New Music with Nick: ‘The Nice Escape’ by Larry June and The Alchemist

Welcome to “New Music with Nick.” On this column, I shall be reviewing among the most notable new album releases throughout numerous genres, specializing in hip-hop, R&B and pop music. Be part of me in exploring the ever-shifting panorama of the streaming period. 

Larry June and The Alchemist: “The Nice Escape” (March 31, 2023)

Sometimes when a rapper and producer collaborate on a mission, I (and most of the people) middle our dialogue across the rapper slightly than the producer. Oftentimes in hip-hop, the producer is an afterthought solely appreciated by those that are doing additional analysis.

The Alchemist is a robust exception to this case. His present run as a producer is outstanding. Simply in the previous couple of years, he has solely produced among the style’s greatest albums: “Bo Jackson” with Boldy James, “Alfredo” with Freddie Gibbs and “Fetti” with Curren$y and Freddie Gibbs. That is together with a handful of different unbelievable manufacturing credit, together with Kendrick Lamar’s “We Cry Collectively,” Benny the Butcher’s “Damaged Bottles,” “Rubber Bands & Weight” and “Johnny P’s Caddy” and Anderson Paak’s “Make It Higher.” 

“The Nice Escape” with Larry June showcases how a lot The Alchemist can elevate a rapper’s profession. The samples are elaborate and well-constructed. There may be a formidable chemistry between the artists. Each sound is intentional, and there may be not a nasty beat on the complete tracklist. 

San Francisco’s personal Larry June has been an underground favourite and a beacon for the Bay Space rap scene for the previous couple of years. His authentically west-coast sound has garnered respect in lots of regional circles. Nonetheless, during the last 12 months or so, June has nearly began to turn out to be a mainstream family title in hip-hop. 

Collaborating with The Alchemist was an ideal strategic transfer at this level in June’s profession. His music has attracted considerably of a cult following, and his signature sound has been totally established. Actually, it has turn out to be so established that it’s barely repetitive and redundant at occasions. In different phrases, Larry wanted to innovate and work with an iconic producer like The Alchemist. It is a phenomenal partnership, providing Larry the wanted innovation and fascinating manufacturing whereas additionally increasing The Alchemist’s viewers.

Larry June’s technical skills aren’t going to wow anyone, however they aren’t imagined to. He doesn’t rap with an eclectic circulation, his monotone supply hardly fluctuates, and his lyrical content material doesn’t differ throughout too many various matters. Nonetheless, what he does present is a simple smoothness in each syllable he utters. Every bar carries a sure power that’s distinctive (and really well-fitting for The Alchemist’s manufacturing).

The roll-out for the album was excellent. The singles ended up being among the highlights, constructing the hype and establishing the aesthetic with a transparent and intentional imaginative and prescient. “Palisades, CA” closed out the only run and introduced in an enormous title function with Massive Sean, who stepped a bit out of his zone and (considerably surprisingly to me) delivered an important function verse. 

Furthermore, June has all the time been a grasp of imaginative and prescient and aesthetic, constructing his model as an artist by means of traditionally cohesive cowl artwork and visible thematics. There is no such thing as a doubt {that a} Larry June album cowl goes to come back with a automotive and/or some oranges.

“The Nice Escape” is a strong album however actually not an ideal one. There are positively occasions the place I’m left wanting extra from Larry June as a rapper. This album may very well be higher with extra dynamic and versatile supply. June is likely one of the extra static rappers when it comes to what he can present technically, which could be a turn-off for a lot of listeners.

Nonetheless, there are professionals and cons to his method. His consistency makes the album circulation simply and cozy to take heed to, constructing a welcome familiarity for listeners. Larry June’s picture is constructed on this sound, and many individuals have come to like him for it. I feel it could actually typically be useful to have such an identifiable sound, however there are different occasions the place I really feel prefer it’s holding him again as an artist.

The album’s highlights come when new dynamic parts are launched. Getting a Slum Village function on “Orange Village” was a intelligent transfer, with T3 and Younger RJ giving that observe a lift of power that made it a standout. “Barragán Lighting” introduced in Joey Bada$$ and Curren$y for an additional peak of the album. 

The aforementioned “Palisades, CA” offers a refreshing twist to the album with a formidable Massive Sean function. “Porsches in Spanish” got here by means of with a soul pattern that would carry any observe. A handful of different songs, resembling “Margie’s Sweet Home” and “89 Earthquake,” constructed on June’s signature sound and offered well-executed solo performances.

“The Nice Escape” could be Larry June’s strongest providing thus far. A collab album with The Alchemist may not be for each rapper, however for those that it does, it really works marvelously. “The Nice Escape” elevated Larry June artistically and offered The Alchemist with yet one more great collaboration.

Favourite Songs:  “Porsches in Spanish,” “Palisades, CA,” “Margie’s Sweet Home,” “Orange Village” “Barragán Lighting,” “89 Earthquake”

Album Rating: 79/100

Try this Spotify Playlist and prefer it to comply with together with a few of my favourite songs of 2023 to this point.

Editor’s Notice: This text is a assessment and contains subjective opinions, ideas and critiques.