MUSIC REVIEW: Fashawn x Alchemist – FASH-ionably Late

For those in the know,  Alchemist and Fashawn have history. Ever since Fashawn helped rip “The Far Left” from Evidence’s The Layover EP, it has been on and popping. He would eventually drop “Boy Meets World”, collaborate with Evidence and Alchemist a few more times, and keep representing “Grizzly City” (Fresno, California). All of this led to the moment at hand: Fashawn and Alchemist putting out a project together.

When both parties converge, they are more than likely to construct heat for the streets. An example of this heat is “Dreams” allows Fashawn and Evidence to do their thing over the dark and brooding production.  Meanwhile, “Professor F” is one of those dope tracks that allows Fashawn to do his own lyricism justice. Yet we have concept/story tellings songs like “The Plantation” filled with racial references, historical hints, and movie vocal samples. Therefore, it can be easily seen that Fashawn and Alchemist have chemistry.

Yet, there is just one glaring issue. This EP, as good as it is, could have been better on the production end. We all have heard Alchemist beats that were so hard the head nods would wear out the neck. This EP doesn’t garner the head nods it should rightfully have. Plus, the inclusion of the track “Never Waiting In Vein” goes against most of the vibe on the album. It is almost as if the two are holding onto the better tracks for a full length album and releasing this EP as a free teaser.

The possibilities are endless for this duo and this EP is proof. Yet, they are putting out only a fraction of what they are capable of achieving. Potentially, this duo can make some classics if given the right time and chemistry between words and beats. Nevertheless, they chose to give us something to hold us over. Therefore, this EP represents what it should: a snack before a possible meal.

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