After a couple of dope releases already in 2019, Alchemist is not letting off the pedal as temperatures flare. Judging by social media posts, it’s about to be an ALC summer. The Los Angeles, California-based veteran has one of his coveted “Craft Single 45s” on the way. This installment of the series will feature none other than Benny The Butcher’s “Took The Money To The Plug’s House”. That track is included on the Black Soprano Family founder (and Griselda Records artist’s) exceptional new album, The Plugs I Met.

Additionally, the Stepbrothers co-founder is dropping a sequel to Yacht Rock simply titled Yacht Rock 2, which will feature an all-star line-up: Action Bronson, Big Body Bes, Meyhem Lauren, Willie The Kid, Gangrene (his group with Oh No), Boldy James, Roc Marciano, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Benny, Elcamino, and Big Twins. Lastly, Uncle Al’s unreleased song with Nas will drop as part of the Lost Tapes 2 album this Friday (July 19). ALC is one of the carryover producers (with Kanye West) from the first Lost Tapes, back in 2002.

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On top off all the music, Al’ will once again co-star in Viceland’s returning Traveling The Stars: Action Bronson And Friends Watch Ancient Aliens show. After 20 years, the accomplished producer, DJ, and MC is among the hardest working artists in Hip-Hop.

However, before all that, The Cool Kids have just released a surprise 3-track EP, Layups, fully produced by Alchemist. The project was only officially announced last week by Chuck Inglish. Frequent Al’ collaborator, Detroit, Michigan’s Boldy James guests on two of the three songs here.

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The opening cut “WTF” is a haunting joint with spooky strings and a super grimy hook. Sir Michael Rocks sparks the track with some fly wordplay, “I’m way too early but I’m fashionably late / I wake up early when I’m cracking a safe / Chef Luciano’s the accoutrements is common sense / She did some scams with her friends, then she got a Benz / I’m selling signatures, but I can’t even draw good / My raps help ni**as get more money than a song should.” Meanwhile, on “Polansky” some classy brass gives the track a lounge, piano-bar feel. To close things out on “Layups,” Alan laces Chuck and Michael with some traditional boom-bap with dreamy breaks for the chorus.

Layups may be short but it’s packed with flavor. Alchemist is going to be creating a lot of gold for Hip-Hop Heads in 2019.