Mello Music Group: Bushido (Stream)

As reported a few weeks ago, Mello Music Group have put together a compilation featuring a whole bunch of new material from their increasingly dope roster and some equally compelling guests. The album kicks off with a track from Quelle Chris and Alchemist, which should give you some idea of the levels at work here, if you’re not already familiar with Mello’s insanely consistent back catalogue. As we progress we’re treated to new joints from The Lasso and Zackey Force Funk, Cambatta and Apollo Brown, Homeboy Sandman and Eric Lau, as well as three new tracks from Oddisee, including the previously featured No Trouble. You can explore the full array of musical brilliance below and then go check the usual spots for all your streaming/download needs.

Armand Hammer & The Alchemist: Sir Benni Miles

Today saw the release of the latest album from Armand Hammer, their first project with a single producer at the helm. That producer is The Alchemist and the results are as engrossing as you would imagine. I’ll write more on the album itself when I’ve spent a bit more time with it, but for now make the most of the first video to emerge, for the opening track, Sir Benni Miles. The video was made by Joseph Mault. Haram physicals are available now via Backwoodz Studioz, with streams available from the usual platforms.

The Alchemist: Water Bed

Little burst of brilliance here from The Alchemist, thanks to this extract from his recent project alongside streetwear company, BornxRaised. There is also a short film that accompanies the EP(?), made by Jason Goldwatch, who is also the brains behind many dope rap videos that have featured on this blog over the years. The full project, Carry The Fire, is out now on all the usual streaming platforms and there are also picture discs available.

Earl Sweatshirt x Alchemist: 45

Short but sweet is the M.O. on the latest from Earl and Alc, as they deliver 45. Earl sounds more alive than he has done for a while, which is definitely not something I am complaining about, and the sampling is as masterful as ever.

Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist: Baby $hit

Here’s a little taster from the Alfredo album that surfaced on Friday, courtesy of Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist. The whole thing is available to stream online now.

Earl Sweatshirt ft. Maxo: Whole World

This new Maxo-assisted single from Earl Sweatshirt was released a few days ago and in the process, it reignited calls for a full-length collaboration between him and Alchemist. They reconnect again on Whole World, reminding us of their natural chemistry, with Alc’s sparse bass-heavy production ridden perfectly by Earl’s staggered and meandering flows. Whole World is out now on all streaming and download platforms.

Conway & The Alchemist ft. Cormega: They Got Sonny

Conway and Alchemist return with yet more heat from their recent LULU EP, this time with possibly the best cut from the project. They Got Sonny is boosted by a superb feature from Queens favourite, Cormega, as well as the usual murky strains from Alchemist’s production. LULU is out now.

Two Orange Tecs, A White Camouflage Suit & Some Silver Boots

If you follow Lee Scott on Facebook, you might have noticed he’s recently started posting up some of his favourite classic rap albums and urging his younger fans to go and explore them if they’re not already familiar. Me and Lee have had a few little rap related chats of our own in the past and so I thought I’d use the current situation as an opportunity to pick his brains about his favourite rappers from back in the day, plus a few other little questions here and there. So via Twitter DMs, we delved into a whole bunch of original talent, including Redman, Likwit Crew, Company Flow and The Cenobites (the title of this piece is a reference to their track, How The Fuck You Get A Deal). To be honest we could have gone on a lot longer, so maybe we’ll try and squeeze another one out before normality returns. For now though, get stuck into this geek sesh.

Conway The Machine & The Alchemist: Calvin

Fresh visuals from the Conway and Alchemist project which was given life on Friday. Calvin is more of the tough street commentary that has brought Conway and his Griselda family so much praise over recent years, and combined with Alchemist’s moody production it stands as a solid release in both artists catalogues. The video for Calvin was made by Jason Goldwatch. LULU is out now.

Conway the Machine & The Alchemist ft. Schoolboy Q: Shoot Sideways

Conway and Alchemist have an album on the way, continuing Griselda’s year on year rise and perhaps serving up one of the year’s best in the process. Shoot Sideways is a good indicator of what’s coming, with Conway and Alc drafting in TDE favourite, Schoolboy Q, for a patois tinged hook. The album, LULU, is due for release this month, with pre-orders available now.