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Russian Roulette
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Russian Roulette Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: Alan Maman moves from the producer chair to the mic for his third solo album as The Alchemist that includes guest appearances from such artists as Action Bronson, Danny Brown, Guilty Simpson, Fashawn, Roc Marciano, and Schoolboy Q.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. HipHopDX
    Jul 23, 2012
    90
    Although it feels druggy and improvisational at times, the outcome is soberingly great.
  2. Okayplayer
    Aug 6, 2012
    85
    Perhaps his greatest achievement here lies in the construction, an LP that balances the rappers with the beats into a seamless record.
  3. AllMusic
    Sep 5, 2012
    80
    This cohesive piece is still dotted with stand-out moments.
  4. Consequence
    Jul 23, 2012
    70
    Despite the big names (he invited a veritable indie hip-hop A-list), Maman's vision shines without overpowering.
  5. The Source
    Aug 22, 2012
    70
    The LA-bred production wizard creates a kaleidoscope of audio experiences that blend together into one-hour long, unconventional gem. [#253, p.91]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Exclaim
    Jul 23, 2012
    70
    With verses courtesy of everyone from Schoolboy Q and Action Bronson to Roc Marciano and Danny Brown, Alc continues to wear his hazy influences on his sleeve.
  7. Dusted Magazine
    Oct 12, 2012
    50
    For most of its runtime, highlights included, the album is mired in the same self-drowning-out that afflicts the best of its ilk.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. clem666
    Jun 16, 2021
    8
    A surprisingly underrated project. The Alchemist gave birth to thirty very short tracks (the longest ones barely last about two minutes and aA surprisingly underrated project. The Alchemist gave birth to thirty very short tracks (the longest ones barely last about two minutes and a half) using unknown russian samples and featuring underground MCs. 'Russian Roulette' may seem overly long due to the diversity of its content and the tracks merging into each others, but it remains a very interesting piece of work. Obviously not for everyone as it will ask a lot of listens to be considered as the dense, compelling and sometimes drafty piece of art that I think it is. Because yes, it unfortunately gathers numerous random and/or awkward moments where the only question you will have in mind is 'where are we going now?', but The Alchemist never fails to surprise. In the midst of all this gorgeous and ever-changing soundscape you can easily discover hidden pearls. I especially found that 'Adrian's Words - Champion Song' was the most compelling track of it all, but 'Soundcheck', 'Never Grow Up', and the 'Moscow Sunrise' and 'Sunset' were definitely noticable. It's the kind of experience you have to listen to as a whole because checking the songs in a random order is truly disturbing.… Expand
  2. Wildstylus
    Oct 1, 2012
    8
    A whirlwind tour through a diverse world of Russian musical samples and related soundbites mixed with banging Alchemist beats. AlchemistA whirlwind tour through a diverse world of Russian musical samples and related soundbites mixed with banging Alchemist beats. Alchemist concocts a fast-changing musical soundscape accompanied by a range of decent rapping performances from various underground contemporaries. The short track lengths and brisk rate at which different samples come and go is a double-edged sword: some of the results are spectacularly good, verging on classic hip hop, and you wish they were given a bit more time to mature and sink in. Other parts are messy and uninteresting, but then you don't have to wait long till you're back onto the good stuff.

    To appreciate this work, it needs to be listened to as a complete album. Preferably several times in a row - and I haven't felt that way about a CD in years. This is not your typical run-of-the-mill hip hop album, and as such, will appeal to listeners looking for something a bit different from whatever else is around at the moment. Refreshingly good work from a talented producer/DJ.    … Expand

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