The album was released on July 31, 2015, by Maybach Music Group and Def Jam Recordings.

[9] David Jeffries of AllMusic said, "Being able to bellow like Busta Rhymes or Ludacris just makes everything bang harder, and with a lean 11 cuts on the album's normal release, Living Legend is a non-stop gangsta party connected to the street, offering a more approachable alternative to Ross' grandiose LPs.

"[10] Jesse Fairfax of HipHopDX stated, "Gunplay’s repetitively destructive themes come as no shock given his stage name.

While his long journey has finally paid off, Living Legend lacks it factor to have listeners clamoring for a follow-up anytime soon.

"[12] David Drake of Pitchfork Media called it "a consistent release with no substantial misfires, full of densely packed verbiage and grand gestures, reminiscent of a time when technique, style, and personality seemed inseparable, interrelated qualities in a rapper's arsenal.