The Alchemist – The Genuine Articulate (Album Review)

The Alchemist delivers a masterful project in “The Genuine Articulate.”


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TOP 3

3. Diego Maradona (Ft. Conway The Machine)

“Diego Maradona” might just be the punchiest track on this album (honestly, The Alchemist should’ve called it Draymond Green instead).

Call me old-fashioned, but my favorite flow The Alchemist uses on this album is the one in “Diego Maradona.” It’s not overly complicated or Action Bronson-inspired; it’s just straightforward, with a nice, fast-paced rhythm. Lyrically, he gets into some light flexing, reminding us about his flashy jewelry and luxurious cars. Then Conway The Machine comes in and wraps things up with a flow that shifts effortlessly from slow to fast, paired with lyrics that jump between braggadocious bars and violent lines. Overall, this dark banger hits all the right notes for me.

2. Scientology (Ft. Havoc)

What in the name of 2001?

If you’re a fan of nostalgia, “Scientology” is going to be a treat for you. The track delivers an old-school, street hip-hop beat that gives off classic vibes. Over this gritty instrumental, The Alchemist and Havoc—two veterans with chemistry dating back to the early 2000s—spit hard-hitting verses that showcase their ability to crush the competition and continue reaching new heights. They also reflect on how the doors of opportunity are still wide open for them today. While The Alchemist’s verse is solid, Havoc’s performance is the real standout—his flow on this beat is practically legendary.

1. Seasons Change

This track serves as a friendly reminder that even The Alchemist is just a regular human being like the rest of us.

A lot of the verses on this project feel beyond unrelatable, with The Alchemist and his crew talking about crushing their competition and living through extravagant experiences that are totally foreign to me. But in “Seasons Change,” we get a much more down-to-earth side of The Alchemist. Over a touching beat that I can’t get enough of, he opens up about battling depression while driving Benzes, raising his kids, and reflecting on past mistakes. While he still plays with a twisty flow, the plainness of his delivery and tone really hit home for me on this one.


SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

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RGM RATING

(B-) (80%)

When I first heard The Alchemist on “Ferraris in The Rain,” the opening track, the immediate thought was how drastically different he sounds compared to his performance on “Hold You Down” back in 2023. On this track, The Alchemist embraces unorthodox flows and quirky punchlines, almost as if he’s drawing inspiration from past collaborators like Action Bronson or Earl Sweatshirt. This new, unconventional approach might divide fans—some will appreciate his evolving style, while others may long for the old-school delivery.

What stands out regardless is the strength of his lyrics. The Alchemist masterfully avoids overusing violent themes, and when he does dip into that territory, it’s done with cleverness and subtlety. Additionally, he remains competitive without being overtly boastful, sprinkles in some lowkey bragging, and opens up personally when it fits. The features on the project also do their part, bringing in the necessary N-words, flair, and added variety to keep the energy dynamic throughout.

This album’s standout is the production, and it’s not even close. Almost every beat deserves a chef’s kiss, boasting exquisite, extravagant, vintage hip-hop vibes. I had a blast listening to the soundscapes.

I’m glad The Alchemist decided that sometimes you gotta pop out and show people with this album.


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