Alan Daniel Maman, professionally known as The Alchemist, is an acclaimed American record producer, DJ, and rapper. Born on October 25, 1977, in Beverly Hills, California, he rose to prominence through his intricate sampling style and collaborations with leading hip-hop artists. He is especially recognized for shaping the underground hip-hop scene with his soulful, often minimalist production.
Maman began his music career in the early 1990s as part of the rap duo The Whooliganz with actor Scott Caan. Though the group disbanded early, The Alchemist shifted to producing and was mentored by DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill. His early work included collaborations with Dilated Peoples, Defari, and Mobb Deep, helping him establish a reputation for gritty, East Coast–inspired beats.
The Alchemist’s major production credits span top-tier artists like Nas, Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar. He became Eminem’s official DJ in 2005 and has toured extensively with him. Beyond solo production, Alchemist is known for prolific collaborations. Notable joint projects include “Alfredo” with Freddie Gibbs (Grammy-nominated), “The Great Escape” with Larry June, “Haram” with Armand Hammer, and “Voir Dire” with Earl Sweatshirt.
He is also part of groups like Gangrene (with Oh No), Step Brothers (with Evidence), and has a frequent collaborative partnership with Boldy James. His instrumental albums, such as Israeli Salad and the Rapper’s Best Friend series, further showcase his versatility.
The Alchemist also composed for the video game Grand Theft Auto V and hosted its in-game radio station “The Lab.” Raised in a Jewish household, he has explored his heritage through music, even producing an entire instrumental album from Israeli samples.
With a career spanning over two decades, The Alchemist remains a central figure in hip-hop, revered for his consistency, innovation, and deep influence on both mainstream and underground music scenes.
