Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist have officially announced a new highly anticipated joint album entitled Alfredo 2.
A sequel to their widely acclaimed 2020 project, the duo dropped artwork for the follow-up album which nods to the original LP’s cover of hands puppeteering a dish of pasta.
No release date came with the announcement but the duo have been talking about a sequel as far back as 2021.
Gibbs said to NPR: “Next [album] I want to go to Hawaii. We can record in Hawaii. I’m going to bring in like 20 strippers. I need it for my mindset.”
The Indiana native recently cleared up rumors that his new joint album with Madlib had been lost in the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles earlier this year.
In a Reddit post from a fan who met with Gibbs, they claim that they asked the rapper about the status of his forthcoming project with the producer, only for him to reply that it was “lost” in the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the Californian city.
“Was at a work event this week and ran into Freddie twice! He walked past me and I was like wtf. Had to say hi when he wasn’t deep in a convo but he was so nice,” they wrote.
“We chatted for a bit and I asked about Madlib who lost his house in the fire and he said they lost an album that was done. Crazy anyways wanted to share!”
After word spread on social media, Gangsta Gibbs jumped on X (formerly Twitter) to clear things up.
“This cap,” he simply wrote in response to a post reporting on the supposedly lost album.
Madlib had lost his family home in the L.A. wildfires.
In a fundraiser for the producer, his longtime manager Stacy Epps said: “We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your support in helping legendary producer Madlib and his family rebuild after losing their home, decades of music, and equipment in the devastating L.A. fires.
“Your donation, no matter the amount, will provide assistance to help Madlib with immediate personal needs, essentials like clothing, temporary housing, transportation costs and the tools Madlib needs to continue creating the music that has touched so many lives.”
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
