It may not be accurate to say the songs Larry June makes are “underground.” He’s got around 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and fans often use his tracks in social media posts. Many people are also drawn to him for his motivational subject matter and relaxing production. His latest album, The Great Escape, is a collaborative project with megaproducer, The Alchemist that arrived today (March 31). To help celebrate, we wanted to list his most streamed songs and review why fans are drawn to his music.
10. “Palisades, CA” – Larry June & The Alchemist feat. Big Sean (2023)
This Larry June song is a recent single from his collab album with The Alchemist. This is the first time June has linked with Big Sean, and many listeners were surprised to see them collaborate. This song proves their style contrast cannot hold them back from creating something good together. The Alchemist gave them a beat that simultaneously combined an eerie and smooth feeling. Larry hops on it with a relaxed flow, and Big Sean mirrors it. Then, after that, he switches to rapid-fire before going to another confidently relaxed delivery. The punchlines and wordplay in Sean’s verse stack up quickly and effortlessly. Each of their verses alludes to healthy lifestyle habits, which confirms that they’re undoubtedly on the same wavelength.
9. “60 Days” – Larry June & The Alchemist (2023)
This song was Larry June’s first single for The Great Escape. It helped introduce and establish the tone of the album. This one is exceptional for one reason: The Alchemist raps on it. Many listeners had never heard him rap before. Those who have been around know it’s not the first time he’s done it. However, it has been years. This song is also a sequel to another track in Larry’s catalog, “30 Day Run.” Larry’s verses talk of things he’s achieved, and he sings through the hook. His background vocals help enhance it with some of his trademark ad-libs.
8. “89 Earthquake” – Larry June & The Alchemist (2023)
This song was the second single for The Great Escape. In it, we find Larry rapping over a piano and horns provided by The Alchemist’s production. The song’s title comes from an earthquake in San Francisco, California, in 1989. Larry June often references California in his music. In this one, after talking his talk in the verses, he gives listeners a sung bridge. He precedes this moment by shouting, “Sing it, Larry!” This is right on brand for him as one saying fans associate with him is “Good Job, Larry.” This can often be seen in the comments sections of his social media.
7. “One of Us” – Joey Bada$$ feat. Larry June (2022)
This is the first song on this list where Larry June is the feature. This one comes from Joey Bada$$’s 2022 album, 2000. It also is another unexpected collab. Many people associate Joey with old-school boom-bap rap. Since this song was produced by Statik Selektah, it still fits that lane. However, it has a certain effortlessness to it. Fittingly, Larry takes the opening portion of his verse to reflect on his past. But, like Joey, his true focus on the verse is the present. Joey references Larry in the closing moments of his verse. He acknowledges they are from opposite coasts but still have similar lifestyles.
6. “Private Valet” – Larry June (2022)
This song is the first single for Larry June’s Spaceships on the Blade album. With Jake One on production, Larry uses this to showcase his rapping and singing abilities. Jake’s soundscape includes strings and other sounds that create a luxurious atmosphere. Still, it has that signature tranquil bounce most of Larry’s music carries. His delivery has a little more energy than usual, but he still sounds very relaxed on the track. His tales of high-class living are shared as he reiterates that he’s reached this level with hard work.
5. “Corte Madera, CA” – Larry June (2022)
This song also comes from June’s Spaceships on the Blade. It is also his first solo song on this list that is not a single. Listeners may have given this deep-cut repeated streams because of something unique about it: the sample. The song, which was produced by Ricci Riera, samples “In A Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. This song was released in 1963. It may not be as instantly recognizable as some other samples people have used, but it’s a classic for jazz lovers. The drums in the beat blend with the sample well and give it a modern yet classy feel. The sound effects in the song also help enhance the picture Larry is painting in his singular, hook-free verse.
4. “Keep Calling” – Blxst feat. Larry June (2022)
On this track, June links with artist Blxst to create a song that works well for the summer. Blxst’s rap-sung flow compliments his voice well, as the drums skitter around it. Larry raps his verse, but the ad-libs are melodic. This creates a soft contrast throughout his verse, complimenting the song’s tone. Blxst holds down production, too, and crafted a beat that sounds modern with old-school elements. Since he is also a West Coast native, he knew what would work best for them. The rhythmic and dynamic bass gives the track a nostalgic feel, while their delivery choices make it sound modern.
3. “Let’s Drive to Vegas” – Larry June (2019)
This song is from June’s project Out the Trunk. In this song, he reflects on his past and where he’s at now. He also speaks of how he’s thankful he can provide for himself and others. The vocal loop and piano in the song give it a very peaceful atmosphere. Larry’s verses are built around his hook, and this is a song that encapsulates many trademark aspects of his overall sound. Not only is it motivational, but it is an excellent song for those looking to be introduced to June’s catalog.
2. “Watering My Plants” – Larry June (2020)
This track was included in Adjust to the Game. In the second verse, the rapper speaks of his plans for a woman he is with. However, many listeners probably are drawn to it for the sample: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers. This is one many people have used on social media for the song’s hook, “Let me water plants.” Larry has a little fun with this chorus as he changes it to “your plants” to fit the narrative of the second verse. He still talks his talk but manages to weave in motivation and relatable perspectives, too.
1. “Smoothies in 1991” – Larry June (2019)
This song encapsulates practically every aspect of June’s music. His smooth flow, singing and background vocals, ad-libs, and even a sprinkle of humor. The song has three verses, a hook, and a bridge, making it one of Larry’s more “traditional” tracks in structure. This is also why it is one of the longest songs on this list. It contains an iconic sample, “Wishing on a Star” by Rose Royce. Some may recognize it from Jay-Z’s song of the same name, which also hosts the sample. Producer Julian G. Avila blends the original with trap-esque drums and old-school bass. Larry sounds at home on it. Is your favorite Larry June song on this list? Let us know in the comment section.
[Via]