Larry June Live @ The Howard Theater: A Homecoming Experience
Concert Review
As Howard University kicked off Homecoming, excitement soared with the arrival of rapper Larry June. Over the past several years, June’s steadfast connection with fans has transformed him into a prominent figure in the rap scene. His post-pandemic surge in popularity marks a pivotal moment for his career. With the release of his latest album, Doing It For Me, in August 2024, Larry June embarked on a three-city tour that included a highly anticipated stop in Washington, D.C., on October 15.
A Night to Remember
The concert began with three opening acts, but Negus Fresh truly captivated the audience. His stage presence set a high bar for the evening, priming the crowd for what was to come. When Larry took the stage, he commanded it for a full hour—without breaks or hype men—allowing his authentic performance to shine.
June, known for his laid-back yet confident persona, seamlessly translated the essence of his music into his performance. The setlist was a testament to his expansive discography, featuring tracks like "Smoothies in 1991," "I’m Him," and fan-favorite "Watering My Plants." The album Doing It For Me quickly climbed the ranks of my favorite hip-hop albums of the year, thanks to its motivational undertones, stellar production, and replay value. Doing It For Me has become the soundtrack for many outdoor jogs, meal preparation Sundays, and budgeting sessions. Watching him perform it live was something I eagerly awaited all weekend long.
You can find the album review link below:
June was joined by DMV native Premo Rice, who thrilled attendees with his recent hit “Deep in My Bag.” Their camaraderie on stage reflected their collaborative success on tracks such as "Coast to Coast" and "Malaysia," a delight for longtime fans.
An Engaging Atmosphere
Watching Larry live was inspiring, as he maintained the same magnetic and motivational energy that I often turn to his music for. His energetic presence on stage, with quirky ad-libs (like "hee-hee", "sock it to me" and "aye aye ayeeeeee"), felt genuine and infectious. He incorporated his signature moves, like the OG two-step with isolated reverse lunge kicks, keeping fans entertained. As a regular concert-goer, I was also impressed by how well he navigated the stage, engaging every corner while maintaining a high level of energy throughout the show.
From the moment Larry touched the stage, there wasn’t a moment of silence in the crowd. Interestingly, more than 70% of the audience were dressed in Midnight Organic apparel upon arrival, showing their commitment to Larry’s music AND his entire lifestyle brand. Reminiscent of the dedication seen in Nipsey Hussle’s fanbase, who believed in his financial literacy campaign while supporting the entire Marathon Life apparel brand. Building a lifestyle brand beyond music that educates and inspires (similar to Midnight Organic and Marathon Life) is something other rappers could learn from to increase fan growth and loyalty over time.
Larry brought the vibrant energy of the San Francisco Bay Area to Washington D.C., and the crowd could feel it for the duration of his set. For the 60 minutes of his performance, it felt as if we had been transported to the West Coast, as he truly embodied the essence of a relaxed yet self-assured Cali rap star, akin to figures like Dom Kennedy, the late Nipsey Hussle, and legends such as Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg.
Seeing Larry June live in concert reinforced his status as a pivotal figure in independent hip-hop. While he may not perform on the East Coast regularly, his presence is deeply felt when he does. The enthusiasm he brought to the Howard Theater resonated with fans, leaving us eager for what’s next in his creative journey.
Easy Listening, The Urban Music Enthusiast.