A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, burst onto the music scene in 2011, immediately captivating listeners with his unique style and sound. Before his official debut mixtape, Live. Love. A$AP, even hit streaming platforms, the track “Peso” leaked online, sparking widespread curiosity and launching his career. The “A$AP” prefix isn’t just for show; it represents the influential hip-hop collective he leads, A$AP Mob, which includes artists like A$AP Ferg, A$AP Nast, and the late A$AP Yams, among others.
Two years following his initial mixtape success, A$AP Rocky solidified his place in hip-hop with his debut album Long. Live. A$AP. The album soared to No. 1 on the charts and featured hit tracks like the fashion-centric anthem “Fashion Killa,” the hard-hitting “Goldie,” and the chart-topping single “F—– Problems,” a collaboration with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz. “F—– Problems” even garnered a nomination for Best Rap Song at the 2014 Grammy Awards, showcasing his mainstream appeal and critical acclaim.
What’s Next for A$AP Rocky?
Beyond his music career, A$AP Rocky is also navigating life as a father. He and his partner Rihanna recently welcomed their second child. They are parents to two sons, RZA, born in May of last year, and Riot Rose, born in August.
Musically, fans are eagerly anticipating a new album from Rocky, reportedly titled Don’t Be Dumb, expected sometime soon. Earlier this year, A$AP Rocky confirmed the album was complete, stating in January, “It’s finished and we just putting the finishing touches on it. It’s coming for sure,” as reported by HipHopDX.
Since that announcement, he has dropped tracks like “Same Problems?” and “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” as lead singles, further fueling anticipation. He’s also hinted at a star-studded feature list for Don’t Be Dumb, including names like Tyler, The Creator, Miguel, Thundercat, and Lil Yachty. While fans speculated an “AWGEST” release date based on a cryptic tweet, September has arrived without an album drop. However, while we wait for new music, let’s delve into eight of his standout tracks, ranked to highlight his best work:
8. “Sundress” (2018)
“Sundress” showcases A$AP Rocky’s artistic range, stepping slightly away from pure rap to incorporate more melodic singing. Despite this shift, it retains the signature hypnotic and euphoric vibe present in many of his popular songs. This track’s appeal is undeniable, earning it platinum certification in January, proving his versatility resonates with a broad audience. The song’s breezy feel and catchy chorus make it a perfect example of his ability to blend genres seamlessly.
7. “Fashion Killa” (Long. Live. A$AP., 2013)
“Fashion Killa” is arguably one of A$AP Rocky’s most recognizable songs and a clear declaration of his deep passion for fashion and style. The track serves as an ode to his innate fashion sense and influence. A$AP’s flow on this song is characteristically smooth and laid-back, set against an upbeat tempo that makes it effortlessly listenable. It cleverly samples Leon Haywood’s 1970s classic, “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You,” adding a layer of retro cool.
Notably, the music video stars Rihanna, and the lyrics contain a prescient line: “Our babies will be fly-er than their parents.” This line has taken on new meaning as A$AP Rocky and Rihanna have since welcomed two children together, blurring the lines between art and life.
6. “Canal St.” ft. Bones (At. Long. Last. ASAP, 2015)
Canal Street in Lower Manhattan is famous, or perhaps infamous, for attracting tourists with its array of counterfeit designer goods. Just as the street is popular, so too is this track in A$AP Rocky’s impressive discography. “Canal St.” is known for its memorable and quotable lyrics, including the assertive lines, “F— Jiggy, I’m flawless, f— pretty, I’m gorgeous.” Featured on his 2015 album At. Long. Last. ASAP, the song achieved platinum certification in January, solidifying its place as a fan favorite.
5. “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” (At. Long. Last. ASAP, 2015)
This high-energy track serves as a sequel to another popular A$AP Rocky song, “Pretty Flacko.” The moniker “Flacko” originates from the Spanish word “flaco,” meaning thin, a nod to his slender physique. In “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2,” Rocky exudes confidence, boasting about his distinctive looks and unparalleled style. He delivers lines like, “Always been a stand-up guy, I’d rather stand out,” reinforcing his commitment to individuality and originality. The song’s infectious beat and self-assured lyrics have propelled it to double platinum status.
4. “Peso” (Live. Love. ASAP, 2011)
A$AP Rocky’s confidence is a key element of his persona, and “Peso” is a prime example of him verbalizing this self-assurance. The song opens with the iconic line, “I be that pretty muthaf—–, Harlem’s what I’m repping,” immediately establishing his swagger and hometown pride. “Peso” was featured on his breakthrough mixtape Live. Love. ASAP and served as his lead single, introducing him to a wider audience. In January, the song earned platinum certification from the RIAA, marking an early milestone in his career.
3. “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” ft. Skepta (Testing, 2018)
“Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” represents the third collaboration between the Harlem-based rapper and UK grime artist Skepta, following their previous work on “Put That on My Set” (2016) and “Ghost Ride” (2017). The visually striking music video was filmed in both Harlem and London, celebrating the rappers’ respective hometowns and cultural backgrounds. This song holds a special significance for A$AP Rocky, evoking a sense of nostalgia. “It takes me back in a place, my childhood or past life that I can’t even explain. It’s nostalgic,” he shared with Complex in a 2018 interview. “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” has achieved triple platinum certification, highlighting its widespread popularity and cultural impact.
2. “L$D” (At. Long. Last. ASAP, 2015)
The creative direction in A$AP Rocky’s music videos is consistently innovative and visually arresting, and “L$D” is a prime example. The video adopts a hallucinatory aesthetic, mirroring the effects of the drug LSD. However, for Rocky, the acronym “L$D” takes on a different meaning within the song, representing “love, sex, dreams.” This track’s artistic ambition was recognized with a nomination for Best Music Video at the 2016 Grammy Awards. “L$D” is now certified three times platinum by the RIAA, demonstrating its lasting appeal and artistic merit.
1. “F—in’ Problems” ft. Drake, Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz (Long. Live. ASAP, 2013)
“F—in’ Problems” was an undeniable anthem of 2013. It was virtually impossible to attend a party that year and not hear this song blasting from the speakers. While featuring heavyweight guest verses from Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky firmly holds his own, proving his star power alongside these established artists. The track earned a nomination for Best Rap Song at the 2014 Grammys and has since reached an impressive seven-times platinum certification by the RIAA. “F—in’ Problems” remains A$AP Rocky’s most commercially successful and enduring hit, solidifying its place as his number one track.
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