Larry June is the most relaxed guy in hip-hop. He inherited the crown from Curren$y, who shares June’s passion for making Smokey Alchemist. What makes Joan unique, however, is his specialness. The rapper’s lyrics are filled with references to the Bay Area, designer brands and the experiences that made him who he is today. Boring topics fall into the wrong hands, but Larry Jean has an innate feel for things that sound good. “Doing It for Me” is the rapper’s showcase of what he can do without relying on others. As the “I” in the title suggests, this album is a personal adventure with zero guest appearances.
“Magnum PI” is the perfect theme for this album. The work is hazy and nostalgic, with Larry June waxing poetic about his teenage adventures. “Morning calculations” are even better. The song is based on a hypnotic vocal sample and gives the rapper a chance to reflect on his own path to stardom. The unity of theme and song title cannot be overstated here. Every song on Doing It for Me sounds like the embodiment of its title. “Stinson Beach” pushes things in a jazz direction with flute samples and a choir, showcasing Larry June’s surprisingly decent vocals. “Breakfast on the Gold Coast” is one of the best songs the rapper has ever released. The beats, bars, and aesthetic details (the sound of rain at the end) compress the June experience into a two-and-a-half-minute masterclass. “Do it for me” really is for all of us.
Larry June proves he can release album without guests
Do It For Me track list:
From Uncle Herm, Pt. 5 Magnum PI Morning Calculation, Stinson Beach Real Talk, Pt. 2 Three Piece Suits I’m Going to Napa I’m Having Breakfast on the Gold Coast Imported Sofas Cleaning My Place (Interlude) Like Mike Dream Moneybags
About the author
Elias is the music writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined the site in 2024 and covers a wide range of topics including pop culture, movies, sports, and, of course, hip-hop. You can find him publishing for HNHH from Monday to Friday, especially coverage of new albums and singles. His favorite artists are Andre 3000, MF Doom, pre-808 Kanye West and Tyler, The Creator. He likes L.A. hip-hop, but not L.A. sports teams. The first album he bought was Will Smith’s “Big Willie Style,” which he thinks still sounds great.
…
