Bay Area native and orange juice connoisseur Larry June is back again with the arrival of his latest project “Mr. Midnight.” This marks the artist’s fourth project this year, and he has zero plans of slowing down. Larry June wastes no time with creating a body of work that feels both classic and refreshing. Conceptually, the project combines classic funky Bay Area basslines, melodic synths as well as nostalgic samples reminiscent of early G-funk with a light touch of 90’s video games. Paired with Larry June’s laid back, direct flow, this creates a happy medium between his production and raps. Larry June shows us that making music is effortless with “Mr. Midnight.”
Organic Mud
“Organic Mud” starts off with an intro similar to that of an 8-bit video game. The synth-heavy intro makes for a track that easily hypnotizes you as it progresses. However, once the bassline comes in, you are met with Larry’s deep voice, and immediately snapped out of the dream-like state you’re in. The unlikely marriage between the two contrasting forces grounds the listener, and puts them in a state of ease. Lyrically, the track focuses on the fruits of Larry’s labor, explaining that success doesn’t happen overnight. While the tale of an artist returning to their stomping grounds post-success is not new to the narrative arc of fame and fortune, Larry makes it sound new. Larry June expresses himself effortlessly by humbly flexing the importance of hard work, “Don’t got a fucking manager. I manage my own guap.”
Tracy, Ca
Larry June starts off “Tracy, Ca” with “I knew a girl from Tracy she went crazy, always drove down to the Bay just to pay me.” Reminiscent of LA’s lowrider and G-funk era, the drums and synths bump throughout the track. Lyrically the song continues with the reflective theme of Larry’s music. Ride with Larry as he gives us nostalgic raps describing encounters with a lady friend ambiguously personified as Tracy, CA. While the song itself isn’t supposed to be taken seriously, it has a fun sound mixed with cool, slick storytelling of past flings and tales of a player.
Oranges on a Jet (feat. Curren$y)
“Oranges on a Jet” is an explanation of the person Larry June is now and why he was able to make it thus far. Larry displays his ability to switch his flow and express himself within his lyricism and improvisation. The same unstoppable force and hard work that got him this far is something he still embodies. The fifth track off the album brings a nostalgic 90s sound fresh out of a SEGA boss battle. The sound is very similar to ICYTWAT’s tendency to combine old sounds, cowbell, trap drums mixed with much more experimental and trippy switch-ups.
Mr. Midnight
The title track “Mr. Mightnight” shifts the mood of the project by creating a romantic sound to frame the subject matter. As the track progresses the listener is able to fully immerse themselves in the luscious soundscape. On “Mr. Midnight,” Larry is able to flawlessly transition from rapping to singing, romanticizing women and success. This theme can be further explored in his lyrics as the audience is able to have a better understanding of how Larry is able to live a life without needing to hustle.
Still Active
On “Still Active,” things begin to pick up again with upbeat production, starting off with backward sounding synths, low basslines, and simple drum patterns. His quintessential approach to flow and laid back raps opens up a window into Larry’s Bay Area history, shouting out Bay Area cities like Vallejo, Pittsburg, San Francisco and more. Lyrically, Larry shows that he isn’t afraid to show peers what it takes to succeed. His drive and determination can be shown in his lyrics “I gotta have it. I want it. Then I grab it. Then I stash it. Then I’m mashin’. Through the traffic. Swiping plastic. I know you want it. Stop acting so bashful.”