By: Miki Hellerbach
The space that Alchemist leaves in his beats is what defines his genius. The sampling and drums are sparse yet specific. Boldy James has a relaxed deep pitched flow that is just hugged by the instrumentals. Alchemist is coming off an incredibly successful collaboration tape “Fetti” with Curren$y & Freddie Gibbs, and he extends this run of superior pure modern boom bap rap tapes with Boldy. The Detroit MC is not one for clever punchlines or witty remarks. He spits real life bars and impresses more with his imagery and deceivingly intricate rhyme scheme. He touts many internal rhymes that could go unnoticed if you get caught in how smooth his delivery is. But when you lock into the Alchemist instrumental and let it highlight Boldy’s tone the bars come alive.
The first verse on the Vince Staples assisted “Surf & Turf” is for sure a highlight. The flow on this track hits a pocket that could only be influenced by the space in the beat. Boldy spits, “Slums at Detroit, drugs from the port, plug with the source, gun in my shorts, blood was the sport, jump from the porch, hung like a horse, ones with the fork, drunk in a Porsche, trunk full of corpse.” This repeated level of imagery and storytelling while keeping an air tight flow is what separates Boldy from many MC’s. Vince adds the west coast vibe with a similar flow pocket that the track needs to feel complete.
The other main highlight is the track “Pinto.” This is Alchemist’s best beat on the tape. He has a captivating violin loop that’s as cinematic as any other sound on the tape. That sample connects periodically with a bright guitar sample and quick flute sample that keeps the ear connected. Boldy speeds his flow slightly on this track to compete with the complexity of the beat but still seems effortless. Maybe Boldy’s best bar and one of few that have a true punchline is on the track as well when he says, “Scale kinda dusty, why yo ni**as in the county workin’ for the police like a trustee?” This joint is on full repeat and of the best tracks this year.
The combination of Boldy and Alchemist is so natural. They both seem like the best version of themselves together. Boldy has four heavyweight features from Vince Staples, Benny The Butcher, Evidence, and Freddie Gibbs on the tape but is never outshined simply because he sounds like such a master of Alchemists space. Many repeat listens required on this one.
Revenge of the Persona Non Grata 