ASAP Rocky puts fresh spin on old-school rap game in debut album, out last week
After signing a $3 million record deal with Sony in 2011, ASAP Rocky had high expectations to live up to. Despite several delays for the debut’s release, “Long Live ASAP” lives up to the hype.
Transcending regional and stylistic barriers, ASAP Rocky blends multiple elements of the hip-hop genre. “This is boom bap, mixed with new raps,” he says in the album’s fourth track “LVL,” meaning he is attempting to bring back a gritty aesthetic that has long been missing in mainstream rap. Growing up in New York City, Rocky was familiar with hard-core hip-hop acts such as Wu-Tang Clan and Nas. In fact, his given name, Rakim Meyers, was inspired by one-half of the legendary rap duo Eric B. & Rakim. The influence of these hailed artists is evident in ASAP’s jazzy rapping style and interest in sample-based beats.
Like the New York rappers who came before him, ASAP Rocky wants to push the limits of the genre. Unlike them, he is as inspired by Southern rap as by the music of his home region. He sports gold teeth and French braids, looking like an extra in a Three 6 Mafia music video. Slowing down his voice on many of the songs, his sound can be compared to the “chopped and screwed” style that came out of Houston in the early 2000s. The album also includes indulgent hip-hop jams reminiscent of classic albums like “Illmatic” and “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).”
One consistent theme throughout the album is that ASAP is very stylish; from spouting out designer clothing brands to emphasizing swagger, ASAP Rocky is one of the coolest rappers you will find.
But “Long Live ASAP” is difficult to define. On the opening title track, Rocky gives a brief description of his childhood, comparing it to his current lavish living situation. He wants to introduce himself to the world as a young man who has endured the harsh parts of life, but he has already created a better situation for himself. His description of the poverty in the urban neighborhoods illustrates he is rapping for the greater good of society, while in the same song he boasts that he is currently laden with designer clothes and expensive jewelry. The self-aware irony could not be more fitting in hip-hop.
The lead single “Goldie” is a bombastic jam describing ASAP’s love for extravagantly high fashion, hard partying and, of course, an entourage of women. The track is produced by acclaimed composer Hit-Boy, who gained fame with Kanye West and Jay-Z’s 2011 hit “N***** in Paris”. Musically, the song encompasses a mixture of contemporary Southern-style hip-hop with heavy drums in the hook emulating the hard-edged style of the early 1990s. Juxtaposing the distinguished hook and the standard verses makes a new sound in a genre that’s been highly predictable for the past few years.
ASAP knows he’s charting new territory, and he isn’t afraid to push the limits of the mainstream. While ASAP Rocky sets himself apart from the competition, he also excels at surrounding himself with premier talent in the industry.
The guest appearances on the album include many of the best rappers in the game. Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar appears twice on the album, suggesting the rappers enjoy working together and may collaborate in the future. Superstar Drake also adds a verse, spotlighting the respect ASAP has from one of the most popular rappers in the industry. Other notable guest appearances include Santogold, Big K.R.I.T., Yelawolf, Two Chains and Skrillex.
While not quite groundbreaking, “Long Live ASAP” is a stylish, entertaining debut that strives to be as original as it is fun.