Hip-hop producer the Alchemist releases seven projects this year, collaborating with Erykah Badu, Freddie Gibbs and others in his most prolific period.

Over 30 years into his career, the Beverly Hills native credits this year’s unprecedented collaborations to “stars aligning,” not deliberate planning.

The producer brought together unlikely duos and worked with Badu on her first album in 15 years, marking multiple career firsts.

The Alchemist’s world changed when he first discovered the Beastie Boys.

“Seeing them, these white Jewish guys who were rapping and on tour with Run-D.M.C. was crazy to me,” said the hip-hop producer, whose real name is Alan Maman. “It gave young guys like me a little bit of hope.”

As a kid growing up in Beverly Hills with an itch for L.A.’s subcultures, the Al

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