complex. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  2. ^ Hopkins, Anna (September 27, 2018). "Freddie Gibbs & Currensy to Drop 'Fetti' Album on Halloween". XXL. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  3. ^ Suarez, Gary (June 4, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs And The Alchemist's 'Alfredo' Perfects The Rap Duo Recipe". NPR. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Johnson, Patrick (June 19, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist 'Alfredo' Interview". Hypebeast. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  5. ^ Rose, Jordan (May 29, 2020). "Stream Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist's Latest Project 'Alfredo'". Complex. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  6. ^ Eustice, Kyle (May 28, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Drop Surprise 'Alfredo' Album Stream". HipHopDX. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  7. ^ a b Breihan, Tom (May 28, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist Announce Surprise Album 'Alfredo', Share First Single "1985": Listen". Stereogum. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  8. ^ Johnson, Patrick (May 28, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist 'Alfredo' Comic Book". Hypebeast. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  9. ^ Findlay, Mitch (May 28, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist Lay Waste To "1985"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  11. ^ a b Kellman, Andy. "Alfredo – The Alchemist, Freddie Gibbs". AllMusic. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Murray, Robin (June 1, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo". Clash. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  13. ^ a b Tomlinson, Clayton (June 1, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs Proves He's One of the Best Around on Alchemist Collaboration 'Alfredo'". Exclaim!. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  14. ^ a b Svetz, Josh (June 1, 2020). "Review: Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist's 'Alfredo' Is A Premium Hip Hop Offering". HipHopDX. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  15. ^ a b Bray, Jack (June 5, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist's next collaborative effort changes the game entirely". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  16. ^ Cashin, Cal (June 16, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo – Review". Loud and Quiet. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Rodríguez, Juan Edgardo (July 9, 2020). "Quick Takes (June 2020) – Music Feature". No Ripcord. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  18. ^ a b Ruiz, Matthew Ismael (June 3, 2020). "Freddie Gibbs / The Alchemist: Alfredo Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  19. ^ a b Howe, Rupert (August 2020). "Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist: Alfredo". Q. No. 414. p. 107.
  20. ^ Hull, Tom (June 9, 2020). "Music Week". Tom Hull – on the Web. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  21. ^ Glicksman, Josh (December 10, 2020). "The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2020: Staff Picks". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  22. ^ Gee, Andre (December 1, 2020). "The Best Albums of 2020". Complex. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  23. ^ Morawitz, Owen (December 2, 2020). "Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2020". Exclaim!. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  24. ^ Elder, Sajae. "The 50 best albums of 2020". The Fader. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  25. ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (December 18, 2020). "The 50 best albums of 2020: the full list". The Guardian. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  26. ^ Petrusich, Amanda (November 27, 2020). "The Best Music of 2020". The New Yorker. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  27. ^ Scarano, Ross (December 8, 2020). "The 50 Best Albums of 2020". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  28. ^ Bell, Max (December 10, 2020). "The 30 Best Albums of 2020". Spin. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  29. ^ Helman, Peter (December 1, 2020). "The 50 Best Albums of 2020". Stereogum. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  30. ^ Redfern, Mark (January 15, 2021). "Under the Radar's Top 100 Albums of 2020". Under the Radar. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  31. ^ Warner, Denise (March 14, 2021). "Here Are All the Winners From the 2021 Grammy Awards". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  32. ^ Caulfield, Keith (June 4, 2020). "Lady Gaga's 'Chromatica' on Course for No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  33. ^ "Ultratop.be – Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  34. ^ "Freddie Gibbs Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  35. ^ "Freddie Gibbs Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  36. ^ "Freddie Gibbs Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alfredo_(album)&oldid=1259997430"