I’ve always appreciated hip-hop as a team sport. From my early days as a Beastie Boys and Run-DMC fan—and even before that, when Kris Kross had me jumping—I loved the camaraderie of MCs trading verses on the mic.
I have repeatedly stated on The High Note that The Alchemist is my favorite hip-hop producer. His signature blend of jazz and funk samples creates a smooth foundation for his collaborators to build upon.
His latest ensemble brings together Larry June, whom he previously collaborated with on “The Great Escape” (2023), and the legendary 2 Chainz for “Life Is Beautiful,” released Feb. 7, 2025, via The Freeminded Records, 2 Chainz, ALC, and Empire.
The album kicks off with Larry June and a jazzy instrumental on “Munyon Canyon,” a smooth track tailor-made for driving. When 2 Chainz slides into the second verse, it highlights how well the two complement each other. With plenty of vehicle references, it’s the perfect track for a slow cruise.
They immediately showcase their range on “Colossal,” rapping over a harder-hitting, boom-bap beat.
Their strength lies in their smoothness, particularly on “I Been.” 2 Chainz delivers effortless bars as he opens with:
“Mindin’ my business, drinkin’ water, doin’ crunches, Gettin’ paid for discussions over Alchemist production.”
One of the things I love most about The Alchemist is his use of spoken-word samples from television and movies. At the end of “I Been,” he samples Bob Costas interviewing B.B. King:
“How much life experience, real pain, and heartache is necessary to be a genuine bluesman? Or can you be a happy person and still call upon something that delivers the goods in blues?”
That sample ties in perfectly with the next track, where 2 Chainz raps:
“I got more blues than B.B. King, I told my son, ‘You gonna be a king’‘ Put your mind to it, you can do anything.’”
Alchemist flips an upbeat funk sample on “Bad Choices,” which contrasts well with Larry June and 2 Chainz going hard on the track.
The title track is both introspective and lighthearted, with June taking the driver’s seat as he plots his course:
“Even with my shoes off, not facing defeatAppetite for destruction, they was craving deceit Careful what you put inside, the outside the receipt Me and Larry take our lives, put the vibe on the beat.”
— 2 Chainz, “Life Is Beautiful”
Again, The Alchemist samples spoken-word audio for the outro, tying the track together neatly.
On “Generation,” 2 Chainz reflects on the downsides of the rap game. Since rap is his therapy, he acknowledges his responsibility for how kids look up to their elders and get involved with drugs and violence.
One of my favorite tracks, “Any Day,” features Larry June rapping over a buttery smooth beat. It also delivers my favorite lines on the album from 2 Chainz:
“I was smoking at the house, a popular lonerBut when I step out, my aura’s enormousFamiliar with the story, the hare and the tortoiseSlow and steady always gon’ be my paceDetermination and consistency win the race.”
— 2 Chainz, “Any Day”
The album closes with the smoothest track of them all, “Jean Prouvé,” featuring the duo rapping and singing slowly as they try to “shake the limelight.”
With “Life Is Beautiful,” The Alchemist, Larry June, and 2 Chainz prove that slow and steady vibes still hold a strong place in today’s hip-hop landscape.
Get “Life Is Beautiful” on Bandcamp, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, and qobuz.
Favorite Tracks
Munyon Canyon
I Been
Bad Choices
Life Is Beautiful
Any Day
Jean Prouvé
