Larry June

Larry Eugene Hendricks III, professionally known as Larry June, is an American rapper hailing from San Francisco, California. He was born on April 8, 1991. He has carved a distinctive niche in the rap industry with his laid-back flow and sun-soaked instrumentals. Growing up in the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco, he experienced a unique upbringing influenced by both his West Coast roots and time spent in Atlanta, Georgia. Born to teenage parents, Larry moved to Atlanta at the age of five, staying there until he was 15. He would return to San Francisco every summer to visit family, fostering a deep connection to both cities that would later influence his music.

Larry’s early exposure to music came from his father, who dabbled in rap. Inspired, Larry began distributing his CDs to local schools and found his first breakthrough when he successfully sold his music to a Rasputin Music store in Berkeley. His early career saw him using platforms like MySpace and YouTube to collaborate with other musicians, including G-Eazy, and listen to instrumentals from producers like Cardo. By 2006, he was already making music, and in 2010, he released his first album, “Cali Grown.”

In 2014, Larry June’s mixtape “Route 80” with TM88 was featured on Complex, catching the attention of Warner Records, who signed him with a $20,000 advance. Despite this, Warner’s lack of interest in his work led to a two-year hiatus from recording. During this period, Larry toured the US, opening for artists like Post Malone and Smokepurpp. He resumed releasing music independently in 2016, using DistroKid to distribute projects like “You’re Doing Good,” “Sock it to Me, Pt. 2,” and “Very Peaceful.” His independent releases proved to be more profitable, allowing him to maintain creative control over his work.

Throughout his career, Larry June has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Cousin Stizz, Asher Roth, and Michael Christmas. His 2016 EPs “Larry” and “Orange Season,” produced by Cookin’ Soul, were notable releases, with “Orange Season” accompanied by an iOS game inspired by early Nintendo graphics. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Larry capitalized on his home studio setup, releasing six projects, including “Adjust to the Game,” “Cruise USA,” “Numbers,” and “Keep Going.”

Larry’s 2021 release, “Orange Print,” marked a significant milestone as his first project distributed through Empire Distribution. The album encapsulated his persona and musical evolution. In an interview with The Ringer, Larry discussed his independence and the possibility of a future major-label deal, emphasizing his desire to make music on his own terms.

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Larry launched the Honeybear Boba in San Francisco in early 2021. His lyrics often reflect his focus on passive income and a healthy lifestyle, aiming to inspire those from similar backgrounds. Among his most recognizable ad-libs are “Yee-hee,” inspired by Michael Jackson, and “Good job, Larry,” which has become a signature phrase in his music.

Larry June’s influence continues to grow, as evidenced by his 2024 collaborative project “The Great Escape” with legendary producer The Alchemist. Throughout his career, Larry has remained committed to his unique sound and independent approach, drawing from his diverse experiences in both the Bay Area and Atlanta. His music, often described as a blend of gritty realism and dreamy smoothness, resonates with fans who appreciate his authenticity and dedication to his craft.