The debates and comparisons have been constant when it comes to these two West Coast rap artists. Who is the better artist, who copied whose style, etc? The inquisitions have been made and the accusations stated by fans and music lovers. As I contribute my ruminations to the conversation, my intention is not to propagate division between music artists of any genre.
Larry June dropped his first mixtape in 2006, released his first album 'Cali Grown' in 2010, and has consistently produced a discography of music illuminating his growth. His music sound is a mix of psychedelic, g-funk, and slow jams. ('6:00 am in Sausalito & 'Palisades, CA') Larry reminds me of a hip-hop Bootsy Collins. He incorporates regional hyphy sounds in his music similar to E-40 and Mac Dre. On his most recent project, 'The Great Escape' he and producer The Alchemist make a great collaborative album of hits and repeats. I will reiterate that artists finding producers to match their sound and artistic expression is a major component. The Alchemist and Larry June both have a comedic style, including skits and funny sound effects in their music. 'What Happened to the World' and 'Orange Village' are just two of the tracks amongst many greats that caught my ear. The 15-track lineup is worth 45 minutes of your time. The artists mirror in creative expression. They have serious undertones and can be playful but tend to be more fun and light-hearted and laid back while simultaneously displaying their talent and allowing listeners to decide who the great artists are.
Dom Kennedy released his first mixtape '25th Hour' in 2008. Kennedy followed up his rap debut with 'My Type of Party' a single released in 2012 and 'Get Home Safely' album in 2013. Dom Kennedy's music is reminiscent of classic gangsta rap with a modern spin. If you listen closely to his older projects some of the songs use a heavy snare drum similar to what is heard in traditional crip walking music which is also a regional sound for the LA native. Dom Kennedy and Hit Boy dropped 'Courtesy of half-a-mil' in 2017 which makes musical sense as both artists have a more serious, braggadocious, confidently aware of their skillset, aura. Their tones as artists are a good match.
Larry June and Dom Kennedy both came out around the same time. It is common for similarities to occur among music artists from choices in clothing, hairstyles, and whatever else is trending during their era. Larry and Dom incorporate aspects of their regional sound in their music, but Hyphy music from the Bay sounds drastically different from LA Gangsta rap. Both Dom and Larry utilize producers with similar skills and quality of production which make for better comparisons of the artists. Larry is more let the people decide who is the champ and Dom is more so walking through the door declaring the title. Well, #goodjobLarry!
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