How Freddie Gibbs And The Alchemist Cooked Up "Alfredo" | The Formula S2E3

After years working separately, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist had all the ingredients they needed for a front-to-back classic when they finally linked up to make 2020's "Alfredo." Here, the pair breaks down the making of "Skinny Suge," the haunting confessional that finds Gibbs reliving the trauma of having one foot in the rap game and one deep in the streets of Gary.
Rodney Carmichael | November 12, 2021
The Grammys was never the goal for Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist. Anyone intimately familiar with the hard-hitting discographies of both underground kings knows this all too well. But when their joint album "Alfredo" - a mafioso-inspired combination of both their names - earned a nod for Best Rap Album last year it was one of the rare occasions that the Academy got hip-hop right.
Alfredo also proves the power of a well-executed collaboration. The best sonic alliances can elevate artist and producer and change the career trajectory of both. Most fans probably don't know that the first time Gibbs and Alchemist collaborated, in the early 2000s, Gibbs was a new signee on Interscope and Alchemist was a rising producer in demand. Though the unreleased tracks they made never saw the light of day after Gibbs' deal soured, the duo was destined to reconnect like Voltron. First, though, they each played major roles in elevating joint rap albums to high art with other high-powered collaborators. While Alchemist built long-running discographies with the likes of Prodigy, Action Bronson, Boldy James, Evidence and many more, Gibbs made two front-to-back classics with Madlib. The pair had relinked for a trial run alongside Currensy on 2011's "Scottie Pippens," which led to the trio's 2018 LP "Fetti." From there, "Alfredo" was just over the horizon.
On this week's episode of The Formula, the third in a season that digs into the collaboration between rappers and producers, we visit Alchemist's L.A. studio for a smoke-veiled conversation with the duo as they share the special sauce for "Alfredo," an LP equal parts brooding and boastful. They break down the making of "Skinny Suge," the haunting confessional that finds Gibbs reliving the trauma of having one foot in the rap game and one deep in the streets of Gary. The resulting classic, "Alfredo," is what happens when two masters of their craft link at the top of their game: Everybody eats.
CREDITS
Host/Series Producer: Rodney Carmichael; Producers: Tsering Bista, Nickolai Hammar; Editor: Annabel Edwards; Art Director/Animator: CJ Riculan; Animators: Jackie Lay, Alicia Zheng; Director of Photography: Nickolai Hammar; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Jack Corbett, Nickolai Hammar, Alicia Zheng; Production Assistants: Amna Ijaz, Trisha Pickelhaupt; Art Director: CJ Riculan; Project Coordinator: Erin Register; Legal Adviser: Kimberly Sullivan; Consulting Editors: Jacob Ganz, Sidney Madden; Supervising Producer, Nick Michael; Senior Producer: Abby O'Neill; Managing Editor: Becky Lettenberger; Executive Producers: Anya Grundmann, Keith Jenkins
MUSIC
"Skinny Suge," Freddie Gibbs, Alfredo (2020); "Rose Water" by DJ Face
#freddiegibbs #thealchemist #theformula #nprmusic

[@rowanbrink193]

Alchemist talks about the beat the same way action bronson talks about food

[@the.afronautz]

What’s crazy is I was just thinking he sounds like action Bronson in certain parts of this clip. His voice itself i man

[@gaelmicucci4727]

Food villain!😉

[@petermcind]

Underrated comment

[@LarryFisherman5]

I hate everything! Rrrrrrr.

[@ilovemikerogers]

That's part of being good friends with someone, you emulate each other.

[@Seiji504]

“Personally it’s hard to listen to it.” We often times ignore the lyrics that artist write that hits so hard to themself. To be vulnerable. But to be honest and confronting yourself. Putting that out and sing that dark part of your life to crowds. You really gain a lotta respect to these artists. Big love to Freddie and alchemist.

[@douche_bag]

we forget that a lot of times its art, its self expression in the cleanest and purest way, especially with artists like freddie, alc, knx, and everyone in this section of rap. lot of dark emotions with their music, so beautiful

[@vinny5638]

thats what art actually is, not this commercialized conveyor belt "music" that we're spoonfed on a daily basis.

[@showbread9366]

That was just so deep. Thank you.

[@drof1462]

Whoever does the editing needs a promotion

[@Bandstand]

I’m saying. I’m trying to save for a new macbook

[@guts-7210]

@@Bandstand it is not you

[@Bandstand]

@@guts-7210 That’s the joke…i know i know. it’s not funny. I’ve heard it all

[@fitforfreelance]

10 out of 10!

[@GrayxCode45]

Fr tho!!!

[@jungkim689]

Just realized Alfredo is a combination of Alchemist and Freddie

[@nefertirilsm3406]

Good morning

[@made_by_chris]

Literally me too smh

[@tonybrasi2676]

Hey welcome to the party

[@johnmuku1773]

Me too 🤯

[@ralami6183]

Swear same here.

[@tracklib]

Man just watching them two vibe to it is something. Such a simple yet complex album...

[@southside6093]

*This was my hip hop AOTY for 2020. I called it timeless when I first heard it and a few decades from now I’ll be correct.*

[@thesmellycatjazz]

I'm just now getting more into Freddie, but Thundercat's It Is What It Is was my 2020 AOTY. So good

[@tanishbisht]

@@thesmellycatjazz check out pinata, bandana and alfredo timeless music

[@Spxngxd]

Piñata already is that.

[@maxichamberlain1021]

Anything that has Freddie and Alc is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Gwrightproductions1]

Shoulda beat Nas for the Grammy. He or Royce that year.

[@patrickvarine8476]

3:00 YES. Alchemist is the first person I've heard to say something out loud that I've thought for a very long time about hip-hop beats. Jay-Z's "Reasonable Doubt" is a winter record. Mobb Deep's "The Infamous..." is a winter record. OGC's "Da Storm" literally sounds the best while driving in the rain. Can't explain it. That's part of why I love music so much, both making it and listening to it.

[@laali-miller4463]

Well said👌🏾

[@ilovemikerogers]

I mean it's kinda obvious certain music is made for and put out at specific times of year for different moods. When DMX made Ruff Ryder's Anthem it was for the summer and when he made Slippin' it was for the winter.

[@mellomusicgroup]

Glad to see NPR with the new spots breaking things down. Respect to Gibbs & Al

[@herbalmaharaj8790]

This is a great example of “real recognize real”

[@jimr9499]

Mannn respect to Fred and Al. But respect to y'all too, been seein y'all commenting on mad videos I been on lately. Tell Apollo we want him to do a full album wit Freddie!

[@freepotatoez1189]

Freddie deserved that Grammy. Nas is a legend and that was a strong record but Freddie Kane released a classic

[@josem7402]

Scottie beam has got to be one of the greatest instrumentals ever

[@LTRiiken]

Scottie Beam and Devil with a New Dress are two instrumentals that are pure fkin art

[@Nim03]

@@LTRiiken fr

[@brawlnation5194]

All Glass

[@rheese12]

Audio art

[@hebrewsfl]

Listen to “To All of You” by RJD2

[@meeks2288]

alchemist beats maybe dark and gritty sometimes but one thing for sure is they are perfect for letting emcees just flow and express what they want they want to express. it's crazy the way he got his foot in the door started from a rap group he was in as a kid to producing for mobb deep. But man salute to that man and being able to create great beats thru the decades of hiphop.

[@javi_vercetti]

It would be an honor to meet him.

[@ilovemikerogers]

​@@javi_vercetti Crazy to think, but I met him after a Dilated Peoples, Cut Chemist & DJ Shadow show almost exactly 20 years ago. Super nice dude back then and seems like he still is.

[@iamcitiez]

Coulda watched Freddie & Alchemist chop it up for an hour. Love this series

[@EsauistheCaucasian]

RIP Prodigy. Wishing he was still around to make collabs with Alchemist. We miss you thunn

[@aceDOZA]

RIP Prodigy. Listen to Boldy James tho

[@Mankiratsinghsehra]

This was aoty the year. Goes to show how good Freddie is. We want a new tiny desk w/ alchemist there!

[@guts-7210]

Album of the year the year

[@jeremy0828]

@@guts-7210 bars

[@devinbrewer8956]

He got robbed by the Grammys from Nas lol

[@Knucklejob]

@@devinbrewer8956 Don't disrespect Nas now his album was also amazing

[@maxichamberlain1021]

@@Knucklejob you know it wasn’t as amazing as Alfredo.

[@jaylondodson6483]

i wasn’t expecting them to talk about this song. it’s my favorite off the album that’s why it took me by surprise. they’re right. it’s totally haunting song for those late nights. it’ll have you reflecting on your inner darkness while trying to cope with it at the same time. i love it.

[@msingleton82]

i agree. my favorite gibbs is introspective, deeply personal gibbs. the struggle is audibly tangible. i listen to homesick, freddy gordy and skinny suge almost everyday.

[@jaylondodson6483]

@@msingleton82 yessirrrr gotta practice in there too

[@zone._9199]

I absolutely love the visual representation of the beat breakdowns for this series, it’s so intricate and gives each aspect of the production its own surreal personality.

[@llewellyn.7466]

It’s unreal hey! As a producer who isnt super visual I really respect it

[@derrickfair276]

The album was incredible. Definitely a great collaboration. Can't go wrong with Alchemist

[@keyConfidant]

This content right here. Need a hour long version where they cover more tracks. Could listen to these two talk about their work for days.

[@TheMacturnal]

this album was an instant classic when it dropped. glad to see it getting the respect it deserves

[@spookydascary1376]

this was my favorite album of 2020, we need a part 2

[@LysergiCoyotl]

This was a Part 2. Part 1 called Fetti was even better

[@mrb-btw]

@@LysergiCoyotl no it wasn't

[@LysergiCoyotl]

@@mrb-btw yep, yep it was lol

[@chinbeats6551]

Fetti > Alfredo

[@LysergiCoyotl]

@@chinbeats6551 💯

[@JJS88STL]

been playing baby $hit every morning for like a month to get the day moving also: AL is an absolute treasure

[@karimd88]

Yesss Al been a legend!!

[@martinriggs8754]

My favorite instrumental on the album

[@djtaitai]

I keep goin back to Alfredo and MadGibbs collabs. So evergreen. Smooth cinematic soundscapes.

[@sanjayd7]

This album was incredible. I still feel like it deserves more recognition in terms of the masses.

[@icedoutleeko4538]

That Skinny Suge Visualizer was crazy, and that’s one of my fav tracks off the album

[@lesegoleso4918]

"They pushed me back a little" 😂😂

[@gracie99999]

Lol

[@CristianGarcia-fh8fj]

One of the best albums I have ever heard. Simply timeless.

[@baekho10]

Freddie keepin it real - all about choice not force

[@noahdelarosa4485]

He meant that he isn't really bald. Just like Tupac.

[@kylesmall6064]

@@noahdelarosa4485 2pac was losing his hair that's why he kept it bald. If you see his jail interview you can see his hair thining out.

[@JayRhymes93_]

Love that they decided to talk about this song cause it's my favorite from the album. The way they described it was perfect. Amazing album

[@nickymirks2671]

Alchemist is a national treasure. Top 3 producers of all time

[@P33CEGAWD]

j dilla. alchemist. vdon.

[@ofriblum1685]

⁠​⁠@@P33CEGAWDwhat about madlib, preemo, qtip rza? I’d say all could be argued as better than those 3. To each his own …

[@P33CEGAWD]

@@ofriblum1685 I like madlib but other ones I don’t really know about or have any of their productions in my collection. I have a ton of Alc and nearly all of Vdons stuff in my library. Other honorable mentions are Statik Selektah , Harry Fraud, DJ Muggs, Cookin Soul. I’m currently exploring DJ Premier because supposedly he’s a goat but I only have 8 of his tracks in my playlist.

[@davidhayter1179]

Friddie Gibbs and ALC work very well together. ALC Hasn't changed since the 90's. His production is so unique and sonically beautiful. I'd definitely put him in the J. Dilla category. Friddie reminds me of Jada Kiss, he always sounds hungry. Almost like he's rapping without a deal still. Bringing these 2 together on project is a hip-hop heads dream. ALC really shines with specific artists I. E. Conway the machine.

[@santiagoacosta6491]

3 days later Freddie and Jada dropped a song together 👀

[@MrFoofoo31]

@@santiagoacosta6491 what song was this?

[@Oskar0424]

@@MrFoofoo31 Black Illuminati

[@FendiPendergrass]

ALFREDO should've won the grammy.

[@kilbarz8751]

This duo on some Dre and Snoop level. I’m so glad I’m part of this generation of Hip Hop to see it through

[@F_E_A_Rise]

Amazing series - You can feel the chemistry they had in the studio making that song, Gibbs went to the 5th dimension you almost live the stories with him on this album. Just a timeless piece of art and artistic expression.

[@roblepper8418]

Gangsta Gibbs and Chemistry what a combo. We need more albums. Been had Alfredo on rotation for awhile.

[@Milo92927]

It’s crazy that they didn’t get the Grammy

[@tankerteez1072]

Incredible project, I'm really glad they did this, amazing video and the editing makes it more incredible

[@mattv.4089]

What Alc says about every beat having a time of day and a color to it is something I’ve thought about since I started making beats.

[@simphiwemtengwane2416]

Alfredo a classic, so is Pinata and Bandana.. we need more Freddie x Madlib/Alchemist collabs.

[@flippinggenre]

“I don’t hear songs I see em” Freddie Gibbs

[@Energyswordsunday]

Ngl this got me in tears. I didn't know this would hit me so deeply.

[@askjrvbjkrfbvhjbdjf]

*produces a masterpiece* “and that’s it, it was a simple beat🙂”

[@mixbag8399]

You should do one of these with Blu & Exile

[@georgethompsonjr6082]

HAS to happen

[@bigassdawg]

BRO.

[@jerzwhite4548]

Most definitely

[@jerzwhite4548]

People sleep on them they super dope

[@radcowley]

love the way the songs are visualized. great job!

[@LyncJordan]

My favorite song off that album! Y’all goated for getting them to break it down fr!

[@kamikazi5144]

So glad they chose this song to break down, it's my favourite off the album

[@Ayurveduh]

🐰🐰🐰 should have won the Grammy

[@matthewkelly5099]

This needed to be so much longer!

[@TheRevenger117]

Alfredo might just be one of my favorite albums ever. Love this breakdown.

[@jasonborne9839]

One of the Best Duos, some Artists & Producers just Mesh and Blend perfectly

[@rashodlewis2918]

Salute to Alchemist. 😎✌🏿

[@imrealtrustme3116]

Alchemist 3:05 looking like he might have synesthesia which is honestly shown to help increase creativity and stuff like that. Not very surprising to hear him associate beats with colors tbh I bet many great producers have the same feel to it.

[@ChrisCypher]

I often think this term gets misappropriated a bit. I very much can see colors from music (and arranged one of my albums from "oranges" to "purples and blues"), but I don't think I'd qualify as having synesthesia. I think synesthesia is a step further in that it's uncontrollable and sometimes a distraction. I think a lot of people who make music can associate colors and explain it similarly to him. ...but I'm not an expert, so who knows? Like most things, perhaps it's all on a spectrum with artists/creatives having SOME amount of synesthetic ability with others with more pronounced synesthesia having "too much" crossover.

[@ninjachannel007]

Thank you, NPR. I just want an artist and a producer to sit and talk about how they made a record and then listen to it with commentary. It sounds like high-talk when you hear Alchemist describe the vibe as "sunrise but it's still dark---purple", but then that's exactly what it is.

[@peterbaines1763]

"Do the best me" words we can all live by

[@barclayjerrard5314]

Easy AOTY for 2020, and it's not even remotely close. 🙏

[@benlawrence2172]

Awesome segment! Love this series

[@88Doug]

I could watch these two all day! Great content!

[@davidsonmiranda2657]

I need more episodes from these two!!

[@seneca4ever]

content so good I can cry

[@fatsaxx1037]

Man these are two of my favorites in the Hip Hop industry,and you gonna give Gangsta Gibbs his respect one way or another 💯

[@jurmain8437]

Best episode thus far! Alchemist is a such a legend

[@i.m.2bizee569]

I always assumed alchemist didn’t age until seeing him in high quality

[@muhfkajones]

Freddie Gibbs is one of the best rappers doing it right now but what's even crazier is he's been rapping well his entire career! One of my all time favorites fa real 💯

[@Devananta-Rafiq]

This episode is pure gold

[@InterstateInf]

Still bumpin it now

[@djceejaay]

First of all, you got some hip-hop GODS right here together. 🔥I think this series should be nominated for an Oscar. And placed in the annals of our history. MAHALO FOR KEEPING THE KEEP THE CULTURE ALIVE!!

[@cschneer]

NPR you a real one for putting this one together.

[@TehSymbiote]

Al is such a beast. fkn love his production

[@questorc]

I love the beat graphic as he talks about the beat . I figured I was the only one that pictured beats like that when I hear them. it comes from cooking soup for so many years. I can visualize the ingredients.

[@lockshabaz1876]

Been following Gibbs since his mixtapes...LEGEND

[@SRKTNZ]

Alchemist still one of the best

[@jackhedeman4969]

i love the visuals for the beat

[@ZeyROS3]

Alchemist explained the vibe of skinny suge perfectly I remember staying up all night and just having that song on repeat at 4-5 AM just feeling the music and relating to the pressure Freddie was describing. The dreams, the debt, the loss, the inability to trust, and going through everything alone while teaching myself/learning about life. It takes a real artist to get people who live different lives with different perspectives to connect with you in a meaningful way. Music like this is what keeps me going and inspires me. That day the sun beamed through my window and I began to work on my own music so I could be the Skinny Puerto Rican rich off rap n beats.

[@bigrowdzx3796]

The project was 💪🏾 and definitely a genuine contender for Rap album of the year!! I thought it was gonna be more about Uncle Al than Freddie but Gibbs held his own

[@amosarija]

im so happy they chose to dissect skinny suge, its for me the best song on the album and one of his most underrated songs

[@royalbillionsmusic]

Two of my favorites hands down

[@KeepItPurp4809]

Shoutout NPR for putting some great projects together!

[@McFlyZone]

It's always good to hear what the artist thought process was when making a certain song.

[@arnavnaik6577]

This album got me through the rest of 2020 and later on, my APWH test. Goated collaboration.

[@jonm-gq5fg]

Alfredo is a perfect rap album. Best one we got in years. skinny suge my fav joint off it

[@ZBVLN]

One of the most haunting tracks in hip hop, absolute masterpiece by Alan and Freddie

[@evancrable6640]

Great narration

[@coreyhendricks9490]

Classic in the making ✊

[@warrendchild]

Freddie got so many classic albums. He got more classic albums than some rappers have albums. Goat.

[@ashley3k]

An unbeatable duo!

[@youngitaly]

this is one of the best rap albums of all time. its perfect

[@hugochichava]

I can't lie; this album got me through COVID. Thank you!

[@sacredflowspace]

Dis dude right here both of dem fire!!!!!

[@quincybecker3447]

terrific videi!!!

[@GeronFletcher]

This album hit so hard. That skinny suge MAAAAAN!! Alchemist you are next level

[@PPCCO.]

I need this for the whole album

[@wandabamber5032]

Excellent conversation, wish we could ( all ) get along as musicians have forever.

[@LukeVanGeest]

Love this Freddie and Alchemist!

[@Tyoxy]

What a duo

[@92hawkes]

this album is amazing .

[@JalilPack]

Let’s get Smino & Monte Booker on here!

[@jay47kcs]

Just beautiful to see

[@IHav3No3n3mies]

I could watch this for every song

[@ChocolateDon929]

Album of 2020 got me through such an hard time 🏆🏆

[@titanjake8640]

Love this combo....Gibbs. Omg. What a dream. Gibbs x Al x Madlib!!!!!!!

[@antoniomurphy313]

i wish this was longer