Now under normal circumstances, I'd call BS on the record label and say that they're obviously just signing this guy because of the controversy. But while "LIVE.LOVE.A$AP" did feature a bevy of weed raps and rap cliches, it also had some of the best beats of any mix-tape or album of that year. With contributions from guys like Clams Casino and Big Tony, the mix-tape made the 3 million dollar contract make sense ( at least to me).
And luckily, "LONG.LIVE.A$AP" is similarly reassuring. While Rocky still isn't the most lyrical or deep MC you'll come across, he still has a great ear for beats and, for the most part, hooks.
The album starts of right with the dark rumble of the title track. Rocky throws out a bunch of random images of a house full of dishes, cocaine and various other "gangsta" imagery. The next track "Goldie" you might recognize as being one of my favorite singles from last year; and it still stands out among the other tracks on "LONG.LIVE.A$AP". The following tracks "PMW" and "LVL" are also great, with Clams Casino producing the latter.
Unfortunately, after a streak of great songs, the tracks "Hell" and "Pain" are less than stellar. The hook on "Hell" delivered by Santigold, is just so flat; and the beat on "Pain" is similarly dull. The track "F***in' Problems" picks things up before "Wild for the Night", with it's Skrillex produced beat comes through, leaving an odd taste in your mouth.
After the stellar "1Train", which features pretty much all of the biggest names in underground rap at the moment, the album takes yet another dip with the only truly awful song on the album "Fashion Killa"
Thankfully, "Suddenly" closes the album out on a high note and the track "Phoenix" is pretty decent too.
"LONG.LIVE.A$AP" is surprisingly good for a mainstream rap album. While the second half is a bit spotty and A$AP never really spits anything profound, it's a really fun album to listen to, and I found myself feeling satisfied despite the flaws.
7.5/10
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