An impressive collaboration that flourishes through diversity...
07 · 02 · 2025
Larry June is truly on a roll right now. The San Francisco artist made a mark with last year’s ‘Doing It For Me’, quickly following up on his significant 2023 releases – ‘The Night Shift’ and ‘The Great Escape’ – along with several guest appearances. A key part of this successful streak is his ongoing creative synergy with The Alchemist – the producer’s soulful and almost jazz-like flexibility brings out a unique quality in the rapper’s style. With 2 Chainz joining in, the dual vocalists harmonize despite their differences, allowing ‘Life Is Beautiful’ to shine with moments of brilliance.
The musical landscape is, as always, exceptional. The Alchemist consistently delivers, and this album features some true gems – the lush, Axelrod-inspired strings on the opening track ‘Munyon Canyon’, the beautiful flutes on the title track, and the West Coast funk of ‘Tru Organics’ are just a few of the highlights awaiting dedicated fans.
While the backdrop is rich, it’s the performances by the two MCs that elevate ‘Life Is Beautiful’ to another level. Larry June and 2 Chainz come with established personas, and it's their interaction that creates the album’s most charming instances. ‘Colossal’ truly lives up to its title, ‘Bad Choices’ delivers a powerful impact, and the enlightening ‘Epiphany’ shines with street-inspired poetry.
It’s also concise. In an age dominated by lengthy streaming projects, ‘Life Is Beautiful’ features a tight 11 tracks, totaling 37 minutes of music; nothing feels superfluous, with every line contributing to the project’s overall intent. The closing track ‘Jean Prouve’ exemplifies this approach – the laid-back sounds giving room for exploratory vocals; Larry June's relaxed, understated style contrasts wonderfully with the biting Southern surrealism of 2 Chainz. In some respects, it shouldn’t work, yet ‘Life Is Beautiful’ leaves a subtly overpowering impression.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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Larry June is on a significant streak at the moment. The San Francisco rapper made an impression with last year's 'Doing It For Me', quickly building on his important