SEARCH FOR: LARRY JUNE

Though August might mean the solemn end of summer to most, Bay Area natives embrace the month as the welcome harbinger of Outside Lands. With the festival set to kick off this Friday, many of us are scrambling last-minute to assemble the perfect schedule – a painstakingly precise itinerary filled with high-energy performances, insane crowds, and gourmet corn dogs. For the indecisive and uncertain, let this list of must-see acts be your guiding light during the weekend’s festivities. Maxo Kream It’s been a minute since Maxo dropped his newest LP Weight of the World late last year – but having just dropped the long-awaited deluxe version, few artists on the lineup are as essential to see as this young rapper. From the triumphant horns of the Tyler-assisted “BIG PERSONA” to the downtempo ambiance of album closer “BELIEVE” with Don Toliver – the Houston rapper’s energy is just as infectious as it is massive, making him the perfect act to see if you’re looking to throw a few elbows. Having received co-signs from artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott to A$AP Rocky and Freddie Gibbs – Maxo Kream’s ascension to hip-hop stardom is anything but accidental – and you …

It’s 8:18 PM in Chicago Illinois – June 10th, 2022   I am currently sitting in the living room of the Lyrical Lemonade office alongside my buddies Sal Tarantino and Joe Rocha. We were watching the NBA finals game between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors when Sal suddenly decided to attack one of my childhood treasures, Randy Moss. This reckless comment sparked a debate between the three of us, Joe & I were trying to convince Sal about how raw Randy Moss is/was, but Sal wasn’t trying to hear it.   Sal suggested that Randy Moss’s legacy has been “greatly tainted” because of how he has handled his post-playing career, which left me befuddled. I thought to myself: Randy Moss hasn’t ever had any off-the-field issues that I know of. When I asked Sal to explain himself, all he could say is “Randy works for ESPN, it’s untasteful and he’s replaceable”. The dust settled, people were looking around in confusion, and I even saw someone shed a single tear. I looked Sal deep into his eyes, and I said “are we about to take it there” *pause*. Clearly, we were on the same page, because seconds later, …

Although there are certain regions where there are tons of dexterous artists doing their own thing on their own terms, there are also specific parts of the country where there is a pretty consistent sound across the different tiers of artists that call that place home. There are a few different areas where this can be true, but I think the West Coast is one of those regions where you can almost always tell immediately when an artist is there because of the chill yet bouncy, party-inspired styles that are used. These inspirations have to come from someone, and while there are a handful of producers and artists who have contributed to this trademark sound, P-Lo is a West Coast legend that can definitely take credit for formulating such a specific and ear-catching sound. The multi-platinum songwriter/producer has been making moves in the industry for so many years, and this is what has helped him solidify his spot in the history of the Bay Area movement as well as becoming an ambassador for certain San Francisco sports teams like the 49ers, Giants, Warriors, and more. He even had the opportunity to perform at halftime of the first game of this …

Obviously, New York needs no introduction to the world of rap, and it never has for as long as the genre has existed. Over the years, literally countless emcees have emerged from the scene in NYC, some blowing up to massive stardom while others have been excited about the local buzz they have garnered, but one way or another, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. I also feel like New York City and A$AP Mob go hand in hand, and with the fact that they are one of the most notorious collectives in the entire history of music, they’re a group that I will never ignore by any means. While Rocky might make headlines on a daily basis, others are making some serious moves that deserve some recognition, especially A$AP Ant. Although he is the only Baltimore native in the Mob, he has been constantly on the grind as far as his music goes, and his clothing armada Marino Infantry is as successful as it gets, and until I manage to get my hands on some of that, I am always here to support his latest and greatest music releases. So, I was …

San Francisco Rapper Lil Bean’s new album has arrived and it’s everything we expected. The 14 track project serves as a thank you to his fans with features from Mike Sherm, Larry June, Rexx Life Raj, ​​and ZayBang. Fan-favorite songs “Sold Out Dates,” “4am”, and “Billie Jean” was also a part of this project. “Billie Jean” currently has 295k views on Youtube. It was named by Pitchfork as the “must hear rap song of the day”. His calm flow over clobbering drums, and a sped-up vocal sample was a recipe for perfection.                  “The message I wanna give with this project is to just be grateful for yo situation, cause it’s people that’s doin’ worse than you and wish they was in yo shoes, so just be grateful for what you have and make it happen. Everybody’s road is different, just find yo lane and stick to it.” One of my favorite tracks on “Forever Grateful” is “Sold Out Dates”. Between the visuals, the beat, and his unique voice and his fierce wordplay, Lil Bean tells a story through his music. He captures my attention without even trying to.  “I don’t post up on the gram less I’m showing trophies. Remember …

2021 has very much been an up and down year for most, but it’s undeniably been a phenomenal year for music. In fact, I enjoyed listening to so many releases that I’d forgotten some even released this year. Not only has there been plenty of stylistic/genre variety, but also artists of all types (small, emerging, mainstream) actively releasing their art. To showcase my appreciation, I decided to put together a list of my favorite projects; (in no particular order) all of which remain in my rotation heading into the new year. I hope you discover an album, EP or mixtape that you might have missed! Last but not least, this list is also a token of gratitude to each and every person that has read a Lyrical Lemonade piece of mine. I wish you a happy and fulfilling New Year. – – – – – Issa Gold: Tempus (album) Genres: Introspective hip-hop, Conscious rap Favorite track: Cold Summer   Amaria – Bittersweet (EP) Genres: R&B Favorite track: Lose Control   Richie Quake – Voyager (EP) Genres: R&B, Indie Favorite Track: Sensitive   Jean Deaux – Most Wanted (EP) Genres: Hip-Hop, Modern R&B, Electro-Trap Favorite track: Stay Down Marlon Craft – How We Intended (album) Genres: Hip-Hop, Jazz …

It’s certain tracks and styles that you can recognize regional hip-hop influences, such as the case with Niko G4’s, “NEVER CHANGE,” which has taken traditional West coast style to a new level with a delivery exclusive only to Niko. The video, shot by No Talents and edited by Dom Jewel, is a mystique, dark-lit collage of scenes picturing Niko in expensive whips, pristine mansions, and maintaining the same no-nonsense, stoic demeanor that portrays the theme of the song even more accurately. Working with the likes of superstars such as; Dom Kennedy, Larry June and Mani Coolin, Niko G4 has boosted himself among the region’s top rappers, as fans await his much anticipated project, The WINNERS Tape,” dropping this Friday, October 8. Watch the brand new visual to, “NEVER CHANGE,” by Niko G4 on YouTube below!

In anticipation of their upcoming collaborative project titled Into the Late Night, the pair released a lead single, “Friday Activities,” just a week ago, accompanied with a video directed by Creating Paradise. With Cardo on production, you can see why June decided to do an entire project with him. The beat dances, with classic cali strings and bouncy, light, melodic percussion – one perfect for the the West coast star to flawlessly float from line to line with little strain. Laid back, effortless energy encompass the entire song, from the beat to the lyricism. June tells stories of Friday night plans and activities, with an abundance of beautiful women and a shortage of worries. “Hey Ms. Parker, your body look nice, your man ain’t home? I’m hittin’ tonight.” The video, portrays June fitted in a fresh groutfit with beautiful jewelry, with one scene spending his night posted outside of a luxury SUV smoking and enjoying city night life, and another getting a light arm-pump in with some dumbbells atop a penthouse suite. Come kick back and spend your Friday night with Larry June & Cardo, with his latest video and single, “Friday Activities,” featuring Cardo on YouTube below! @LarryJuneTFM @CardoGotWings  

There are few rappers in the entire history of rap music that are as smooth and laid-back ad Curren$y. Now a veteran in the rap game, the New Orleans emcee is seemingly unphased by any and all aspects of life, opting to sit back with a joint, pop a bottle of champagne, and enjoy the company of some lovely women in a warm climate somewhere, and it’s exactly what he deserves after such a long, strong, and fruitful career that is even close to over. Just about two weeks ago, the iconic spitter dropped off a tape entitled Collection Agency that boasted 10 songs and lasted just under 25 minutes long. While I still need to give it a few more listens in order to truly talk about it in an educated manner, you already know it’s chock full of serene hits and highway cruising anthems. Considering there’s only one feature on the project, this can be risky for certain artists, but with the level of experience Curren$y has, he takes this in stride and knocks it out of the park without a doubt. Speaking of the one feature, though, Curren$y decided to recruit friend and collaborator Larry June for …

When I tell you Jay Worthy is the most interesting man alive, you gotta believe me. The stories this man has acquired over the past 10 years coming up, having ties to pretty much every prominent name in rap and being behind the scenes building his empire as an independent force to be reckoned with. Whether it be touring with the likes of Grimes, Griselda, or IGOR, Jay Worthy has broke bread with the best of them and his past decade coming up is a masterclass in what remaining truly authentic and staying consistent can lead you to. Not many can do it as Jay has, but his most recent string of releases is a clear product of building solid connections over the years. Over the past few weeks, P Worthy has been dropping 2 singles per week that feature a collab between a favorite producer and artists to compliment Jay’s iconic west coast flows. With the final singles dropping a few weeks ago the EP titled Two4one has been packaged into an EP with two new singles to join the 6-tracks releases previously. The Compton native has an illustrious list of producers he has worked with in the past but …