The wait is finally over Curren$y and Freddie Gibbs unleash havoc over 9 tracks produced entirely by The Alchemist. After almost 2 years since its announcement, “Fetti” is out and exactly what we could’ve hoped for. If not more. What else could you expect from a trio as powerful as Kareem Abul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy throughout the 80s’. We’ve seen this big 3 before starting with “Scottie Pippen” off Spitta’s “Covert Coup” project in 2011. They are no strangers to each other and it’s blatantly obvious the chemistry between them is genuine. Over the years this has shown every single time they connect. This particular project is said to have only taken 2 days to complete. The Alchemist has proven to consistently bring out the best in them both, together or solo.
Let’s start with The Alchemist’s role in the scheme of things. He’s established himself as a top-tier producer since the early 2000s. The difference between many producers and The Alchemist is simple. He doesn’t just make you feel one way or another, he makes you feel like you are somewhere as well. Production from Al is like the setting to the plot in a story, yet it’s even more powerful than that. Why? The perception is up to the listener and is not set in stone. He holds the capability to take you all over the map. From a beach overseas, a casino in Vegas, or a pitch-black alley way in the Bronx. The possibilities are astronomical. Whatever you may perceive it’s undeniable that he is adept at setting the scene. That’s why he connects with artists who are impeccable storytellers and with this work of art he’s behind two of the best.
Moving forward to the two who are painting the pictures with their words. Gangster Gibbs and Spitta are already well known for putting you into their shoes. They both can turn a track into a full-length feature film with their cinematic lyrics and larger than life lifestyles. Particularly focused on living fast, crime, and just being flat out cool. Which you may say that’s what all rap includes. There’s a difference between just talking about it and employing vivid imagery in the manner that these two do. Imagination is key to listening to their lyrics, they don’t just mindlessly speak over superb beats. Any active listener could easily and vividly depict the stories that are told throughout their 2 to 5-minute records. Their thrilling lyrics sound like what a true crime action film would look like. When the producer and artists both have this type of talent, the work they create should be as celebrated as a 50-point triple-double.
“Fetti” is just that but if that same performance was in game 7 of the NBA Finals. The first track is titled “Location Remote”, Al sets them up nicely. The beat sounds like what would play in the background at a harbor in the middle of the night while awaiting a special shipment. Curren$y gets the first verse. He lets it be known that he’s coming at necks on this project. Freddie follows up with the same demeanor, these are not your average rappers. The Alchemist makes an insanely smooth transition to the next track “The Blow”. The slick song transitions are present throughout, he’s a mastermind when it comes to mixing. Freddie and Curren$y are untouchable. The metaphors Gibbs dishes out are mind boggling, how did this guy think of this? Spitta claims “Federal Photographers” are taking pictures of his property. This is real mob mentality and Spitta is the Don.
“New Thangs” has a bright vibe to it. This is a great display of how well they work together. As they both describe the “Air Maxes” they’re sporting. These first few tracks are only a glimpse of how musically in tune these emcees truly are. This relaxed tone doesn’t last long, the two mafiosos are right back into talking business on “Saturday Night Special”. They bounce back and forth over the gruesome sounding beat. The track holds a special sort of feeling to it. A perfect symphony for those rides where it’s necessary to keep checking in your rear-view mirrors.
Gibbs gets his chance to go solo on “Now & Later Gators”, an ode to all the hustlers and players out there. Freddie addresses the struggles he faces with all the women in his life and the positives of course. He doesn’t have time for them, nothing can distract him from getting to the money. It’s Andretti’s turn for his solo record, “No Window Tints”. He depicts an elegant and expensive car that is perfect for the automotive connoisseur. The verse is short and sweet, yet still takes the listener on an incredible journey.
Next up is another solo for Gangster Gibbs titled “Willie Lloyd”. You would think that Gibbs was Willie himself the way he moved weight throughout the project to this point. The flow matches the ominous keys as straight audio dope is laid down over them. The Alchemist and him show that they’re no corner boys, they are the Kingpins! “Tapatio” is what the “Carrolton Heist” project would sound like if it were dropped today. Curren$y channels his classic laid-back flow as Gibbs sneaks in the next verse to crack your skull open.
The final record on the project is “Buddy & Sincere” from the jump its reminiscent. Spitta comes out switching flows left and right. He closes with a bar commemorating a legend recently lost, “Light one for Mac Miller, Blue Slide Park in the sky, still in here”. Freddie gives his condolences as well then gets right to it. It’s a closing verse that leaves the listener never wanting the project to end.
“Fetti” is one of those projects that only come around every so often. There is such a lack of music that is this real and well put together in today’s game. Everything feels so forced and fake nowadays, especially in the aspect of collaborations. This is one of the times that needs to be appreciated the most. The genuineness between the 3 is clearly shown throughout all 9 tracks. Nothing here is forced, just 3 dudes who still care about the music and feed off one another’s abilities naturally. There is clearly one negative about “Fetti”, they should’ve made it longer.
