Unfortunately in comparison to its two predecessors “PWM” falls a bit short, not really supplying that chemistry we initially found from the two. Rocky and ScHoolboy Q try to prove the “third time’s a charm” theory on their track “PMW,” and which after hearing their previous collaborative efforts (“Brand New Guy” & “Hands On The Wheel”), automatically looked to be another standout track on the album.
The track does give listeners an adequate anthem for those days when they wish to stunt are their haters though, and there might not be enough of those types of a days in a year for some, so it’s understandable if your play count on this finds itself on the high end. Hit-Boy’s production definitely shines through the most on the single, as Rocky’s mediocre lines such as: “Yes I’m the sh*t, tell me do it stink? It feels good to wake up to money in the bank,” seem quickly penned and unsatisfying. The tempo of the track may feel a tad too slow to get the clubs “turnt up,” but the single is most definitely one fans will enjoy blasting through their car systems, making it a solid choice for his lead single. The intro tune gets followed by the familiar single “Goldie,” where Rocky taps his Houston-inspired chopped and screwed style over the Hit-Boy production. “Long Live A$AP” gets the album started off on the right foot as the cash registers ring, and gunshots bang and Rocky provides listeners with an alma mater track for him and his A$AP Mob. Immediately giving listeners a sample of his personal production style on the album’s opening title track, he resorts back his hazy, bass-bumping sound that first burst him onto the scene. Rocky even exercises his own talents behind the boards, co-producing a handful of tracks on his album under the moniker LORD FLACKO. With modern-day fans finding themselves more and more drawn towards a track’s producer over the actual artists, Rocky takes note and finds himself alongside notable beatsmiths such as Hit-Boy (“Goldie” & “1Train”), Noah “40” Shebib (“F***in’ Problems”), Danger Mouse (“Pheonix”) and even EDM super-producer Skrillex (“Wild for the Night”). (“Pain”), Joey Bada$$ and Action Bronson (“1Train”) on the album.
Finding himself reconnecting with ScHoolboy Q (“PMW”) and producer Clams Casino (“LVL” & “Hell”), Rocky also extends his hand out to upcoming talents such as OverDoz. His latest 16-track project comes jam-packed with an all-star cast of features – some more expected than others – and also some better utilized than others, but ultimately a notable collective of artists all lend their support to help make $AP a quality offering.
Instead of providing tracks with intricate wordplay and heavy lyrical content, Rocky plays to his strengths which highlight his keen ear for beats and hooks, and sugarcoats the setback with his charismatic flow and unique style. While Rocky’s most notable weakness throughout the album would have to be his lyrical ability, listeners should keep in the mind that the 24-year-old emcee still has plenty of time and projects to improve his penmanship. Rocky’s sound undeniably draws inspirations from multiple cultures throughout hip-hop, and fuses them into something that he’s finely tuned and packaged for his debut album. With expectations high, Rocky pleasantly does deliver with his debut project $AP.
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