While fans prepare for Alfredo 2, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist have shared a new visual for the project’s lead single, “1995,” providing a cinematic look into their expanded creative world. The entire album is set to release this Friday, July 25, so the timing couldn’t be more perfect, and the execution was impeccable.
“1995” is a vibe setter. The song, already garnering jazzed-up reviews for its lush, layered production, finds Uncle Al behind the boards, teasing a beautiful beat that hits its prime when the guitar kicks in during the second half. Freddie Gibbs slips and slides through the instrumental with his signature technical acumen, lacing every verse with a mix of swagger and introspection. It’s the type of track that makes you remember why these two have long been considered one of hip-hop’s most acid duos.
It’s a new video that cranks that energy to 11. Neon-lit views of Tokyo’s night streets don’t exactly tell a dark noir tale, but it’s a cinematic doozy of a “Tokyo crime saga.” Edited with surgical precision and crammed with clever transitions and collage-style cutaways, the visual captures the song’s gritty elegance as well as that of the city it celebrates. It’s a declaration. This isn’t the first time that Gibbs and Alchemist have exceeded the standard rap video formula. But with “1995,” they’re penning a larger narrative that can be extended to other visuals for Alfredo 2.
Opting for a Japanese theme feels like an interesting choice, especially considering Noon For The Wolves is a sample-based producer of records. Fans are already abuzz with theories. Alfredo 2 will feature 14 tracks, eight more than its predecessor, with guest appearances from Anderson. Paak, Larry June, and JID. With “1995” leading the way, everything on here points to this being one of the best hip-hop releases of the year. At least, if what “1995” suggests here, Gibbs and Alchemist are not merely putting out music but constructing a whole universe. And we’re all invited in.
