Chemical Warfare (The Alchemist album)

Last updated
Chemical Warfare
Chemical Warfare2.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 7, 2009 (2009-07-07)
Recorded2006–2009
Genre Hip hop
Length55:29
Label
Producer Alchemist
Alchemist chronology
1st Infantry
(2004)
Chemical Warfare
(2009)
Russian Roulette
(2012)
Singles from Chemical Warfare
  1. "Smile"
    Released: May 5, 2009

Chemical Warfare is the second solo studio album by American hip hop producer and recording artist the Alchemist. It was released on July 7, 2009 via ALC Records and E1 Music. Produced entirely by the Alchemist himself, it features guest appearances from Blu, Eminem, Evidence, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Juvenile, Kid Cudi, Kool G Rap, KRS-One, Kxng Crooked, Lil' Fame, Maxwell, Oh No, Prodigy, Pusha T, Roc C, Snoop Dogg, Talib Kweli, Tha Dogg Pound, The Lady of Rage, Three 6 Mafia and Twista.

Contents

The album debuted at number 63 on the Billboard 200, number 13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, number 4 on the Top Rap Albums, number 6 on the Independent Albums charts in the United States. Its lead single "Smile" was released on May 5, 2009 with an accompanying music video was directed by Jason Goldwatch. [1] Songs "Lose Your Life" and "Therapy" previously appeared on The Alchemist's Cookbook EP.

Background

The back cover of the Alchemist's promotional single "Keys to the City", released in 2007, mentioned a new album, expected to be in-stores in early 2008. On his 2008 mixtape The Cutting Room Floor 2, the Alchemist revealed that the album titled Chemical Warfare is scheduled to be released in Summer 2008. In the closing credits of the animated music video for the song "Lose Your Life" it was stated that the album would be released in February 2009. [2] In May 2009, the full track listing was revealed with the release set for July 7, 2009. [3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 83/100 [4]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [5]
HipHopDX 3.5/5 [6]
laut.de Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Pitchfork 7.8/10 [8]
RapReviews8.5/10 [9]
XXL 3/5 (L) [10]

Chemical Warfare was met with generally favourable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 83 based on four reviews. [4]

Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews praised the work, saying "it may be that the only constant on Chemical Warfare IS Alchemist's beats, but that's enough to make it work--and like the futuristic battle it implies the album is filled with hits you'll never see coming". [9] AllMusic's Jeffries found the album "keeps this capo's reputation in tact. Recommended for aspiring dons and more open-minded thugs". [5] David Drake of Pitchfork stated: "Chemical Warfare is a rap version of Speilberg's Minority Report ; it draws upon a gritty underground past while embracing more modern craftsmanship, where new smooth edges are balanced by the felt-authenticity of its caliginous vision". [8]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Intro" Alan Maman 0:58
2."ALC Theme" (with Kool G Rap)3:49
3."Lose Your Life" (with Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss and Pusha T)4:28
4."Chemical Warfare" (with Eminem)1:33
5."Grand Concourse Benches" (with KRS-One)5:22
6."Therapy" (with Evidence, Blu, Talib Kweli and KiD CuDi)5:22
7."That'll Work" (with Three 6 Mafia and Juvenile)5:00
8."Smile" (with Maxwell and Twista)4:43
9."Keep the Heels On" (with Prodigy)3:45
10."Acts of Violence" (Gangrene with Roc 'C' and Crooked I)5:22
11."Lights, Cameras, Action" (with Lil' Fame)1:39
12."Some Gangster Shit" (with Fabolous)2:00
13."On Sight" (with Tha Dogg Pound and The Lady of Rage)3:46
14."Take a Look Back"Maman5:29
Bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Under Siege" (performed by Gangrene)
  • Maman
  • M. Jackson
Oh No 2:13
Total length:55:29
Digital bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
16."Lose Your Life" (Instrumental)3:26
17."Chemical Warfare" (Instrumental)1:26
18."That'll Work" (Instrumental)4:19

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2009)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [11] 63
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [12] 13
US Top Rap Albums (Billboard) [13] 4
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [14] 6

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fabolous</span> American rapper (born 1977)

John David Jackson, better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper. Raised in Brooklyn, he first gained recognition for his ability upon performing live on DJ Clue's Hot 97 radio show. Jackson then signed to Clue's record label Desert Storm Records, in a joint venture with Elektra Records. He rose to further prominence with his debut studio album Ghetto Fabolous (2001), which spawned the hit singles "Can't Deny It" and "Young'n ." Adopting a further commercially-oriented approach, his second album, Street Dreams (2003), was supported by the singles "Can't Let You Go" and "Into You" —both of which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jadakiss</span> American rapper (born 1975)

Jason Terrance Phillips, better known by his stage name Jadakiss, is an American rapper from Yonkers, New York. He began his career in the 1990s and formed the hip hop trio the Lox alongside Styles P and Sheek Louch in 1994. The group signed with Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Records, an imprint of Arista Records to release their debut studio album, Money, Power & Respect (1998); their second album, We Are the Streets (2000) was released by Ruff Ryders Entertainment, an imprint of Interscope Records. Both peaked within the top five of the Billboard 200 and yielded critical praise; their two subsequent albums, Filthy America... It's Beautiful (2013) and Living Off Xperience (2020) were both released by Jay-Z's Roc Nation and met with continued praise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shady Records</span> American record label

Shady Records is an American record label founded by rapper Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg in 1999, following the commercially successful release of The Slim Shady LP that same year. The label's name comes from the last name of Eminem's alter ego, Slim Shady.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Alchemist (musician)</span> American record producer and DJ (born 1977)

Alan Daniel Maman, known professionally as The Alchemist, is an American record producer and DJ. Critically acclaimed for his sample-heavy production style, he is regarded as one of the most influential producers in modern hip hop and underground rap. His frequent collaborators include Eminem, Action Bronson, Freddie Gibbs, Roc Marciano, Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn, Boldy James, and Earl Sweatshirt.

<i>A Gangster and a Gentleman</i> 2002 studio album by Styles P

A Gangster and a Gentleman is the debut studio album by American rapper Styles P. The album was released on July 9, 2002, through Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Interscope Records. Styles P was the second member of the Lox to record a solo album, after Kiss Tha Game Goodbye by Jadakiss was released in August 2001.

<i>Ghetto Fabolous</i> 2001 studio album by Fabolous

Ghetto Fabolous is the debut studio album by American rapper Fabolous. It was released on September 11, 2001 through Desert Storm Records and Elektra Records. Production was handled by DJ Clue?, Duro, Armando Colon, DJ Envy, Just Blaze, Mono, Omen, Red Spyda, Rick Rock, Rockwilder, The Neptunes and Timbaland.

<i>Amerikaz Nightmare</i> 2004 studio album by Mobb Deep

Amerikaz Nightmare is the sixth studio album by American hip hop duo Mobb Deep. It was released on August 10, 2004, via Infamous/Jive Records. The recording sessions took place at Battery Studios, Chung King Studios, Dunn Deal Studios and The Lab, in New York City, and at Ocean Way Studios in California, The Hit Factory Criteria in Miami, Powerhouse Studios in Yonkers, Record Plant in Hollywood, and DSL Studios in Louisville. The album was produced by member Havoc, as well as the Alchemist, Kanye West, Lil' Jon, and Red Spyda. It features guest appearances from Big Noyd, Jadakiss, Lil' Jon, Littles, Nate Dogg and Twista.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Drama</span> American DJ and record executive

Tyree Cinque Simmons, known professionally as DJ Drama, is an American disc jockey (DJ), record executive and music promoter. He initially gained recognition as the DJ for Atlanta-based rapper T.I., and continued to gain prominence hosting mixtapes for other hip hop artists. His trademark Gangsta Grillz series is present on releases of which he has compiled; it has been popularized by artists including Lil Wayne, Tyler the Creator, Snoop Dogg, Yo Gotti, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Fabolous, Jeezy, Meek Mill, and Gucci Mane, among others. Alongside record producer and fellow Philadelphia native Don Cannon, he co-founded the record label Generation Now in 2015, an imprint of Atlantic Records which has signed artists including Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Okay (One Blood)</span> 2006 single by The Game

"It's Okay (One Blood)" is a song by American rapper and West Coast hip hop artist The Game featuring vocals from reggae singer Junior Reid, from his second studio album Doctor's Advocate. Released as the album's lead single on July 24, 2006, the song was written by The Game himself and Junior Reid, and it was produced by D-Roc, and Reefa. The Game himself revealed that the song would be released on July 31, 2006, but actually was released on July 24, 2006. The song was originally to be released on July 4, 2006 but got pushed back by The Game. Jimmy Rosemond, head of Czar Entertainment and The Game's manager, explained how "One Blood" would receive positive radio airplay and prove the talent that The Game had. A supposed original version of the song was released in late January 2011.

<i>The Alchemists Cookbook</i> 2008 EP by The Alchemist

The Alchemist's Cookbook is the first extended play by American hip hop musician the Alchemist. It was released digitally via iTunes on November 18, 2008 through Koch Records. Produced entirely by the Alchemist himself, it features guest appearances from Evidence, Prodigy, Blu, Capone-N-Noreaga, Jadakiss, Keak da Sneak, Kid Cudi, Nina Sky, Pusha T, Snoop Dogg and Styles P. The six-track EP's title was inspired by The Anarchist Cookbook.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardiak</span> American record producer

Carl McCormick, professionally known as Cardiak, is an American record producer. He began producing music in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All I Do Is Win</span> 2010 single by DJ Khaled featuring T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross

"All I Do Is Win" is a song from DJ Khaled's fourth studio album Victory (2010). It was the third single from the album. The track features American rappers T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross. It was released on February 8, 2010, along with "Put Your Hands Up". The song peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The single was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beamer, Benz, or Bentley</span> 2010 single by Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana

"Beamer, Benz, or Bentley" is the first official single from Lloyd Banks' third album H.F.M. 2 , which was released on November 23, 2010. The song was released as a digital download on February 9, 2010. It was added to KAMP-FM in Los Angeles in four days from release.

<i>The Green Ghost Project</i> 2010 studio album by Styles P & DJ Green Lantern

The Green Ghost Project is a collaborative studio album by American rapper Styles P and record producer DJ Green Lantern. It was released on February 2, 2010, via Invasion Music Group. Beside Green Lantern, production was handled by Alchemist, Buckwild, Dame Grease, Dutchez Beatz, Poobs, Scram Jones, Statik Selektah and Vinny Idol. It features guest appearances from Tre Williams, Dwayne Collins, June Summers, Junior Reid, M.O.P., Noreaga, Raekwon, S.I. and Uncle Murda, as well as Styles P's The Lox groupmates Jadakiss and Sheek Louch.

<i>We the Best Forever</i> 2011 studio album by DJ Khaled

We the Best Forever is the fifth studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled. It was released on July 19, 2011, by We the Best Music Group, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown Records. It is his first album to be released on a major label, his first four albums being released on the independent label Koch Records, which later changed its name to E1 Music.

<i>Float</i> (Styles P album) 2013 studio album by Styles P

Float is the sixth solo studio album by American rapper Styles P. It was released on April 16, 2013, through High Times Records. Recording sessions took place at Beast Music Studios in New Rochelle. Production was handled entirely by Scram Jones. It features guest appearances from Bullpen, N.O.R.E., Raekwon and Scram Jones, as well as his The Lox groupmates Jadakiss and Sheek Louch.

<i>Friday on Elm Street</i> 2017 studio album by Fabolous and Jadakiss

Friday on Elm Street is a collaborative studio album by American rappers Fabolous and Jadakiss. It was released on November 24, 2017, by Street Family Records, Roc Nation, D-Block Records, Def Jam Recordings. The album is preceded by one single, "Stand Up" featuring Future.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benny the Butcher</span> American rapper (born 1984)

Jeremie Damon Pennick, known professionally as Benny the Butcher, or simply Benny, is an American rapper and songwriter. He came to prominence in 2018 following the release of his debut album, Tana Talk 3. Along with his cousins and fellow rappers Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine, with which he forms the collective Griselda, he is known for his '90s inspired rap songs and is often credited with leading a revival of the so called 'grimy' and 'gritty' hip hop music, influenced by mafioso and drug dealing themes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Time's Up (Jadakiss song)</span> 2004 single by Jadakiss featuring Nate Dogg

"Time's Up" is a song by American rapper Jadakiss, released on April 20, 2004, as the lead single from his second studio album Kiss of Death (2004). The song features American singer Nate Dogg and was produced by Scott Storch. Lyrically, the song sees Jadakiss rapping about his journey to becoming a rapper in the industry.

"We Gonna Make It" is a song by American rapper Jadakiss. It is the lead single from his debut studio album Kiss tha Game Goodbye (2001), and features American rapper Styles P. The song was produced by The Alchemist, and contains a sample of "My Music" by musician Samuel Jonathan Johnson.

References

  1. "The Alchemist - Smile ft. Twista & Maxwell (Official Music Video)". YouTube . June 11, 2009. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  2. "The Alchemist "Lose Your Life" official video". YouTube . November 18, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  3. Mancini, Elan (May 21, 2009). "The Alchemist Snags Eminem For New Album, Full Track Listing Revealed - XXL". XXL . Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Critic Reviews for Chemical Warfare - Metacritic". Metacritic . Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  5. 1 2 Jeffries, David. "Chemical Warfare - The Alchemist | Album | AllMusic". AllMusic . Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  6. Ketchum III, William (July 10, 2009). "Alchemist - Chemical Warfare". HipHopDX . Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  7. Engelen, Alexander. "Feature-Bombardement eines drittklassigen MCs". laut.de (in German). Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  8. 1 2 Drake, David (July 17, 2009). "The Alchemist: Chemical Warfare". Pitchfork . Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  9. 1 2 Juon, Steve 'Flash' (July 7, 2009). "The Alchemist :: Chemical Warfare :: ALC/E1 Entertainment". RapReviews. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  10. Gissen, Jesse (July 9, 2009). "Alchemist: Chemical Warfare - XXL". XXL . Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  11. "The Alchemist Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  12. "The Alchemist Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  13. "The Alchemist Chart History (Top Rap Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  14. "The Alchemist Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2024.