My dude ASAP Rocky wears many hats. He’s been the Harlem based rap star, the luxury fashion wearing rapper, the face of A$AP Mob, and a guy who loves rapping about all things purple. Now, he’s added another facet to his résumé: The dude who really likes talking about taking acid. At.Long.Last.ASAP is one od my new favorite albums.
One of the creative forces behind Rocky’s music, ASAP Yams, passed away in January while A.L.L.A was still in the works. Though Yams gets an executive producer credit, it’s difficult to say how much of his vision for the album made it to the album.
The features list for this album is pretty big, and while some could argue that it means Rocky can’t carry records by himself, that’s not the case. Bringing M.I.A. and Future together on “Fine Whine” feels like a moment and something Yams might’ve had a hand in. Similarly, “Jukebox Joints” remains firmly an ASAP Rocky song, even with production and a verse from Kanye West himself.
There definitely is some fire on this album. Aside from the first single “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” which I enjoy playing in the clubs, it has other songs that are really good like “M’s” which features one of the best Lil Wayne verses we’ve heard in a long time, and “Electric Body” sees Schoolboy Q experimenting with a more hyperactive flow that suits him well. “Excuse Me”, an anthem to stunting on haters, is another highlight.
Of course, it wouldn’t be ASAP Rocky if there weren’t some questionable content sprinkled into the proceedings. Certainly his Rita Ora jab on “Better Things” has caught the attention of listeners who are curious to hear what A$AP has to say. This isn’t the first time Rocky has flirted with controversy, to me I could’ve done without the Rita Ora lyrics diss.
A.L.L.A flows well from track to track. Perhaps the loss of Yams pushed Rocky into a position where he’s making the big decisions in maintaining the ASAP brand, knowing all eyes would be on him. Whatever the case may be, ASAP Rocky is at a point where trusting himself is the best choice he can make when it comes to his music. Yams drew up the game plan, now it’s Rocky’s time to bring that to life. Overall it’s something you need to check out for yourself. One of the better put together albums of 2015.
Go cop that new ASAP Rocky “At.Long.Last.A$AP” on Itunes and support the movement.
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