Album Review: Larry June- Spaceships on the Blade

I occasionally wonder if my ongoing advocacy of Rich the Factor has converted a single person into a fan of the murky music made by the Kansas City rap institution. It’s a classic case of “if you know, you know.” Rich’s status as an underground hero- a sensibility he calls “bucks over fame”- is one of his favorite themes. Larry June capitalizes on Rich’s ostensible indifference to mainstream success. Spaceships on the Blade, the prolific Bay Area musician’s latest release, is a slick realization of Rich’s aesthetic. The only significant difference between new June tracks like "Don't Check Me" and a typical Rich song is the enhanced production. The admission feels like a betrayal, but I’m pleased by June’s astute knack for capitalizing on Rich’s belligerent obstinacy.