About this album

Sound: "A gritty, atmospheric blend of haunting beats and sharp lyricism that captures the essence of underground hip-hop."

Where they were

Released on January 1, 2009, 'Chemical Warfare' marked The Alchemist's return to solo work after his earlier collaborative efforts, including his celebrated production on albums like Mobb Deep's 'Murda Muzik'. This album solidified his status not just as a producer but also as a compelling solo artist, showcasing his unique style and vision in hip-hop.

Why it matters

'Chemical Warfare' received critical acclaim and is noted for its raw production quality, contributing to the underground hip-hop scene. The album garnered attention for its unconventional structure and brevity, influencing future projects in the genre and earning features on notable lists of top hip-hop releases from 2009.

Essential tracks

  • "Chemical Warfare" — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of conflict and survival through vivid imagery and sharp production, highlighting The Alchemist's signature sound.
  • "Therapy" — 'Therapy' offers a reflective moment within the album, combining introspective lyrics with a haunting beat that showcases The Alchemist's ability to balance aggression with vulnerability.
  • "Lose Your Life" — This track features hard-hitting verses and a relentless beat that exemplifies the raw energy of the album while addressing themes of struggle and perseverance.

Release Date

January 1, 2009

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Intro 0:58
  2. 2 ALC Theme 3:49
  3. 3 Lose Your Life 4:28
  4. 4 Chemical Warfare 1:33
  5. 5 Grand Concourse Benches 5:23
  6. 6 Therapy 5:22
  7. 7 That'll Work 5:00
  8. 8 Smile 4:43
  9. 9 Keep the Heels On 3:45
  10. 10 Acts of Violence 5:22
  11. 11 Lights, Cameras, Action 1:40
  12. 12 Some Gangster Shit 2:00
  13. 13 On Sight 3:46
  14. 14 Take a Look Back 5:29
  15. 15 Under Siege 2:13