Album Review: Alchemist – Chemical Warfare (2009)

Album Review: Alchemist – Chemical Warfare (2009)
Rating: 4 out of 5 potholes

When Alan Maman, aka The Alchemist, dropped 1st Infantry, sure it was like any producer-turned-rapper type of album, however each of the collaborators paired with the eerily influenced Alchemist production created something quite special.  Now on the sophomore effort Chemical Warfare, a lot of things have improved this go round, and Alchemist’s production is proof positive why he’s one of the best producers today.

Alchemist’s production relies a lot on minimalistic elements that provide brash and punch-filed kicks and snares, and synths, almost sounding apocalyptic to the ear.  From the moment that “ALC Theme” with Kool G Rap hits, it’s a wordplay mission, with plenty of spelling out while G Rap and Alchemist trade verses.  “Lose Your Life” enlists Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss and Pusha T.  While Jadakiss utilizes his traditional tough talk and Snoop with his loosey goosey delivery, it is Pusha T that provides the sickest verse over the horrific keys and minimalist drums.  While only a minute and a half long, Eminem provides his usual antics on “Chemical Warfare”, dropping bombs on the Octomom, Sarah Palin, Juggalos, etc.   And it’s necessarily not bad either, especially its humorous and curt ending.  KRS-One joins in on “Grand Concourse Benches”, which sounds kind out of place to a degree.  The same goes for the unexpected Three 6 Mafia & Juvenile track, “That’ll Work”,  while Fabolous joins on “Some Gangster Shit”, which takes quite the long while to get started and provides somewhat an unsatisfactory result.

There’s tons more entertaining collaborations though, and they provide the album with the ammo needed to make it a thrill ride.  Kid Cudi, Talib Kweli, Evidence and Blu all trade verses on “Therapy”, while “Smile” enlists a syrupy hook by Maxwell and a mind-blowing delivery/verse by Twista.  Gangrene (which consists of Alchemist and Oh No) provide an eerie banger on “Acts of Violence”, as well as the rock tinged “Under Siege”, while Lil’ Fame of M.O.P brings the energy on “Lights, Camera, Action”.

Where 1st Infantry was a display of Alchemist’s versatility, Chemical Warfare continues a similar tradition, with more tracks that make the ride very interesting.  While there are some duds mentioned in this review, this album has plenty more shining moments. And that makes Chemical Warfare a very solid project that shows Alchemist’s penchant for creating eerie soundscapes.