Boldy James and The Alchemist have announced their second collaborative album, Bo Jackson, out August 13th. They’ve also shared the first preview, “First 48 Freestyle,” which arrives with a music video that evokes late-night summer rooftop parties.
Not much is known about the project, but James and The Alchemist most recently collaborated on the latter’s EP from April, This Thing of Ours. The pair’s last LP together, The Price of Tea in China, was named one of Consequence’s Top 50 Albums of 2020.
On “First 48 Freestyle,” The Alchemist’s moody beat is driven by an old guitar sample, while James continues his legacy as one of the most prominent voices in underground rap. “Dead body parts from the river floatin’ up the lake/ Zombies in the trap spendin’ tens on a dub of base/ Auntie kickin’ back with her stem, smokin’ up the shake/ Uncie askin’ what they payin’, wanna know how much I make/ Them bitches get behind me, I’ma take ’em on another chase,” he spits with his trademark effortless swagger. Watch Boldy and Alchemist’s “First 48 Freestyle” video below.
Since teaming with The Alchemist for The Price of Tea, Boldy has released Real Bad Boldy, Manger On McNichols, and The Versace Tape. As for Alchemist, more than twenty years in, he’s enjoying the most successful run of his career. Since 2018, he’s released critically acclaimed projects with Armand Hammer, Action Bronson, and Conway the Machine. His 2020 joint album with Gibbs, Alfredo, was one of the best albums that year and netted the duo a Grammy nomination.
