I’ve never craved Olive Garden more after a concert in my life.
Rapper Freddie Gibbs and producer The Alchemist have now teamed up for two albums, 2020’s Alfredo and its sequel, Alfredo 2, which came out this past July. The first was Grammy-nominated for Best Rap Album, and I’m really hoping for the same with this second one.
Both of these records feature fantastic tracks, boasting insane bars from Freddie and intricately layered beats crafted by The Alchemist. Seeing this translate remarkably live at the Aztec Theatre made for one of the better rap tours I’ve seen in person.
The first opener I saw on this San Antonio stop of “Alfredo: The Tour” was Charlotte-based rapper MAVI. I had gotten familiar with him last year when he came by on tour, but I didn’t get the chance to go – and I’m very glad I caught him now.
He had the ideal energy for this crowd, having witty banter between songs and absolutely spitting during his songs. Every one of his tracks had a dynamic variety in flows, but his delivery was always impressive in showing great versatility and control, having the crowd go nuts for him.
Born in Maryland but basing his music education and career in England, Jalen Ngonda was the last opener of the night. I had never heard of him before the show, so I assumed it would be another rap act on the bill, but what I got was something entirely different and special.
He’s a soul act, with his work containing all the DNA of the best music from the Motown era. I never would have guessed this kind of sound to open a Freddie Gibbs show, but it was the absolute perfect choice.
Jalen’s vocals were otherworldly with the notes he hit, the heartfelt passion in his voice, and the smoothness and joy that come with soul music, which is why I love it so much. I could really feel everyone in the room feed off this, which is such an impressive feat to pull off with a primarily hip-hop fanbase.
This soulfulness set the tone just right for Freddie and the Alchemist’s headline set, who hit the stage with a makeshift restaurant behind them with mini signs all over the front advertising Alfredo pasta.
That stage setup had me craving Alfredo pasta, so if anyone reading this knows an elite pasta place in town, please let me know – the craving hasn’t faded.
The Aztec has been the best venue this year to host these performances. Just like the last performance I caught there – Durand Jones & The Indications – I had also seen Freddie before at ACL Fest 2021. I recall this set being closer to 5 p.m., but it was still blazing hot – I could only bear about 15 minutes before I sprinted towards shade.
Again, I’m very thankful I got to fully experience his music now under the comfort of the Aztec’s A/C.
The Alchemist worked with the beats behind Freddie, while the Indiana-based rapper commanded the room with his expert lyricism. He’s one of the best in the gangsta rap genre, so hearing all the highlights from these two projects, such as “1985” and “1995,” “Scottie Beam,” “Ensalada,” and many more, with the producer that made it all happen right there with him to celebrate them was so memorable.
No matter what the track was, the entire crowd knew the full verses, and the packed-out Aztec was jumping and going crazy for the talent of these two artists.
Throughout the night, the mutual respect between the two was evident. They showed each other so much love during the show, and I can only imagine there’s more brilliance to come from their creative process.
Hell, they even teased an Alfredo 3, which would be amazing to see materialize.
If this third release in the series does happen, I hope they come back to San Antonio to celebrate it. Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist have been a collaboration made in heaven with these Alfredo albums, and they’re truly unlike most pairings you’ll ever find in rap music.
