On the much anticipated At.Long.Last.A$AP, we’re not hearing from the same energetic, party drilling Lord Flacko we once knew, and nor should we be. A lot of shit has gone down since chart-topper Long.Live.A$AP hit shelves. Rocky, who is now two years the wiser, took his first acting role in the movie Dope, and thanks to a huge array of fashion shoots can safely add ‘model’ to his wiki resume. But the true turning point for Rocky was the sudden death of his best friend and business partner A$AP Yams, who passed away from an overdose in January. As a consequence, A.L.L.A is the sound of mournful introspect and creative ambition.
Executively produced by Danger Mouse and A$AP Yams himself, the album is an instant collector’s item. There’s a lyrical depth to this record that Rocky fans won’t yet be accustomed to. It’s like being part of a massive acid-trip where Rocky shares his epiphanies to you. Rocky starts off with absolutely no chill in opening track Holy Ghost, pointing out the facades and loopholes of modern Christianity. Yet amongst it all he’s looking for ways to save his own tarnished soul. The album features the single Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye (LPF J2), which is an ode to classic Rocky, with its rhythmic rap, upbeat tempo and ear-piercing synths.
Over a lengthy 18 tracks, there’s a big list of guests, ranging from Miguel to M.I.A and Future, Kanye, Schoolboy Q, Mos Def and more. There’s even a busker named Joe Fox who somehow earned a spot on almost half the tracks. These tunes are selective and will play well for the fitting ear. At.Long.Last.A$AP is an original album, a matter of taste and wavelength.
BY JESSICA ANKOMAH
