Latest posts by Alaina Tennison
(see all)Still a Good Job: Discovering Larry June
Larry June is an American rapper with a West Coast sound that exudes a breezy, mellow vibe that is perfect for the summer season. June’s warm vocal timbre is meticulously blended with smooth instrumentals and chill beats. His music conveys a certain ease that makes a listener feel relaxed, uplifted, and carefree — which stands in contrast with his own rocky past.
Born in San Francisco to teenage parents, June and his then 15-year-old mother were living in and out of homeless shelters before moving to Atlanta and causing a separation between June and his father. Until he was 16-years-old, June traveled back and forth between Atlanta and San Francisco to have relationships with both of his parents. He was inspired by the Bay Area and his father, a former rapper, to create freestyle raps on MySpace in 2006. That early start eventually evolved into mixtapes, and June released his first album, Cali Grown, in 2010. Gathering more and more attention with each mixtape he released, June scored a record deal with Warner Records in 2017. However, he disliked the creative restrictions that came with label representation and went back to his roots as an independent artist.
The self-released album Very Peaceful (2018) was a pivotal point in June’s career. Focused on physical and spiritual peace, the album outlines a positive perspective on his own future. Now a single father, June wants to infuse his kids with the freedom and independence that prevents one from turning to the streets, as he had done in his own past. “They need to know what they can and can’t do, how to talk to people, how to spot certain signs that a person’s not cool. If we don’t teach them, the streets are gonna teach them. And we don’t want that to happen. That’s trial and error with serious consequences,” June told Huck Magazine. June knows what it means to hustle for the life you want, which is something that he strives to teach not only his kids, but also his fans.
“Larry June’s music embodies the feeling of luxury and being unapologetically authentic,” says Weston Wilkins, Radio Coordinator at THE DROP 104.7 and KUVO Jazz 89.3. “His energy in finding inspiration and happiness in the simple things is infectious, and he is never afraid to let his fans know that taking care of your body and mind is the true key to success.” Wilkins points to a verse from one of June’s most popular songs, “Smoothies in 1991” where the singer declares “don’t check me, check the air quality,” as being particularly illustrative of that philosophy.
Smoothies in 1991
“Smoothies in 1991” is reminiscent of the era June was born into, delving into his experiences and struggles, as well as his achievements. The chorus speaks to June’s confidence about his success, while other parts of the song acknowledge a darker side of reality, such as grieving for a friend and touching on past relationships. The honesty of his music makes listeners feel seen and understood, which makes it not only an enjoyable experience but a relatable one for many.
After reaching a high level of success, June still remembers his roots and past. With humble beginnings, his music maintains an authentic sense of self; it is enjoyable for all and relatable to many, making him one of our favorite artists at the station this season. So add a little June to your July — listen to this artist and more on Denver’s 104.7 FM THE DROP, the people’s station for R&B and Hip Hop.