By OHAD AMRAM, Staff Writer
Up-and-coming Harlem based rapper Rakim Mayers, known by his stage name A$AP Rocky, has caused quite the buzz since the release of his debut mix tape, released on October 31st of this year. Prior to the release of his debut mix tape, A$AP, standing for Always Strive and Prosper, achieved internet success with videos for songs "Purple Swag" and "Peso," both of which now have over a million views on YouTube each.
The visual aesthetic of both videos is great and therefore visually compelling. In fact second single "Peso" remains a personal favorite off of the mix tape titled Live Love A$AP. Other tracks on the mix tape worth listening to include "Bass" and "Wassup." Both of which, as well as several others, are produced by Clams Casino, who's prominently known for his more eerie and somewhat spacey beats. Casino had previously worked with rap artist Lil B and even released his own work: self-titled instrumental mix tape on April 8th of 2011.
Other producers on Rocky's, Live Love A$AP include producers Beautiful Lou, Soufein3000, and fellow A$AP members Ty Beats and Nast. The mix tape also features several other artists on the rise including Main Attrakions who's LP 808s & Dark Grapes II was released in September of this year and well-received among critics.
Another artist featured on Rocky's debut mix tape just so happens to produce the track he's featured in: Spaceghost Purrp in track "Keep it G." Purrp's self-released mix tape Blvcklvnd Rudix 66.6, too, was well-received among critics. In fact Live Love A$AP showcases just how well these three artists: Rocky, Main Attrakions, and Spaceghost collaborate well with one another. Collectively the mix tape stands well as a whole. Every song compliments the next smoothly. There is never once poor transition from beat to beat, song to song. However lyrically, the mix tape does lack in depth in terms of subject matter.
Rocky primarily prides himself on being different from other current rappers, claiming that they all rap about women, cars, clothes, and wealth. With that said though, Rocky does just that. Sex, drugs, and material goods compose the majority of Rocky's rhymes. Rocky, however, is not to be confused with some of today's other weed rappers such as Curren$y or Wiz Khalifa, because Rocky has a different vision. Where other said weed rappers recite rhymes regarding drug paraphernalia, Rocky rhymes over such mellow beats that the combination of his rhymes alongside the bass and synth act as a triple threat that literally put his listener on a musical high. Drawing inspiration from various genres of music, Rocky states that his rap influences range from Ol' Dirty Bastard to The Diplomats to Kid Cudi.
The 24 year old just signed a deal with Sony/RCA subdivision Polo Grounds Music for an overwhelming sum of $3 million. Rocky just wrapped up a mini tour in which he opened with rapper Kendrick Lamar for headlining Drake, whom offered Rocky a co-sign. Aside from his rap career, Rocky looks to pursue a career in video direction, not only has Rocky directed all of his music video but he just recently directed rapper Danny Brown's video for track "Blunt After Blunt."
As a whole, this A$AP movement is bigger than just Rocky himself, so he says. Clams Casino, Ty Beats, Spaceghost Purrp, DJ Burn One, and The Olympicks, all immensely contribute to the excellent production and success of this mix tape. Regardless if the mix tape doesn't stand strong lyrically, as a collective unit the mix tape is a powerhouse and the start of a promising career in music. One that is fresh, new, and tasteful. Live Love A$AP marks the beginning of potential mainstream media success that entail the likings of MTV videos watchers and nation tour sold out venues. It's only a matter of time.