The Alchemist - Russian Roulette (Dopest Shit of the Year Thus Far)

[BigBucs]

This, IMO, is probably Alch's dopest body of work which is saying a lot. Its an audio collage that stands on the strength of his production more so than the featured rappers. You only get a verse or 2 from the artist he casted but it would have been every bit as dope without any verses at all, I hope he drops the instrumental. This album reminds me of MF Doom's shit with how he approached the project but its fresh and cohesive all through out with how he seamlessly blends the tracks This is some shit you can let this spin from start to finish with no skips. 5/5 from me.

Im buying a physical just to to have a copy and the digital. This officially drops Tue July 31st, support this shit!
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Official Cover

Alternate Cover

 

Snippets
http://www.amazon.com/Russian-Roulette-Explicit/dp/B008ET5V1C/ref=tmm_msc_title_0
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Tracklist

1. Soundcheck
2. Apollo’s Last Stand f. AG Da Coroner
3. Crushed Kremlin f. Meyhem Lauren
4. Decisions Over Veal Orloff f. Action Bronson
5. Learned By Listening
6. Training Montage: Getting Stronger
7. Ivan’s Workout Plan
8. Never Grow Up f. Evidence
9. The Turning Point f. Roc Marciano
10. Live From Dynamo Stadium 2
11. Don Seymour’s Theme f. Midaz
12. Before The Fight Prelude
13. Adrian’s Words: Champion Song
14. Flight Of The Bumblebee
15. Kalashnekov Guns f. Guilty Simpson
16. Fight Confirmation f. Danny Brown & Schoolboy Q
17. Press Conference Prelude
18. Freakish Strength
19. Junkyard Fight Scene f. DRDC
20. Oleg’s Flight f. Fashawn
21. Moscow Mornings: Sunrise
22. Moscow Evenings: Sunset
23. The Kosmos pt. 1: Liftoff f. Chuuwee
24. The Kosmos pt. 2: Power Glove f. Boldy James
25. The Kosmos pt. 3: In Orbit
26. The Kosmos pt. 4: Moon Probe f. Big Twinz
27. The Kosmos pt. 5: 1st Contact: The Chase
28. The Kosmos pt. 6: Life On Another Planet f. Willie The Kid
29. The Kosmos pt. 7: The Explanation f. Mr. MFN eXquire
30. The Kosmos pt. 8: Return To Earth Outro

2 standout tracks that play back 2 back.

:fap:

Link

 

[URL]http://depositfiles.com/files/rc050gpab[/URL]

Hip Hop DX Review.

The Alchemist is rightly regarded as one of the greatest Hip Hop producers of the last 15 years. He has made dominating mainstream hits like Prodigy's "Keep It Thoro," Cam'ron's "Wet Wipes" and Nas' "No Idea's Original," all the while simultaneously supplying esteemed artists rarely heard on radio, such as Defari or Infamous Mobb with production just as potent. With nearly 20 years in the game, the one thing Alchemist appears to be missing is an album under his name that lives up to his for-hire catalog. Previous solo releases were largely perceived as minor compilations for the hardcore fan, while other work was either under the guise of collaboration or dismissed for the fact that it was free. With Russian Roulette, Alchemist joins Dr. Dre and Kanye West by having an ensemble project that properly shows the producer's cohesive vision and dynamic evolution. For liner note illiterates, this is an album that sums up Alc's range and understated ability.

The revolving chamber of Russian Roulette never stops spinning, which is one of the album's greatest attributes. Like J Dilla's Donuts and Madlib's Beat Konducta series, Alchemist disregards the conventions of major label producer-albums, and piles on 30 tracks, a linear mosaic of instrumentals and vocal impressions. There are several movements, adding to a journey that feels very imaginative, both to Alchemist and to the listener. The man who notably deejayed for Eminem for years seamlessly blends his tracks, making Prince Among Thieves-like stops with rappers (though not in character) stealing the moments as their own. Highlights include Roc Marciano's stamping out the aptly-titled "Turning Point" with his signature nonchalance and laid-back lyrical coolness. Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire calls back to Biggie's famous "Warning" cell phone conversation on "The Explanation" in a way that feels smart and sophisticated, and exceptionally clean for the Brooklyn sensation. Fresno represents beautifully as Planet Asia and Durag Dynasty slide "Junkyard Fight Scene" right into "Oleg's Flight" with Fashawn in a masterful transition within the album that can feel like one song or two. The lyrical spots are interspersed with instrumental creations, some of the best moments on the album.

Coming under the mid-'90s tutelage of Havoc and DJ Muggs, The Alchemist's record digging and sampling has always been apparent. However, on Russian Roulette, the producer unveils his mastery in the field. Foreign (presumably Russian) Psych and Jazz samples drive much of the album, a slight continuation of his work on Gangrene's sophomore album earlier this year. "Russian Mornings - Sunrise" and "Russian Evenings - Sunset" are beautiful moments in the album, like breaks within an album built on samples. The project uses Rap wisely, but refuses to be simply labeled as a Rap album, as it contains moments that are especially Jazz and Rock-driven. Like the aforementioned Muggs or DJ Shadow, Alchemist really shows that he is beyond capable of dabbling in other genres, and the man who's career has been rooted in Rap shows just how deep his crates go.
Russian Roulette is The Alchemist finding his latest pocket. Although it feels druggy and improvisational at times, the outcome is soberingly great. The California native built an ensemble that included a largely low profile list of both skillful veterans and unique newer voices in Hip Hop, and he made an album. Expectedly, aspiring producers can study it; hopeful emcees will try to rhyme over its parts from the "rapper's best friend." But for the first time in Al's career, he solely has orchestrated a concoction that is just an outstanding listen for the audience. Al left the machines and boards this go-round as the man with the golden gun.

 

[DJ Rhude]

Alc was on bath salts when he made this shit.....incredible

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

While that Frank Ocean Club Pickle music...THIS...now this one is a jam.

Ol boy is was on something good when he tore this one up.

 

[MvP]

Everyone knows ALC is my dude. Still haven't listened to this yet though, might check it out later today.

 

[BigBucs]

This bullshit site is what you all hold in such high regard? :jonesy: Alc didnt rap on a single track.

Summary: Alan Maman moves from the producer chair to the mic for his third solo album as The Alchemist that includes guest appearances from such artists as Action Bronson, Danny Brown, Guilty Simpson, Fashawn, Roc Marciano, and Schoolboy Q.

 

[Youk]

This is the first album in years, of any genre of music, that I've listened to straight through in one sitting and enjoyed.