Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist Break Down Life Is Beautiful & The Art of Independent Hustle

The Breakfast Club recently hosted an insightful conversation with Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist, who came together to discuss their new collaborative album, Life Is Beautiful. The trio broke down the creative process behind the album, the advantages and challenges of independence in the music industry, and the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop. The discussion also touched on financial literacy, gatekeeping in rap, and how production styles influence artistic expression.

Crafting 'Life Is Beautiful': An Organic Collaboration

According to 2 Chainz, Life Is Beautiful came together naturally. Larry June and The Alchemist had already been working together, but 2 Chainz saw an opportunity to add his own style to the project. "Larry’s a player, I’m a player," he said, emphasizing the chemistry between their approaches to music. Instead of working with multiple producers, they decided to keep it cohesive with a single sound curated by The Alchemist.

Alchemist, known for his signature sample-heavy beats, highlighted how his production style allows artists like 2 Chainz and Larry June to focus on lyricism. "With trap beats, you have to fight through the drums, but with this sound, it’s like filet mignon," he explained. "It gives lyricists room to breathe and lets the words hit differently."

Larry June echoed that sentiment, noting that the project allowed him to stay true to his craft. "I’ve always had different producers on my projects, but this time, locking in with just one producer created a unique vibe," he said. "It’s all about growth, stepping out of your comfort zone, and making timeless music."

The Alchemist’s Approach to Production: Letting Lyricism Shine

The Alchemist’s ability to create space for lyricists was a major talking point. 2 Chainz admitted that working with Alchemist changed his recording style. "On trap beats, I usually have to yell to make my voice cut through. But with these beats, I could sit down and just rap. It allowed me to experiment more with my flow and delivery."

Alchemist, who has worked with legendary acts such as Mobb Deep, Nas, and Roc Marciano, sees his role as a producer differently than most. "Some beats are like an entire meal—stacked up, layered," he said. "But others are just raw fillets, leaving room for the MCs to shine. That’s the goal."

Larry June’s Growth: From Street Rap to Financial Literacy

Over the years, Larry June has become known for his smooth, laid-back delivery and focus on financial literacy. During the interview, he opened up about his artistic evolution, acknowledging that his early music contained exaggerated narratives influenced by hip-hop culture. "When I started rapping, I was just trying to fit in. But as I got older, I realized I had to rap about what I actually do," he said.

Books like Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad changed his perspective, leading him to infuse his music with themes of entrepreneurship, smart investing, and healthy living. "Once I started rapping about my real life—drinking $15 orange juice, buying property, staying organic—it just clicked," he explained. "People related to it, and I found my lane."

2 Chainz’s Independent Hustle & Def Jam Departure

2 Chainz, who spent over a decade with Def Jam, recently left the label to explore independence. While he acknowledges that major labels provide financial backing, he emphasized the benefits of controlling his own releases. "At a major, you gotta wait for approval, budgets, marketing plans. Now, if I want to drop next month, I can," he said.

However, he was quick to point out that being independent means taking on more financial responsibility. "You’re the budget now. You gotta handle everything—videos, promotions, features. It’s different when it’s your own money on the line," he admitted.

Despite the challenges, 2 Chainz is thriving in this new space. "It’s about learning how to maneuver. I had a great run with Def Jam, but now, it’s time to see what I can do on my own terms."

Gatekeeping in Hip-Hop & Support from Tyler, The Creator

One of the most insightful moments of the conversation came when the trio addressed gatekeeping in the music industry. While some artists hesitate to give props to their peers, 2 Chainz praised Tyler, The Creator for openly showing love to Life Is Beautiful on social media.

"Tyler didn’t hold back. He just did it, and that’s real," 2 Chainz said. "A lot of people won’t publicly support something because they don’t want to put somebody else on. That’s that gatekeeping mentality."

The Alchemist added that gatekeeping often comes from insecurity. "People are afraid the next guy is gonna take their spot. But real legends know there’s enough space for everyone. DJ Premier introduced me to Jay-Z when I was just getting started—because he was secure in his own greatness. That’s how it should be."

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Like That’ Line & The Atlanta Rap Scene

When asked about Kendrick Lamar’s verse on Like That, where he raps, “Two Chainz said you good, but he lied,” 2 Chainz didn’t take offense. "I knew it was wordplay, referencing our song ‘No Lie,’" he said. "Kendrick is an elite MC. He’s gonna craft his lines to create a moment."

The discussion also turned to Atlanta’s collaborative culture. "In Atlanta, we’ve always worked together," 2 Chainz explained. "That’s why our scene has lasted so long. We don’t block each other—we build each other up."

Balancing Music, Fatherhood & Legacy

Larry June and 2 Chainz also reflected on balancing music with fatherhood. Larry, who became a father at 19, spoke about how it shaped his approach to relationships and finances. "I had nine months to figure out how to get my life together," he said. "I had to be strategic."

2 Chainz, who has children of his own, shared how he instills confidence in them. "I don’t tell my son to be humble. I tell him to stay confident. If he asks me what ‘humble’ means, I’mma act like I don’t know," he joked. "As Black men, we need to uplift our kids and teach them how to move through life with confidence."

As the conversation wrapped up, the trio emphasized the importance of legacy. "It’s about more than music. It’s about what you leave behind," 2 Chainz said. "I want people to look back and see the growth, the moves, the impact. That’s real success."

With Life Is Beautiful receiving praise from both fans and peers, it’s clear that this project is more than just another album—it’s a testament to artistry, evolution, and independence in hip-hop.