Music

When it comes to consistency and authenticity in hip-hop, Larry June has long been a standout figure. Over the course of 15 years, June has cultivated a sound that is unmistakably his own, one rooted in the laid-back vibes of the West Coast, but broad enough to resonate with listeners from all walks of life. Now, with the release of latest album Doing It for Me, out last Friday (Aug. 9), the San Francisco rapper is stepping into a new phase of his career — reflecting not only on his growth as an artist but also his evolution as a person, a journey that his fans can relate to.

“I did a lot of collaborating on projects before, and everything was smooth, but I wanted to do this 100% my way,” he tells Billboard on the day of the project’s release. “I wanted it to be something I’d want to play when I’m in the whip, something that’s made for me to vibe to. And if people f–k with it, that’s even better.”

June’s previous album, The Great Escape — a collaboration with legendary producer The Alchemist, also featuring appearances by Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign, and Wiz Khalifa — peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard 200, and was hailed by fans and critics as a masterclass in West Coast rap. “Our chemistry, it’s easy,” June explains. “Alchemist brings me into a different world, lyrically. We’ve got a good friendship and bond, so it’s natural.”

Unlike his previous releases, Doing It for Me is a solo endeavor, and features no guest appearances. This was an intentional choice that June believes allowed him to fully express his artistic vision: While The Great Escape was a collaborative effort, Doing It for Me is all about June’s solo journey, boasting rich production with the classic funk influences that have become a staple of his sound. 

“I’d say the only thing that sets [this project apart from others] is me taking a little more time with it, adding more to the production,” he says. “Other than that, it’s the same vibe. I talk about the same stuff, just making it better quality, adding better stitching here and there, and touches I didn’t care to add in previous projects. But inspiration-wise and lyrically, it’s the same.”

Below, Billboard speaks to Larry June about where he’s mentally at this career stage, manifesting a collab with The Neptunes, what fans can expect from a second project with Alchemist, and why he keeps creating.

This album showcases a lot of your personal growth. It’s like your perspective on life has changed over the years.

Yeah, for sure. I feel like people are just growing with me as I grow, and I talk about it and show it through visuals and stuff. It’s just growth, man, and I’m growing in a cool way. I’m very appreciative and just keep going.

So how do you stay motivated and find inspiration after all these years? What drives you to keep pushing boundaries or staying creative?

This answer always changes for me because things change, but right now, I just love making music. It’s my outlet to free any anxiety I’m going through. I just love making music, so I do it for fun, put it out there. I can put projects together. And that’s what keeps me going. I’m not looking for high expectations, more often than not I’m just doing me. And whatever comes with it, comes with it.

You have a loyal fan base who supports you and is dedicated to all your releases. Do you have any memorable moments with your fans that really stick with you?

Yeah, when I was in New York at SOBs performing my first solo show, I looked in the crowd, and a dude had a NutriBullet asking me to sign it. So I signed it on stage. That was cool. He brought his smoothie machine to the show. That was hard. I’ve got some cool-ass fans, man. When I meet my fans, it doesn’t feel forced. It feels like I’ve known them for so long — it’s kind of weird, but in a good way.

Every artist has a certain kind of fanbase. Your fans seem educated, smart, but cool and laid-back.

I appreciate that. I think it’s because when I walk into a building or anywhere, I don’t rehearse this. I’m just myself — like I’m talking to my mom, my dad, or anybody. You’ll get the 100% me, so it’s easy. If you f–k with me, you do; if you don’t, you don’t. But I don’t give a fuck. I’m doing it for me. Not even being selfish, but — sometimes, you’ve got to do it for yourself. We only got one life to live, so do what makes you happy.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself recently?

That I like natural spring water. I get it delivered to the crib, six cases. That’s all I drink, and it makes me feel a lot better. It’s called Alive Waters. They come to the crib and fill the tank with this natural water. You can’t have it in the sunlight, or it’ll grow algae and s–t. It’s real, no chemicals, nothing.

Are there any other creative endeavors you’re exploring right now outside of music?

I’ve been brainstorming. I want to come out with a blender or something like a juicer, kind of how George Foreman did his thing. I’ve been thinking about that, figuring out the best way to do it. I want to get the best products and everything, so I’m looking into that. I think it’d be dope.

Your previous album The Great Escape with Alchemist got a ton of praise. I saw a clip recently where you mentioned you have another project with Alchemist on the way. Can you give us a hint about what to expect from that?

It’s gonna feel like The Great Escape Part 2. We’re still escaping, so it’s gonna be another sequel to the movie. The vibe won’t change; it’s just a continuation.

Is there anyone else you can see yourself wanting to do a collab project with?

I’d like to do something with the Neptunes — that’d be dope. I haven’t really thought too deeply about it, but that’d be crazy. I’m always down for more with Curren$y, too. We can do this in our sleep.