AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP is a grievously ebullient, experimental album. A$AP Rocky managed to create a strong and ambitious feel and beat behind every song – while some had a smoother instrumental with a jazz element (which, again, I took a liking to) like how many other modern records in hip hop. Many of the songs share A$AP's own perspectives on modern corrupt churches, our hip hop genre which seems to be distorting which are brilliantly layered onto experimental beats which can be enjoyed – in fact, are easy to enjoy. The album in itself is well-crafted.

Many singles on the album had a slowed beat (as shown on 'Fine Whine', 'L$D' and 'Excuse Me' with a jazz sound), contradicting what is assumed with rap or hip hop, and making A$AP's lines more memorable, and could potentially be revealing a turn from the sound more prominent on A$AP's older mix tapes or albums.

Regardless of whether he uses LSD as a metaphor for relationships or relationships as a metaphor for LSD, A$AP manages to create a pleasant feel with his music so that it can be appreciated, luxuriated in and even danced to – even when his album AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP seems to express (or expose) home truths about things such as the industry, or hint at more depressing themes. In a way, smooth and pleasant songs like L$D have a more 'emo' feel – something which is more unconventional in rap. In fact, it didn't fail to remind me of Capital Steez' 'Black Petunia' (a single which appears on 'AmeriKKKan Korruption: Reloaded') which seemed to tell a story about Steez and his depressions stemmed from life.

The beat behind 'JD' and 'Electric Body' was easy to picture being played at a venue – they were strong potential radio tracks, while records like Excuse Me left me wanting maybe more content in the instrumental. However, there was no doubt that the sound about Excuse Me worked and worked well, and, like Pretty Flacko 2, was impressive.

What was off-putting about some aspects of the album was the slow tempo – considering the fact that A$AP isn't initially my favourite MC, I didn't feel like he was strong enough an MC to keep me engaged on some of the records. However, the way A$AP can rap over a beat and fit his vocals well with them was definitely fine, despite the fact that his records on AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP share a depressing tone.

This album is however, most likely A$AP's best project yet.

 

 

- My Rating: 4 Stars