Photo: Jerritt Clark / Getty Images
  /  05.25.2018

A$AP Rocky’s approach to music, for the better of the past seven years, has been to suck up every conceivable influence in front of him and to incorporate it into his brand. That’s not to say that he bites anything — he subtly acknowledges its existence, puts his own unique spin on it, and then it’s gifted to the masses. But he’s also capable of charging boldly into new territory with his battering ram, ready to take siege of a new castle of influence. He creates an interesting dichotomy of repurposing and innovating. There’s no one out like him in the game, and quite possibly, there never will be another.

Since his debut project LiveLoveA$AP, Rocky has been trying on different hats. The sixteen-track palette of worldly sounds painted Rocky as a man of eccentric tastes, of no introductions and existing in between the lines of New York rap. His debut album LongLiveA$AP was a broader, more-expensive version of the same thing, a number of flows over an ever-expansive palette of producers with enough weirdness to make Rocky look like Boy George. It culminated in a posse cut that featured Rocky attempting to hold his own against human-tornado Yelawolf, intellectual Joey Bada$$, and a couple of other guys whose lyrical capabilities far surpass Harlem’s own. Realizing that out-rapping the competition wasn’t a strongpoint of his, his next album, AtLongLastA$AP, further stretched the boundaries of his flows, incorporated some LSD-infused singing, and featured production that grew bigger, weirder, and more obnoxious, in a good way. As if to say “HEY! YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THIS BEFORE!” Some lukewarm reception painted this as his most unfiltered project yet, more focused on eccentricity than musicality.

TESTING is the first project to break the No$pacesName rule that Rocky placed upon himself, and maybe that’s saying something. He’s no longer burdened with trying to be the weirdest, most creative guy in the room— that much is now understood. Now, he’s in a new space. At nearly 30 years old, Rocky’s experimenting for the hell of it. He’s testing the waters, different than what he’s done before. That much is for sure when you fire it up and hear the overly garish bass of “Distorted Records,” that is, well, you know, distorted. I recoiled because of its explosiveness, making me take my Powerbeats 3s (I promise you, this is not an elaborate advertisement for Apple) out of my ears in disgust. Sneakily, Rocky comes from the underbrush, largely as a companion to the production instead of in front of it. The quieter change in his vocals is nice. As past work has proven, we come for his creative production and song stylings, seldom do we stay for the bars. If you purchased the album to hear Rocky spit lyrical sonnets, you deserve to be disappointed.

“A$AP Forever” is the second cut on the album, but feels like the introduction we’d expect from a Rocky tape. It invokes the grand opening and anticipation of “Palace” from LiveLoveA$AP but this time, T.I. opens it up telling us about Rocky’s individuality. If your heart starts to sink thinking that Rocky has resorted to showing us his uniqueness and not telling us, you’ll be happily surprised to hear the new rendition of the lead single, with Kid Cudi on it. A nice inclusion, indeed. Halfway through, the production changes, like the second half of boss menu music at the end of a dungeon in Final Fantasy X.

There’s so many sounds here , too many to isolate and identify. The ethereal sound of “F**k Sleep” sends chills up to the spine to the medulla oblongata . “Calldrops” plays with the concept of a “feature” and has a cellphone-recorded verse from an incarcerated Kodak Black, all while Rocky gently sings in the back. “Brotha Man” flourishes, opening up like a blooming flower, the soulful elegance blending with Rocky’s pitch-finicky goodness. Stand-out “Kids Turned Out Fine” features Rocky (who may suddenly have a promising career as an aspiring R&B artist in the vein of The Weeknd) singing and warbling in ethereal bliss, like a drug trip going South.

So much of it is weirder than weird — not just because of Rocky’s abilities, but because of how throughout the course of the album, Rocky seemingly melts into the background. TESTING chronicles his journey to transfix us with the beats, all the while lending his voice to add to the production like the addition of drums to a concert band. Since he isn’t a lyrical powerhouse, it’s time to focus on the ensemble experience.

“Purity” is one of the most interesting cuts on the LP, chiefly because of Frank Ocean’s powerhouse rap performance. In one sitting, Frank eviscerates Rocky own his own album — if you’re looking at it from a pure rap perspective. But Rocky wisely sidesteps coming to this conclusion by taking the back burner, letting Frank have the center stage.

For fans of lyricism, the album will be a disappointment. It’s not concerned with packing powerful punchlines or providing snarky social and political commentary (aside from a sexual harassment line that seems a little insensitive). The bread and butter, or “Gunz N Butter,” comes in the overall meaning, the oddball aesthetic that Rocky has cultivated so carefully. He’s always been a tester; now he’s changing the parameters of what’s being changed. The variable this time is the level of his vocal participation, choosing to alter the production more so than the vocals. It makes the video for “A$AP Forever” make sense in a self-aware sort of way — as Rocky stands on a street, the camera continuously makes vertical circles around him, with him remaining a constant in frame.

If you’ve followed Rocky since the beginning of his career, there should be no surprise about the direction of the album. He’s always been a big picture guy — you can literally hear how much time he put into crafting multiple elements of a song. With that being said, extended periods of creativity do have caveats. It becomes harder to innovate, draw inspiration from new sounds, even to fight Father Time as you become older and more linear while younger artists, many of whom you’ve inspired, produce more original stuff than you could ever imagine. That’s how a name like TESTING became an actual album title — those creative juices could be waning. Or, he just likes to throw the obvious in our faces.

This is our latest iteration of Rocky and his evolving sound. He’s sinking into the background and, whether you like it or not, it’s damn clever. Think about that before you chastise TESTING and think of it as a soundtrack to growing older and wiser. If you do that, you’ll think it’s the most brilliant thing on the planet. But if you compare it to the lyrically dense work of Pusha T’s Daytona, you’ll think it’s subpar. If you do that, you’re missing the point of testing. There’s a reason why crash dummies were featured so heavily in the album’s marketing. Someone has to crash so others can be safe. Rocky’s latest is for the innovators who’ve dreamed of dismantling rap’s mainstays and establishing their own. It should be appreciated as such.


More from Trey Alston:

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

Walmart has the home essentials for everyone on your holiday shopping list

Below, our gift guide highlights some of our favorite Walmart finds for anyone in need of a home refresh.

  /  11.24.2023

5 things you need to know about the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

“REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy Rue counts down the top five moments from the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, including surprising wins, historic firsts, and dope performances. Sponsored by Amazon.

  /  11.20.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicks off at Central State University

On Oct. 10, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University.

  /  11.14.2023

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour visited Mississippi Valley State University

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour made its final stop at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and left a lasting impact on students and alumni alike.

  /  11.22.2023

Walmart continues HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour during lively Virginia State University stop

After unveiling their state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University, Walmart brought the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to Virginia State University (VSU) on Oct. 13.

  /  11.14.2023

Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour brings attention and wisdom to North Carolina Central University

On Oct. 17, Walmart brought the third stop of the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

  /  11.15.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicked off at Central State University

In October, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University. The HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH was the first stop on Walmart’s Black and Unlimited HBCU Tour.

  /  11.28.2023

Dig In & Drink Up | 'Bet on Black'

In this new episode of ‘Bet on Black,’ food and beverage take center stage as aspiring Black entrepreneurs from It’s Seasoned, Black Farmer Box, and Moors Brewing Co. present their business ideas to judges with mentorship from Melissa Butler. Watch here!

  /  11.15.2023

The Auditions | 'Shoot Your Shot'

The competition begins at REVOLT WORLD as rising rappers, singers, and musicians line up to audition for their spot on the main stage. Brought to you by McDonald’s.

  /  11.28.2023

Groovey Lew on hip hop style, Johnell Young's industry secrets, BGS salon's wig mastery and more | 'Black Girl Stuff'

Fashion King Groovey Lew on masterminding hip-hop’s most iconic looks. Actor Johnell Young reveals the secret to breaking into the entertainment industry. Celebrity hairstylist Dontay Savoy and got2B ambassador Tokyo Stylez are in the BGS Salon with the perfect wig install. Plus, comedian Lauren Knight performs.

  /  11.15.2023

Walmart brings in heavy-hitters for Black and Unlimited Tour panel

REVOLT is continuing its impactful partnership with Walmart by teaming up to showcase Black creatives at HBCUs all-across America. The panel consisted of three experienced, accomplished Black HBCU alumni: Actor and media personality Terrence J, entertainment attorney John T. Rose, and actress and “REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy-Rue McCullough.

  /  11.30.2023

Pheelz talks expressing himself through music & his biggest inspirations | 'On In 5'

On this all-new episode of “On In 5,” multitalented Nigerian artist Pheelz opens up about waiting for his opportunity to fully express himself through music, his inspirations and emotions, and the musical icons he grew up admiring. Watch!

  /  07.11.2023

Dr. Jaqueline Echols' mission to cure environmental racism

The health of a community can often be traced to the health of the environment that surrounds it. In Atlanta, a woman named Dr. Jaqueline Echols has dedicated her life to helping ensure that people in economically underserved communities have clean rivers – for better health and for the joy of outdoor recreational space.

  /  12.01.2023

Investing in stocks in a recession | 'Maconomics'

Host Ross Mac provides useful advice for preparing your personal finances in the event of a recession. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting properly, building an emergency fund, and maintaining discipline when investing.

  /  11.21.2023

Kareem Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke & networking | 'The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels'

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels,” the host and REVOLT CEO sits down with Kareem Cook. Throughout the introspective episode, Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke and being nervous to be in the South at the time, network vs. education, taking advantage of your opportunities, and connecting with Debbie Allen. Watch!

  /  07.10.2023

Tiffany Haddish on therapy, wild fan interactions & the upcoming 'Haunted Mansion' movie | 'The Jason Lee Show'

On this all-new episode of “The Jason Lee Show,” the one and only Tiffany Haddish sits for a must-watch conversation about wild interactions with fans, her new movie ‘Haunted Mansion,’ bringing her therapist on dates, and being present. Watch the hilarious interview here.

  /  07.12.2023

BNXN talks leaving IT for music, linking with Wizkid, going viral & new album | 'On In 5'

For this all-new episode of “On In 5,” singer-songwriter BNXN discusses his journey from IT to music, finding his voice and originality, linking up with Wizkid for their hits “Mood” and “Many Ways,” and what fans can expect from him this year — including a new album. Watch the full episode here!

  /  08.08.2023

Best chef's kiss | 'Bet on Black'

“Bet on Black” is back with an all-new season! Watch as judges Pinky Cole, Bun B, Van Lathan, and Target’s Melanie Gatewood-Hall meet new contestants and hear pitches from entrepreneurs Saucy D and Chef Diva Dawg.

  /  10.24.2023

Good taste test | 'Bet on Black'

With the help of host Dustin Ross and correspondent Danielle Young, entrepreneurs Diva Dawg, Brooklyn Tea, and The Sable Collective pitch their ideas to the judges. Watch the all-new episode of “Bet on Black” now!

  /  10.31.2023

DDG has his sights set on becoming a fashion hero & talks Halle Bailey being his "best friend"

In this exclusive interview, DDG opens up about his fashion inspiration, what drew him to girlfriend Halle Bailey, dealing with negative opinions about his relationship, and more. Read up!

  /  11.28.2023
View More
Revolt - New Episodes