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Second A$AP blast of the day, and this one comes straight from Rocky’s upcoming debut album, LongLiveA$AP, with Rocky dropping off the first single today as promised.
Picking up from where LiveLoveA$AP left off, Rocky once again relies heavily on his style over substance, keeping things relatively uncomplicated and riding the Hit-Boy production crisply and with confidence, without ever really breaking a sweat. The beat is definitely a grower, thanks in part to a bevvy of small nuances that become more apparent with each listen, but mostly due to Hit-Boy’s hypnotising drum work and addictively airy melodies combining to good effect, whilst the bass snakes through various different ‘moods’ with great skill. A$AP Rocky’s key skill is his synergistic connection with an instrumental, and this is another fine example of that, with arguably more replayability than some of his back catalogue thanks to an instrumental that improves with every listen.
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This has been buzzed about for quite some time, and Theophilus finally comes through with his hotly-anticipated collaboration with fellow hipster favourite and NY native, A$AP Rocky.
The collaboration certainly comes off well, with the biggest notable being the surprisingly heavy vintage influence on the production. The Big Spender sample requires little background information, adding a heavy dose of classic cool to the track, and that foundation is embellished with horns and a laidback tempo, whilst a pounding bass and sharp claps infuse the hip-hop sensibility needed to work this old soul-esque production into a hip-hop environment. The raps are decent enough throughout, with both acts feeding off the natural charisma of the sample to deliver confident, easygoing performances that give the track a wholesome, well-rounded feel. Something very different, and that’s the best possible route for this collaboration.
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One of the more durable tracks on Rocky’s debut mixtape, with it still grabbing plays on my iTunes to this day. Warning: not suitable for viewing by minors!
A trippy blend of psychedelic colours and dimly-lit environments captures the essence of the audio excellently, whilst there’s certainly a general vibe around this video that has a real throwback feel. There’s a little sprinkling of opulence too, as Rocky flaunts his new-found fame and success, without overshadowing his natural style and charisma throughout the video. Of course, the rest of the A$AP mob are featured throughout the video, and I’m sure we’ll hear more from them soon.
Thematically, the video isn’t going to throw you any surprises, but makes for an easygoing, fitting accompaniment to a very enjoyable track. Grab it for yourself on the LiveLoveA$AP mixtape now.
For more info on the video, click here to visit the home of Vice, the clip’s directors and producers.
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Still riding the considerable wave of support for his very likeable LiveLoveA$AP mixtape, Rocky comes through with his first (official) track since the release of the aforementioned mixtape.
In truth, it’s not up to the standards of the better tracks on the mixtape, but I expect Rocky’s fans to find it worth a couple of plays. The production isn’t as entrancing as the Clams Casino instrumentals he previously frequented, but has a more thumping, classically hip-hop vibe about it that will rattle a few speakers for sure, whilst the raps aren’t as firmly grounded in the Southern-style flow, as Rocky instead shows a little more of his native NY style in a few short bursts. Decent enough effort, and it may be a grower.
A$AP Rocky-Pretty Flacko
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My love of ‘winter music’ has been far from secret here on OTU, and several discussions with music fans of various tastes have led me to believe many OTU readers share that appreciation.
We’re all about satisfying the fans, so welcome to our new 5-part feature. Each edition features a selection of tracks that are taior made for the dark winter period, and in keeping with OTU’s diversity code, expect some old tracks, some modern tracks, with a vast range of genres represented (in no particular order either; for example, Vol. 1 doesn’t necessarily have all of the best tracks!)
Just to really drive those frosty vibes home, we’ll even provide you with fresh, original artwork for each ‘EP’ for you to download at your pleasure and finish off those playlists. Kind aren’t we? Without further ado, click below for 5 tracks to get your winter started.
→ Continue Reading OTU Presents The Winter EP: Volume 1
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One of my favourite tracks from the likeable LiveLoveA$AP mixtape, not least because it samples the excellent Clams Casino’s Numb instrumental.
Whilst I mostly agree with the notion that Rocky is more ‘style than substance’, there’s not too much wrong with that in truth, and his style makes for very easy, enjoyable listening. This track is demonstration of that, as he mostly delivers ‘stoner raps’ that aren’t anything particularly new, but when combined with his laidback flow and impeccable beat selection it creates an accessible all-round package that will continue to find fans. The video is fairly simple, having a generally hazy and misty effect, with the footage comprised of live shows, Rocky’s neighboorhood and various shots of the A$AP crew generally hanging out. Nothing particularly complex, and it works well enough with the audio.
EDIT: As I’m writing this, I’m advised this video wasn’t an ‘approved release’ and an official video for Wassup is on the way. Whilst not approved for release or finished, it’s clearly an official video in some capacity, and you can grab the audio on the LiveLoveA$AP mixtape here.
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There’s a ton of buzz around this guy right now, and despite the huge glut of mixtapes released in the last 24 hours, his was surely one of the most anticipated.
A New York rapper with a heavy Southern influence in his flows, Rocky’s raps combine many of the positive aspects of both styles, whilst throwing in a modern sensibility that makes him a diverse talent with a wide appeal: there’s a ton of confidence oozing from his work that will make hip-hop fans instantly gravitate towards him, whilst his naturally laidback style and eclectic beat selection will win over many fans from other genres. Really looking forward to this tape, and it could be our first exposure to one of 2012′s hottest properties.
A$AP Rocky-LiveLoveA$AP
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