The Alchemist has released This Thing of Ours 2, a sequel to April’s EP of the same name, with features from Vince Staples, Danny Brown and more.
Similar to his last release, which consisted of a compact four songs, this new album contains only five. Across the EP, Alchemist introduces guest appearances on each track. North Carolina rapper MAVI drops bars on the inspirational “Miracle Baby,” while MIKE joins on the drum-heavy single “Lossless.”
For “Flying Spirit,” the rapper and producer tapped members of the rap collective Bruiser Brigade, including frontman Danny Brown and members J.U.S., Bruiser Wolf and Fat Ray. The result is a spitfire single that embodies the distinct Detroit street talk sound of the group’s own music.
On the subsequent song “Wildstyle,” another member of Bruiser Brigade, Zelooperz, features on his own. Meanwhile Vince Staples appears on the final track of This Thing of Ours 2, “6 Five Heartbeats,” to rap over a simple piano instrumental. Staples revealed that he recorded an album with Alchemist and Earl Sweatshirt, which has yet to be released.
Throughout the project, Alchemist produces clean ‘90s-style beats, highlighting one of his own biggest strengths. Earlier this year, Alchemist was the sole producer of Boldy James’ masterful gangster rap record, Bo Jackson. The collaboration was received with critical acclaim.
In other music news, Don Toliver discussed working with Kanye West on DONDA.
