Steve 'Flash' JuonI feel like I could spend the rest of my lifetime just trying to track down all of The Alchemist albums that I haven’t heard or reviewed yet. As “The Alchemist Sandwich” shows, it would be a worthwhile pursuit. It’s actually two previous extended plays that Al released called “Bread” and “Meat” and the fact it became lunch when combined together is just natural. So is hearing Benny the Butcher and Styles P rap together on the eerie “Massacre.” Rochester and Yonkers were always meant to do it like this, grimy as all hell and dope as a motherfucker.
As usual though Alchemist is spreading the love like mustard and mayo for the bread. He dips out to Top Dawg Entertainment and puts ScHoolboy Q in the mix for “Clip in a Tray,” and if you thought the aforementioned song was some dank, dark vibes then you ain’t heard nothing yet. The self-described “saucy crip” vows to “kill ’em in bulk” if they get between him and his success.
And even a mercurial, reluctant rap star like Earl Sweatshirt is convinced to “come outside” by an Alchemist beat. “E. Coli” sounds like an infection you wouldn’t want, let alone a reason to get Alan’s sandwich shop shut down, but Earl floats above the grime on an angelic backdrop and raps “I wasn’t born/momma snatched me off the motherfuckin’ stork on a Friday.” I believe it.
If there’s a downside to being The Alchemist it’s that even your bad ideas are good ideas, which at times can leave you feeling like he’s going through the motions. Even though Meyhem Lauren & Boldy James are just fine on “Big Syke” (RIP) it has the exact same feel as “E. Coli.” In other words neither song is bad, but both songs are just that trademark Alchemist sound, which sucks you in with melody then lets the rappers breathe over understated tracks. It’s a pleasure when he actually cranks it up and bangs the shit out the way he does for Conway the Machine on “Mac 10 Wounds.”
In short “The Alchemist Sandwich” is good, but it’s just that — a sandwich. If you’re looking for steak, potatoes and asparagus you’re not getting the full meal here. It tastes good, but it’s a lunch break he slapped together between whole wheat bread with some tomato and lettuce, not the full range of his culinary techniques. You’ll enjoy what’s on offer here thanks to his above par production and guests but still be left wanting more.