A$AP Rocky tones down the rapping and opts for some R&B vocals that highlight his range. A$AP Rocky takes Fox under his wing, continuing the spirit of mentorship he once had with A$AP Yams and giving credit to his legacy.Įasily one of the more exciting moments on AT.$AP is the hazy, trippy single “L$D” which is carried by a smooth, electronic bass line sounding as if it had been drenched in hash oils or the synthetic drug the song’s title derives it’s inspiration. An unknown guitarist and singer who just so happened to approach the right hip-hop superstar on the streets of London and was subsequently offered a gig on the spot after a short audition.
This opening track, titled “Holy Ghost,” features one of AT.$AP more fascinating collaborators: Joe Fox. “Church bells and choir sounds / Tell ‘em, ‘Quiet down’” begins A$AP Rocky, gliding on the theme of religion and spiritual redemption. Not only is the legacy of A$AP Yams present on the album cover, which shows a transparent photo of both Yams and Rocky melted into one, but you can hear the ambition and dedication Rocky applied to AT.$AP to offer a suited farewell to a fallen comrade.ĪT.$AP kicks off with short speech, sounding intentionally similar to a reverend, praising our protagonist from keeping his soul from the devil before crashing into a guitar lick-heavy beat. A$AP, he digs deeper, opting for a journey down the rabbit hole in search of solace after the passing of his collaborator and mentor A$AP Yams from earlier this year. Instead of relying on the styles and themes found on his 2013 debut Love. to remain consistent with the religious references) and the payoff has been successful.
But that’s the approach to his sophomore record AT.$AP (shortened to A.L.L.A. Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky may be one of the only players in the game who refers to his spiritual influences as lit.