SEARCH FOR: LARRY JUNE

I was taken aback this summer when Larry June’s Spaceship on the Blade album first dropped. Not only by the sheer brilliance of it, but also when I saw Babyface Ray — one of my most-played artists currently — featured on it. “Extra of Um” was one of my favorite tracks on the whole project, and I had honestly kind of buried it in my “liked” songs on Spotify for a while without touching it. Thankfully, I was re-introduced just a couple of weeks back when the official video was released. I can only imagine the budget for this visual, as the cinematography is flawless and incredibly professional, as expected. A multitude of scene selections and lighting styles highlight the piece, but, most notably, I was blown away by the transitions and shot styles. Crazy rotational shots (that we’re seeing more of lately) are mesmerizing and hallucinogenic, but not in the sense that it’s too much and causes nausea. A perfect mix. The only aspect of this visual that’s more impressive is the audio itself, I highly recommend tapping into the song if you haven’t.  The West coast and Midwest styles of the two blend perfectly, and I hope the two …

It’s pretty safe to say that at this point in time, the A$AP Mob has already solidified its spot in the hip-hop history books, and every release that a member puts out from this point forward is just adding to the collective’s legacy. They didn’t just continue adding artists to their roster without ensuring their status as a top-tier hitmaker, and that’s why they have managed to not only stay relevant for close to a decade, but they’ve managed to stay at the top of everyone’s minds, even during a break in releasing music. Well, there really isn’t typically too much of a break because when one member takes a hiatus, another will drop, so that leaves us with a constant stream of music from emcees that work as well on their own as they do as a cohesive team, and A$AP Ant is one of the most talented of the bunch, at least in my opinion. Back in May, Ant dropped his 16-song effort Lil Black Jean Jacket 3, a project that lasted over 40 minutes long and featured other well-recognized emcees like A$AP Rocky, Lil B, Curren$y, A$AP Twelvyy, KEY!, Larry June, and more, but one of my …

Detroit legend G.T. tags Icewear Vezzo, Curren$y, Babyface Ray, Larry June, and more on his newest LP, Money Counter Music Vol. 2: Born In It. The 16-track project gives a vivid look into the genius of the storied MC in only a style that he can pull off. His unique delivery, top-notch production, and big-time features make for an impressive full-length album, one that’s only boosting his discography and status. With this nearly 40-minute project, listeners can only appreciate the consistency and hours put into its production, especially with a tracklist of this depth. Song for song, you can hear different creative deliveries, highlighting his versatility and ability to mesh alongside star talent while also killing the independent tracks. G.T. is already cementing his legend in his own city, though it seems his talent will undoubtedly reach far beyond the midwest with material like this. Listen to Money Counter Music Vol. 2: Born In It on Spotify below!

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!