After an extended date from what emerging rapper A$AP Rocky initially told his fans, the release of his debut album LONG.LIVE.A$AP, following the release of the Harlem native’s highly popular mixtape LIVE.LOVE.A$AP, has attracted the ears and eyes of many.
As the first song “Long Live A$AP” begins to play, the sound of thunderstorms and water droplets from a leaky faucet takes place just before he raps about his success in music and about never dying. With an entrancing chorus that includes the words, “who says you can’t live forever lied,” it gives off the sort of mysterious feeling that the rest of the album incorporates.
The next two songs, “Goldie” and “PMW (All I Really Need)”, were released previously along with “F**kin’ Problems”, featuring well-known artists such as Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar. They share basically the same ideas: having money to support a lavish lifestyle and getting women. The music flows well with the instrumentals and is definitely something that can be appreciated among rap listeners, but I put emphasis on rap listeners. Other genre listeners will not enjoy the stimulating and brash beats as much because of its distinct inter-connectivity with the elements of rap music.
However, “Wild For the Night”, featuring dubstep artist Skrillex, is a great combination of unique bass drops and electrifying effects that almost seems to create a new genre in itself. The way that A$AP Rocky uses inventive instrumentals with enticing choruses has allowed his music to be distinguished from other releases.
With experimental sounds, A$AP Rocky has developed songs that not only are lyrically commendable, but bring forth the talents of his several producers which include Clams Casino, Danger Mouse and Hit-Boy, among other high-status producers.
This seemed to be evident in the song “Fashion Killa”, in which he conveys his passion for designer clothing with a memorable hook, and “Suddenly”, a song that changes tempos about halfway through from slow and progressive to upbeat and quick with rhymes that are alliterative and impressive to listen to.
The last few songs weren’t terrible but lacked substance. They are slow and repetitive with the chorus, especially in “Angels”, where the tempo changes several times and is difficult to follow.
Yet, I’ve always felt like A$AP has had a certain sound that attracts his listeners. Rap infused with a mix of intricate sounds and samples makes his music impressively different from the norm. In the album, his style is apparent throughout and has allowed his creativity to take a new stance.
By Luke Wyrick
