Larry June & Alchemist release The Great Escape Album
Starting the journey into this album is a mysterious announcement conveyed through the music video for “60 Days.” This sets the stage for fans to anticipate something extraordinary from Larry June, a favorite in the new age rap genre, and the legendary producer, The Alchemist.
The album kicks off with “Turkish Cotton,” a track that embodies Larry June's signature chilled style. It establishes a higher standard of living while simultaneously providing motivational undertones—a contrast that continues throughout the album.
Next up, we have exciting features from Action Bronson, Big Sean, and Ty Dolla $ign. “Solid Plan” takes inspiration from 80s movies, with The Alchemist layering the beat with nostalgic strums and delicate tones. In “Palisades,” a wealthy California neighborhood, June and Sean deliver self-affirming yet boastful lyrics. The track fades out with a soundbite, seamlessly transitioning into Lost Son's “Summer Rain,” which samples to carry us into the next song. Ty's hazy vocals shine through on the hook of “Summer Reign,” providing a refreshing experience.
Slick rolling bars and a low-toned melody characterize “Orange Village.” The clever song title combines Larry's signature color, orange, with a location in San Francisco. “Porsches In Spanish” showcases a cool, spaced-out flow and soulful vocal-infused production, with Alchemist incorporating snippets from Crosstown Express' “Let Me Try.”
Boldy James' distinctive style is a notable feature on “Art Talk,” followed breezily by “Ocean Sounds,” a track centered on self-love. Evidence, another Hip-Hop OG and one half of Step Brothers with The Alchemist, contributes to the album, which not only boasts sonic power but is also highly relevant to LA's hip-hop culture. Collaborative tracks with Wiz Khalifa and previous collaborator Jay Worthy ooze chemistry.
“60 Days” stands out as a chilled-out jam where The Alchemist delivers rare bars. “Margies Candy House” is an honest installment that sees June delve into more somber topics such as his upbringing and the loss of his grandmother. The penultimate track, “Barragan Lighting,” featuring Joey Bada$$, winds down the album like an old tape or reel, providing a classic and impressive ending to this record.
GRAMMY-winner talent The Alchemist certainly does not disappoint, skillfully developing tracks from start to finish. The album showcases top-notch sampling, cool laid-back tunes, and prodigious lyricism, embodying the ever-present California rap scene while bridging generations of hip-hop together.
This was a fun album and we are giving it 3 out of 4 stars.