Hip-hop is weird right now. One day you’ve got teenagers making songs in their bedrooms that go viral on TikTok, and the next, you see legends like 2 Chainz and Larry June linking up with The Alchemist to drop something that feels like it belongs in a different era. Honestly, when I first heard rumors about the Larry June 2 Chainz album, I didn't think it would actually happen. You’ve got the King of Health and Smoothness from San Francisco and the Tity Boi himself from Atlanta. On paper? It’s a gamble. In reality? It’s probably one of the most cohesive projects we’ve seen in years.
The project is called Life Is Beautiful. It hit the streets on February 7, 2025. It wasn't just a random collection of songs thrown together to satisfy a contract. This was a statement. Produced entirely by The Alchemist, the album bridges the gap between the hazy, organic "lifestyle rap" Larry has mastered and the punchline-heavy, high-energy trap 2 Chainz is known for. It’s 37 minutes of pure luxury.
Why the Larry June 2 Chainz Album is Actually a Big Deal
A lot of people think these collaborative albums are just cash grabs. You know the type—two big names, mediocre beats, and zero chemistry. But this isn't that. Larry June and 2 Chainz actually have a history. They’ve done tracks together before, like "Don't Check Me" and "Big Man," but those were mostly over West Coast bounce or heavy trap drums. Putting them both over Alchemist’s dusty, soul-sampled loops changed the entire dynamic.
2 Chainz actually said in an interview with Complex that he felt "more comfortable" rapping on this project than doing standard trap music. That’s a wild thing to hear from a guy who basically owned the radio for a decade. He’s independent now. He’s out of that Def Jam deal. You can hear the freedom in his voice. He’s not worried about a Billboard Hot 100 single. He’s just worried about being the best rapper in the room.
The Alchemist Factor
You can't talk about this album without talking about Uncle Al. He’s the glue. After he did The Great Escape with Larry in 2023, fans were begging for more. Adding 2 Chainz to the mix was a curveball, but Alchemist knows how to curate a vibe. He creates these soundscapes that feel like you’re sitting in a $500,000 car even if you’re actually on the bus.
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The beats are lush. "Munyon Canyon" starts the album with this jazzy, cinematic feel that sets the tone immediately. Then you’ve got "Colossal," which is a bit more unorthodox but still keeps that "rich man" aesthetic. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to drink a green smoothie and go buy some real estate. Basically, it’s aspirational rap.
Breaking Down the Tracklist
The album isn't long. 11 tracks. That’s it. In an age where artists drop 25-song projects just to game the streaming numbers, this felt refreshing. It’s tight. No filler.
- "Bad Choices": The first single. It’s got this eerie, bass-heavy production that feels like a midnight drive through LA.
- "I Been": This one is the highlight for me. The back-and-forth between Larry and Chainz is seamless. It doesn't feel like "Your verse, then my verse." It feels like a conversation.
- "Generation": A more introspective moment. 2 Chainz reflects on the rap game and his responsibility to the younger kids. It’s deep, man.
- "LLC": Exactly what it sounds like. Financial advice over a beat that sounds like a velvet curtain.
Then there's the deluxe version. It dropped on August 8, 2025. If you haven't heard "Days Like This" or "Spy Hunter" yet, you’re missing out. They added just enough to make it worth a second listen without ruining the flow of the original project.
The Lyrics: Organic Oranges and Designer Luggage
Larry June is Larry June. He’s going to talk about his smoothie business. He’s going to tell you to "Good job, Larry." He’s going to mention a vintage Porsche or a boat in Sausalito. It’s predictable but in a way that’s comforting. You know what you’re getting.
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2 Chainz, on the other hand, really stepped up his pen game. He’s always been funny, but here he’s more technical. He’s using internal rhymes and clever wordplay that reminds you why he’s a legend. He even joked on "Epiphany" that if a certain someone could run for president with a felony, then he’s basically overqualified. It’s that kind of wit that makes the Larry June 2 Chainz album stand out.
They talk about real-life stuff. Intermittent fasting. Buying art. Taking care of your kids. It’s "grown man" rap. It’s for the people who used to listen to the flashy stuff but now care about their credit scores.
Misconceptions and Surprises
Most people thought 2 Chainz would sound out of place on Alchemist beats. Wrong. If anything, he sounded more at home than Larry did at times. The Alchemist has this way of making rappers slow down. You can’t rush his beats. You have to sit in the pocket. 2 Chainz found that pocket and stayed there the whole time.
Another surprise? The chart performance. For an independent release on ALC Records and Empire, it did surprisingly well. It peaked at #89 on the Billboard 200. That might not sound like much compared to a Drake or a Taylor Swift, but for a niche, underground-leaning project? That’s a massive win. It shows there is a real hunger for this kind of sound.
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Is This the Future of "Lifestyle Rap"?
Honestly, probably. We’re seeing a shift. People are tired of the same old "club" sound. They want something they can listen to while they’re working, driving, or just chilling at home. Larry June has built an entire empire on this. By bringing 2 Chainz into his world, he’s expanded the audience.
The chemistry here is undeniable. Alchemist said they were originally only supposed to do a "five-pack" of songs. But once they got in the studio, the energy was so good they couldn't stop. That’s how you know a project is genuine. It wasn't forced by a label executive. It was just three guys who respect each other making music.
What You Should Do Next
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Life Is Beautiful, here's the best way to experience it:
- Listen in Order: This isn't a "shuffle" album. The transitions between tracks, especially from "Colossal" into "I Been," are intentional. Listen to it from start to finish to get the full effect of the production.
- Watch the Visuals: The music videos for "Generation" and "Bad Choices" aren't just your typical rap videos. They’re beautifully shot and really lean into the luxury aesthetic of the album. They feel like short films.
- Check out the Deluxe: Don't sleep on the bonus tracks. "Spy Hunter" is arguably one of the best beats Alchemist has produced in the last two years.
- Explore the Back Catalog: If you liked Larry's vibe, go back to The Great Escape. If you liked 2 Chainz in this bag, wait for his upcoming project with Statik Selektah—it’s supposed to be in a similar vein.
This album isn't just a trend; it's a blueprint for how veteran rappers can stay relevant without chasing the sounds of the youth. It’s about being yourself, staying healthy, and making sure the business is handled. Good job, Larry. Good job, Toni. Good job, Al.