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As the ever evolving world of hip-hop, it seems like every single day there’s a new artist or sound that’s the new normal. With all the new talent coupled with the emo-rap wave that’s been popularized, it’s not hard to imagine that many casual fans tend to only listen to that particular style of rap. However, for many of the older and more savvy hip-hop crowd, there’s have to be a mix of sounds in their listening experience. So when two of hip-hop’s most respected veterans team up with a legendary producer, it’s one of the moments that true hip-hop fans can appreciate and enjoy.
Legendary underground MC and New Orleans product Curren$y connected with one of the best street rappers of this generation in Gary, Indiana MC Freddie Gibbs for a short but impactful 9 song, 24 minute album titled Fetti, which closed out the month of October. Dropping on Halloween was appropriate for this project, as at time it comes off as dark and intense, but maintains the smooth pimp and drug game influence that the two artists have made their staples, respectively. For Curren$y, his famous car and weed references run throughout the project, which adds an element of fun and relaxation for the listener. But that doesn’t last as Freddie contrasts with his battled tested and gritty voice with rheymes about his street intelligence and his unwavering confidence. But there is one final element that made this album complete.
The production of Fetti was handled solely by none other than the legendary super-producer The Alchemist. Formerly of Dialated Peoples and Mobb Deep affiliation, there are few beat makers who have had the run of success comparable to the California product. These three unique and well respected artists served their respective fanbases well with one of the best albums of 2018. It’s appropriate the album dropped on Halloween this year, because the sound fits the dark and haunting mood perfectly.
Alchemist immediately sets the tone with the instrumental of the opening track Location Remote, the repeating yell and bass comes in perfectly, leading to Curreny’s opening verse which is him at his very best, not leaving a second for the track to breathe. And Freddie Gibbs follows up with one of the best verses of the album, ending with one of the best lines we’ve heard in a while : “legend in this bitch, might do Coachella as a hologram”.
As the album continues, it becomes apparent that despite the fact that both Curren$y and Freddie rap in top form, the highlight of the album still may be Alchemist’s production. The sound puts the listener in the scene of a gangster film, as the soul, funk and jazz samples used throughout the album perfectly reflect the old souls of the artists it complements. It sounds like the trio is a group with countless albums already produced, which is so promising for the future. Whether the 70’s soul sounding The Blow, the smooth and skeletal mix on Saturday Night Special or the bass and guitar elements on Tapatio, Alchemist somehow manages to improve as his craft. But once again, the lyricists can not be overlooked.
Both artists took their turns on individual tracks and delivered highlights of the project. On No Window Tints, Curren$y flexes his muscles for anybody who may take his usually positive personality for granted. On Now & Later Gators, Freddie tries his hand at soul singing in a hilarious hook, which perfectly goes with his laid back and witty verses. But on the standout track out the album, Willie Lloyd, Gibbs makes sure to remind listeners that he’s one of the best rappers in the game with one of his most intimidating verses to date. The album concludes with the relaxing Buddy & Sincere, with a nice ode to the late rapper Mac Miller, appropriate for a positive song.
The only complaint one should have about Fetti is that it’s only 24 minutes, as this trio proved to be as detailed and focused if not more so than a lot of long standing rap groups in the game today. Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist are fixtures in hip-hop because of projects like this, carefully put together, fun, unique and true to themselves. This album stacks up as well as any this year for one of the best albums of 2018.