REVIEW

A$AP Rocky is impressive on debut album

By AP's Jonathan Landrum Jr.

[January 15, 2013]  (AP) -- A$AP Rocky, "Long.Live.A$AP" (RCA Records)

Rapper A$AP Rocky meshes his laid-back lyrical persona with a melodic sound, delivering an impressive piece of work with just a few flaws on his debut album, "Long.Live.A$AP."

Much of the 12-track set is an easy listen with solid production from Jim Jonsin, Hit-Boy, T-Minus and Clams Casino. The 24-year-old, who hails from Harlem, N.Y., raps with abstract rhymes and metaphors that are easy to grasp on songs like "Goldie" and "Phoenix." He shows an abundant amount of bravado on "LVL," declaring his emergence as hip-hop's next big star. And he holds his own on the catchy hit, "(Expletive) Problems," which features Drake, Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz. The only thing missing from "Long.Live.A$AP" is a theme or story line to help us learn more about A$AP Rocky and what he stands for as an artist.

[Associated Press; By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.]

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