“He’s The Preemo & I’m The Chemist Tour” is coming to Italy!
Two legends of global beatmaking will share the stage in Italy for the very first time. The Alchemist and DJ Premier — central figures in the history of global Hip-Hop and representatives of two different generations, yet equally essential in shaping the most authentic sound of the genre — will perform together for one exclusive Italian date: December 7, 2025, at Teatro della Concordia in Venaria Reale (TO). A must-attend event for all lovers of real, uncompromising Hip-Hop.
No introductions needed: first up, DJ Premier is a living legend of the East Coast. Born in 1966 in Houston, he moved to Brooklyn in the late ’80s, where he co-founded Gang Starr with Guru (R.I.P.) and became the architect of the New York boom bap sound. He’s crafted classic beats that became instant anthems for virtually every great MC in Hip-Hop history. His sound is instantly recognizable — a unique sonic signature that became a benchmark in the culture. For many emcees, rapping over a Premier beat is considered the ultimate achievement, the crowning moment of a career. Preemo isn’t just a producer — he’s a DJ, a scholar, and a monument of global Hip-Hop.
On the other side of the ring, representing the next generation of beatmaking giants, stands The Alchemist — literally, a chemist of samples and sonic textures. He’s built his own unique language: dark, minimal, immersive, cinematic, and eclectic — able to turn obscure, dusty samples into timeless street bangers.
Raised in Los Angeles, not far from the polished suburbs of Beverly Hills, Alchemist fell in love with Hip-Hop culture at an early age, quickly becoming part of California’s underground and “alternative” scene.
Taken under the wing of DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill), who immediately saw his raw talent, he was introduced to the sacred arts of sampling and sonic alchemy. Early on, he crafted bangers for Dilated Peoples and built a deep bond with Prodigy of Mobb Deep, solidifying his position as one of the most respected and in-demand producers on both coasts — and beyond.
What sets him apart, though, has remained unchanged over time: creative freedom. The Alchemist continues to produce only what truly inspires him, refusing to compromise with the demands of the music industry. It’s this integrity that has made him a central figure in today’s underground. And his producer tag at the start of a beat? Iconic.
🎧 While we wait in anticipation for this once-in-a-lifetime event (and for the long-awaited Nas album fully produced by DJ Premier), we’ve imagined a generational versus between two legends: DJ Premier vs. The Alchemist — not through their usual hit records, but through a curated selection of albums fully produced by each of them.
A sonic battle between projects that embody the purest and most recognizable essence of their respective styles — rediscovering gems that often escape the usual tributes.
Round 1
Dj Premier [Gang Starr – Step In The Arena] (1991)
It’s the first album that Premier produced entirely on his own, transitioning from just adding scratches to fully crafting each beat from scratch — pushed and encouraged by Guru (R.I.P). From there, a style was born that would redefine the underground sound of the ’90s. The true beginning of his identity as a producer, and the start of the DJ Premier legend, marked by classics like “Just to Get a Rep” and “Check the Technique.”
The Alchemist – 1st Infantry (2004)
First album entirely produced by The Alchemist, a true cult classic among producer albums. Although he had already been active for years, crafting bangers and classics for top East and West Coast rappers, here he perfected his unique style: dark soul backdrops, cinematic atmospheres, and signature boom bap. The album also gained some mainstream success, thanks in part to singles like Hold You Down.
Round 2
Dj Premier [Group Home – Livin’ Proof] (1995)
Debut album from the New York duo Lil’ Dap and Melachi the Nutcracker, both raised within the Gang Starr Foundation. Premier handles (almost) all of the production, delivering a series of beats still regarded today as some of the most inspired and visionary of his career: dark soul textures, raw atmospheres, and drums crafted with surgical precision. Livin’ Proof stands as a manifesto of mid-’90s East Coast underground sound and has become a cult classic among the most dedicated Hip-Hop heads.
Prodigy & The Alchemist – Return of the Mac (2007)
Originally conceived as a mixtape, Return of the Mac evolved into a full-fledged album thanks to the strong artistic chemistry between Prodigy (of Mobb Deep) and a razor-sharp Alchemist. It’s a lesser-known gem in both artists’ catalogs, built on dark soul loops, vintage samples, blaxploitation vibes, and a cinematic atmosphere. The Alchemist tailors a sound that’s both elegant and menacing around Prodigy (R.I.P), crafting a modern underground classic.
Round 3
Dj Premier [Jeru the Damaja – Wrath of the Math] (1996)
Second album entirely produced by DJ Premier for Jeru The Damaja, Wrath of the Math marks the peak of his underground aesthetic: more layered and complex beats, yet still raw and sharply crafted. The Brooklyn MC continues with philosophical and militant lyrics, while Premier builds dark, reflective soundscapes around him — true street meditations.
The Alchemist & Domo Genesis – No Idols (2012)
Released almost under the radar, No Idols is one of the darkest and most cohesive projects in The Alchemist’s entire discography. Domo Genesis, then part of the Odd Future collective, finds in the Californian producer’s gritty, heavy beats the perfect ground to shine as a criminally underrated MC. The atmosphere is moody and nocturnal, with soul and jazz samples flipped into sonic gold. A cult classic for true heads, rediscovered over time, it foreshadows the golden era of Alchemist’s more experimental phase.
Round 4
Dj Premier [Blaq Poet – Blaqprint] (2009)
Premier’s incursion into the rough streets of Queensbridge comes through an almost fully produced project for Blaq Poet, a veteran of New York’s hardcore scene and member of the legendary QB crew Screwball. Blaqprint is a manifesto of raw, uncompromising underground rap: heavy drums, razor-sharp samples, and no frills. A bold declaration of loyalty to the grittiest essence of street-level hip-hop.
Boldy James & The Alchemist – My 1st Chemistry Set (2013)
The Alchemist and Boldy James are pure chemistry: My 1st Chemistry Set blends Alchemist’s dark, cinematic productions with Boldy’s sharp, deadpan lyricism, marking the beginning of an iconic partnership. A raw and refined street rap statement, it laid the groundwork for future classics like The Price of Tea in China (2020). Essential listening for those seeking the true soul of modern underground hip-hop.
Round 5
DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9’’- PRhyme (2014)
This album marks the first official collaboration between DJ Premier and Royce da 5’9”, a true tribute to classic boom bap with a modern twist. Premier handles all production, crafting intricate beats with carefully selected samples and a sound that’s clean yet hard-hitting, while Royce delivers technically flawless and thought-provoking lyrics.
Action Bronson & The Alchemist – Rare Chandeliers (2012)
Conceived somewhere between a mixtape and a street album, Rare Chandeliers combines The Alchemist’s raw, cinematic vision with Action Bronson’s explosive creativity. Filled with surreal imagery, pop references, and over-the-top storytelling, the project is an underground cult classic with a gritty yet refined edge. Alchemist delivers some of his loosest, grimiest production, providing the perfect backdrop for Bronson’s unpredictable flow.
Round 6
DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles – Kolexxxion (2012)
A solid project that fuses Bumpy Knuckles’ aggressive lyrics with DJ Premier’s sharp beats. Featuring rare tracks and unreleased material, Kolexxxion is a hardcore rap powerhouse with raw samples, surgical scratches, and veteran-level rhymes. A true tribute to the purest boom bap.
The Alchemist & Earl Sweatshirt – Voir Dire (2023)
Poised to become an underground gem, Voir Dire sees The Alchemist and Earl Sweatshirt blend sparse, minimalist productions with cryptic, introspective lyrics. Alchemist’s dusty, hypnotic beats create a suspended atmosphere, the perfect backdrop for Earl’s enigmatic and profound verses. An essential yet elusive project that rewards careful listening and sensitivity. Refined and authentic, Voir Dire stands as a milestone of contemporary underground rap.
Round 7
DJ Premier & Roc Marciano – The Coldest Profession (2025)
A collaboration destined to happen for the sake of the culture: the meeting of Premier’s classic, sculpted beats and Roc Marciano’s elegant style was only a matter of time. The Coldest Profession delivers on its promise: dark atmospheres, luxurious samples, and brilliant lyrics. Yet it leaves a bittersweet taste — eight tracks barely contain the potential of two legends finally joining forces.
Roc Marciano & The Alchemist – The Elephant Man’s Bones (2022)
Alchemist crafts dark, luxurious soundscapes over which Roc Marciano glides with cold, sharp rhymes—balancing minimalist elegance and latent menace. The Elephant Man’s Bones stands as a manifesto of intelligent, refined gangster rap: criminal poetry stitched perfectly to Marci’s flow like a tailored Armani suit.
Round 8
DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9” – PRhyme 2 (2018)
In PRhyme 2, DJ Premier experiments with Antman Wonder’s orchestral samples, crafting refined, cinematic productions without losing his classic touch. The beats, rich in detail and sculpted grooves, provide the perfect backdrop for Royce da 5’9”’s complex and profound lyrics. A natural evolution of their sound, blending tradition with vision.
The Alchemist, Larry June & 2 Chainz – Life Is Beautiful (2025)
Life Is Beautiful stands out as one of the best albums of 2025, showcasing The Alchemist’s talent for blending diverse musical worlds without losing their essence. Larry June’s laid-back flow and 2 Chainz’s elegance merge seamlessly over carefully crafted beats that mix various influences. The productions are, as always, elegant and cinematic. A cohesive, authentic, and engaging project.
Round 9
Dj Premier [Gang Starr – The Ownerz] (2003)
The Ownerz is the final Gang Starr album before Guru’s passing (R.I.P), serving as a manifesto of the duo’s unmistakable style. DJ Premier sharpens his sound with minimal, cutting beats, combining precise sampling and scratch techniques. The record perfectly blends classic boom bap with modern sensibility. Tracks like “Skills” embody its essence. A timeless classic.
The Alchemist – Yacht Rock 2 (2019)
Yacht Rock 2 is an often underrated gem in The Alchemist’s catalog, where boom bap, soul, and jazz blend into an elegant, sophisticated sound. The meticulously crafted productions create relaxed atmospheres filled with personality. Guest rappers move effortlessly over refined beats with a vintage flavor. A project that highlights Alchemist’s musical vision—tradition and experimentation in perfect balance.
