The Alchemist’s 11th collaborative album Faith is a rock featuring Mike and Wiki is an introspective masterpiece. He has consistently released and produced music since he first entered the music scene in 1991. Faith is a rock brings classic old school rap back on the scene mixed with jazz influenced beats. This is definitely a different sound from many current rappers. Their flow is unmatched, every line goes perfectly rhyming with the last, never missing a beat. Compared to other works from The Alchemist, the album is very slow and mellow including lots of piano and string instruments which are paired with slow beats making this an amazing album for fall. Featuring songs like ‘be realistic’ using string instruments creating a dark reminiscent sound. Every song has a unique sound using a variety of instrument layering sounds to bless your ears.
‘Stargate’: the first track of the album starting off with meticulously thought out lyrics, coming from a place deep inside. Covering the topic of drug addiction, dealing with the loss of friends, and coming to terms with the fact “friends” are causing you more pain than happiness. The sound is slightly techno based using a variety of “outer space” sounds giving an intergalactic feeling. While incorporating string instruments to create a dramatic sound producing a feeling of floating lost in outer space.
‘Mayor’s A Cop’ progresses the somewhat storyline of the album, seemingly nodding to current mayor of New York Eric Adams who was formerly a cop. Criticizing his use of state funds to grow the police force while New Yorkers are suffering. Implying the funds should be used for things that benefit the people and communities. Continuing to talk of the struggles of living in New York, joint with these feelings of betrayal and lack of support from those who should be protecting. Expressing the anxiety that comes, combined with drugs used to aid these mixed feelings and thoughts. The usage of trumpets creates this “villain theme” sound similar to those old from a hero movie. The subtle beat in the background moves the song along with synth sprinkled throughout.
‘Memory Loss’ comes in strong with a saxophone settling the feeling of fall with the sound similar to smooth jazz. It touches on the disappointment of making it big yet being unhappy and how different it looks from the inside. The effects substance use has day to day and the burnout from constantly being high/under the influence.
‘One more’ is the closing song of the album, Mike and Wiki’s deliberate lyrics put the cherry on top as their last thought of the album. This track has lots of string instruments throughout providing a very dramatic end to this album.
Overall the album seems to follow somewhat of a “villain origin story” depicted from the pain and hurt dealt with living in New York city causing the “villain arc”. Even the album cover depicts the struggle and “weight” carried. The lyricism is phenomenal . Anyone that is looking for new music will love this album, whether its a single song or every track this beautiful masterpiece has room for all music lovers to enjoy.
