Larry June delivers the finest album of his career, teaming up with The Alchemist.
Our rating: 9.1/10
“Get ready to escape into the smooth and luxurious world of Larry June. The Vallejo MC has teamed up with the legendary producer The Alchemist for his ninth album, ‘The Great Escape,’ and it’s a ride you won’t want to miss. From jazzy beats to soulful lyrics, Larry June delivers his signature style in full force, making this album his strongest yet. So buckle up and join us as we explore the world of ‘The Great Escape.'”
Larry June, a 31-year-old MC from Vallejo, California, has been steadily grinding his way up the rap game since dropping out of high school. He has dropped his last eight studio albums, 14 EPs, and seven mixtapes, showcasing his unrelenting work ethic and passion for the craft. His discography has been growing, and fans have been eagerly anticipating his next project.
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Larry June and The Alchemist’s collaborative album, “Orange Season,” was a meticulously crafted masterpiece that embodies the essence of the California rap scene. The album is an eclectic mix of chilled-out tunes, skillful lyricism, and top-shelf sampling, featuring collaborations with some of the most talented artists in the industry. And with the release of “The Great Escape,” Larry June has delivered a masterpiece that’s sure to captivate fans and new listeners alike.
The album features collaborations with Action Bronson, Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, T3, Young RJ, Boldy James, Wiz Khalifa, Jay Worthy, and Joey Bada$$. Each artist brings their own unique flair to the album, delivering impressive verses that complement Alchemist’s signature production style.
Produced entirely by The Alchemist, “The Great Escape” is a 14-track journey that showcases Larry June’s versatility as a rapper. The album opens with “Turkish Cotton,” a jazzy track that sets the tone for the rest of the project. Larry June talks about making sure your tax is right, a message that resonates with listeners who are hustling to make ends meet.
“89 Earthquake” is a hard-hitting boom-bap track that shows Larry June isn’t afraid to air out anyone who still views him as a threat. He delivers his rhymes with an intensity that demands attention, showcasing his lyrical prowess and confidence as an MC.
“Solid Plan” is a standout track that features the one and only Action Bronson. The two rappers trade bars over a slick beat, with Larry June rapping about doing it all for the motherfuckin’ bankroll. Big Sean also makes an appearance on the groovy “Palisades, CA,” paying tribute to the titular city in the sunshine state.
Larry June shows off his versatility on “Summer Reign,” a warm sample-driven track that provides a fitting anthem to ride around with the top down to. The Beat Butcha co-produced “Orange Village” features T3 & Young RJ of Slum Village, and has a hypnotic quality to it as the trio works, lives & tries for a better day. “Porsches in Spanish” is a drumless track that showcases Larry June’s charisma, flexing his bars with style and grace.
“Art Talk” featuring Boldy James has a psychedelic quality to the beat, with the two rappers discussing getting it off the blacktop. “Ocean Sounds” is a romantic pop-rap track that surprisingly doesn’t come off as forced, showcasing Larry June’s ability to experiment with different sounds and styles.
“Left No Evidence” featuring Evidence has a more spacious sound to it, with Larry June and Evidence trading bars over some pianos, kicks & snares. “What Happened to the World?” featuring Wiz Khalifa has a more mellow approach, talking about the only thing on their minds is to get the money.
“Éxito” featuring Jay Worthy takes a twangier route, with the two rappers showing off how well respected they are and not wanting to beef with anyone as they continue trying to succeed. “60 Days” featuring Uncle Al himself finds the two exuberantly talking about how anything can happen in two months.
The penultimate track “Barragán Lightning” featuring Curren$y & Joey Bada$$ provides a colorful anthem addressing living off life. “Margie’s Candy House” is a jazzy, soulful closer that looks back on Larry June’s younger days.
Overall, The Great Escape is a triumph for Larry June. It’s an album that showcases his versatility as a rapper and his ability to work with a variety of producers and collaborators. The Alchemist’s production is a perfect match for Larry’s smooth flow, and the guest appearances only add to the album’s strengths. If you’re a fan of Larry June, or just looking for some smooth, jazzy hip-hop, then The Great Escape is definitely worth checking out.
