The combination of Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist might seem random at first, but it makes sense when you think about it. The Alchemist has an extensive list of rappers he’s done collaborative albums with, including Larry June on The Great Escape in 2023. I guess it’s the inclusion of 2 Chainz that makes this feel like an unexpected trio. But then again, while 2 Chainz came up rapping over trap beats, it’s not unusual to see him pop up on a Griselda project or even announce a joint album with Statik Selektah (thinking about it now, we never actually got that album). Plus, this isn’t even the first time Larry June and 2 Chainz have linked up.
Either way, as a big fan of The Alchemist and both rappers, I was excited to see what this trio could cook up. Now, we have a full album in Life Is Beautiful. Some have already called it an early Album of the Year contender, and we’ve seen the trio appear on The Tonight Show and The Breakfast Club, which is cool to see—especially with the release being independent.
Let’s check out Life Is Beautiful from Larry, Toni, & Al.
1. Munyon Canyon
Produced by The Alchemist
The album kicks off in a laid-back, chill manner with the hilariously titled “Munyon Canyon.” Over a lush, soulful backdrop provided by The Alchemist, Larry and 2 Chainz rap about getting money and living the high life—something I might say a few times throughout this review. Props to Larry for his grown-man line about realizing he only needed one woman in his life (“Found out one solid ho was all I needed”), but I might have to start a counter for how many funny quotables 2 Chainz drops on each track. On “Munyon Canyon,” we get:
Chanel B’s, mind full of greed, Pellegrino, lemon squeeze / My car got slanted eyes like it’s Philippines.
2. Colossal
Produced by The Alchemist
I assumed this album would be an all-chill affair, but “Colossal” switches things up with a more sinister production. Tity Boi raps about eating lobster and running for president despite having a felony, while Larry June sounds slightly out of his element here—but it still works. I would have preferred the entire album to maintain the vibe of “Munyon Canyon,” as “Colossal” feels a little off, but props to them for switching things up.
3. I Been
Produced by The Alchemist
“I Been” is an early favorite for the best track on Life Is Beautiful. It’s a trademark ALC production that fits both rappers perfectly. Who would’ve thought 2 Chainz and Larry June trading verses would sound this dope? But here we are.
Funny story—the mayor of Atlanta actually DM’d 2 Chainz and praised his lyricism on this track. Hilarious.
Smokin’ and drivin’ while I’m ridin’ in a Lambo’ / Tryna dodge all the scandals, like the potholes in Atlanta.
Just listen to the track for yourself.
4. LLC
Produced by The Alchemist
From the production alone, “LLC” feels like an album filler track, but I’m okay with it—if only to hear 2 Chainz rap about putting his pistol in “wifey’s name” and Larry June reminding us that calling a “bitch phone back-to-back” is not P. A solid album cut.
5. Bad Choices
Produced by The Alchemist
This was the first track the trio dropped, which ultimately led to Life Is Beautiful. When I first saw the video, I assumed it was just a one-off Larry June song featuring 2 Chainz over an Alchemist beat, but I’m happy it turned into something more.
It’s basically a hard-hitting soul sample that gives the rappers room to talk their shit.
2 Chainz: “Soon as I left, I New Edition, gave the game poison.”
All in all, “Bad Choices” proved that these three should’ve linked up sooner while also asking the age-old question: “Where all the good girls that made bad choices?”
6. Life Is Beautiful
Produced by The Alchemist
The title track is another standout for me. Over hopeful, lush production, the rappers reflect on their kids, not gatekeeping, wanting everybody to eat, and “tryna really live.” But remember: “If you don’t work, you don’t eat, young man.”
2 Chainz line of the track: “It’s a cold world, Jermaine wearing a mink.” (Simple but clever.)
If you need further motivation to check this one out, the instrumental for this track was even used in an IG reel on the nappyafro page.
7. Generation
Produced by The Alchemist
During their Breakfast Club interview, 2 Chainz talked about The Alchemist making a beat he initially didn’t like but later reconsidered, leading to it making the album. I’m pretty sure “Generation” is that track. And honestly, they probably should have left it off.
As talented as The Alchemist is, this song comes off as a forgettable 2 Chainz track with an awkward Larry June feature. It’s not terrible, but I expected better. The outro on this track is what they should have rapped over.
8. Any Day
Produced by The Alchemist
Okay, we’re back on track. While “Generation” felt more like 2 Chainz’s lane, “Any Day” puts Larry June back in his comfort zone, with The Alchemist doing what he does best. 2 Chainz also sounds great here. The song is all about living the high life and doing what you want—any day of the week.
2 Chainz line of the track: “Expired tag, I ride with a lawyer / Come to your residence and you die in your foyer.”
Bonus Larry June line: “I took a lotta L’s, but I’m still thankful / ‘Cause it’s not really an L if you gain somethin’.” (Good advice.)
9. Epiphany
Produced by The Alchemist
In an album full of grown player vibes, “Epiphany” might be the most grown-player-y of them all. The track starts with Larry June talking about valet—“a rich nigga with benefits”—and continues the luxurious production. Play this on the way to the Oscars while counting money.
10. Tru Organics
Produced by The Alchemist
See, this is the issue with listening to these tracks in order. I thought the previous track was peak player talk, but “Tru Organics” might be even more so—just with a ‘70s vibe (they even mention prostitution). The name had me thinking this would be the “weed song” on the album, but it turned out to be more of a hustler anthem.
It’s a good day to get some paper.
11. Jean Prouvé
Produced by The Alchemist
For the last track on Life Is Beautiful, I had to look up who Jean Prouvé was—turns out, he was an architect and industrial designer. It makes sense because Larry June and 2 Chainz rap about their surroundings here. (“This the spot with Dutch glass, vintage rugs.”)
The production feels like something from Alchemist’s back catalog, but it still works. The song doesn’t end the project on a high note, but it’s a consistent one. And that’s the end of Life Is Beautiful.
Life Is Beautiful is a solid release from Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist. It’s some grown-man player shit—luxury rap with motivation sprinkled in. While 2 Chainz’s charisma steals the show on most tracks, the whole project works, especially on standouts like “I Been” and “Life Is Beautiful.”
Short but sweet at 36 minutes, it’s an early surprise for 2025. Life is, in fact, beautiful. And good.
