Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist Cook in Brooklyn for The Alfredo II Tour

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist, one of the most storied duos in recent hip-hop history, brought their Alfredo II Tour to The Brooklyn Paramount over the weekend. The pair released their collaboration Alfredo II this summer, the sequel to 2020’s Alfredo. The anticipation was high, but the energy was even higher. 

The stage crew constructed a small on-stage restaurant with real pots and pans hanging in the kitchen and even a door at center stage for the artists to enter or exit. The production from the stage setting to the lighting indicated the effort that went into making their show engaging for the audience. 

Sven Wunder, an ambient jazz pianist hailing from Stockholm, kicked off the night. His psychedelic instrumentals hypnotized the crowd while keeping them on their feet. Playing two keyboards at once, like magic, each note entranced the audience. 

Once Wunder exited, Mavi followed, lighting up the entire orchestra hall with his energy. Whether making the crowd wave side to side or jump to the beat, the North Carolina rapper ensured there was always some movement in the audience. He finished his set with his song “Self Love,” a heart-wrenching song about the importance of mental health. Pure unbridled emotion in every verse made it hard not to crack a smile or tear at his impassioned delivery. 

Jalen Ngonda and his band took over next, carrying the torch of Mavi’s passion and liveliness. A generational soul vocalist and guitarist from DC, Ngondas’s passionate ballads had the venue dancing side to side, embracing a loved one, and dancing like nobody was watching. Finishing with his hit song “If You Don’t Want My Love,” he took his bow as the final opener of the night. The audience could not anticipate the peak of this show reaching new heights.

Almost impossible to believe that this was all the appetizer; now came the main course… Alfredo. 

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist erupted from the front door of the Alfredo’s Restaurant set, immediately performing “1985” and “1995.” Playing songs from throughout their 10 years of joint projects, the night felt like a summation of their collaborative career and a thank-you note to their fans. After playing most songs from both Alfredo and Alfredo II, Gibbs walked offstage for a wardrobe change while The Alchemist entertained the audience with a DJ set of his solo discography. 

The chemistry of the duo was on full display in Brooklyn. When Gibbs returned to the stage, the crowd fell silent while he performed “Skinny Suge II” without missing a beat. The crowd boomed once more as Alchemist abandoned his turntable deck to rap with Gibbs on their song “Ferraris in the Rain Part 2” before returning to Gibbs’ classic tracks. Their set ended with fan favorites “Crime Pays” and “Thuggin’” as they exited, waving goodbye to a night of fantastic hip-hop love. 

The crowd demanded an encore, to which the duo entered once more to perform “Jean Claude” and “A Thousand Mountains” before concluding their show. As the curtains closed on Alfredo’s and the stage lights illuminated the venue, the crowd was finally satisfied–an unforgettable night, highlighting the best of a legendary duo.

Catch the ongoing Alfredo II Tour; tickets here.