In case you missed it, 2013 has had a breathtaking first quarter. In the last ninety or so days, I’ve counted no less than 25 very good albums and 13 potential classics.
In case you missed any of them, I’ll be rounding them up over the next few days.
Up first, we’ve got A$AP Rocky’s triumphant major label debut.
A$AP Rocky
Long.Live.A$AP
January 15th, RCA
Proving he’s more than a Pretty Muthafucka, the Harlem MC quashed all notions that he was just a flash in a pan with his brilliant sophomore full-length. He’s always been a fantastic cultural curator with an ear for dope beats, but Rocky shows impressive versatility and lyrical nous, here.
I’d recommend steering clear of the 16-track deluxe album, as it makes the whole thing feel a bit labored. That said, the original is a dizzyingly fun ride that is simultaneously versatile and cohesive. Rocky does a nice job of including but not overdoing it on high-profile guests (Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Schoolboy Q) and superstar producers (Clams Casino, Hit-Boy), which results in an album that feels collaborative, yet exclusively Rocky.
Hottest Jams: “Fuckin’ Problems” (f/ Drake, Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz), “PMW (All I Really Need)” (f/ Schoolboy Q), LVL
Rating: 4 penguins out of 5
