Harlem’s finest, Rakim Mayers, known to his fans as ASAP Rocky, released one of the best hip-hop albums of the year.

On May 26, Mayers released his second album on iTunes. Although it is only his second album released, it surely is the best. This album includes the hit singles, “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2),” “Everyday,” “Jukebox Joints,” and “Electric Body.” These songs along with the rest on the album show a new side of the artist, taking both a different and new step in hip-hop.

Mayers uses a variation of different voices in almost all of his songs. Not many hip-hop artists have done this, and certainly not like Mayers did. Bringing in different voices and sounds in one song creates a very unique tune. He uses this technique in more than half of his songs. This is what makes his album different from the rest, and what makes it so popular.

Former member of the ASAP Mob (which Mayers is apart of), and one of Mayer’s closest friends, ASAP Yams, passed away in the middle of the making A.L.LA. This being a major setback to the hype of getting A.L.LA out there, some may feel that a part of this album is a tribute out to him. According to Mayer’s, “Everything with Yams was collaborative.” This is another reason for the artist to collaborate with many different artists in his album. With this upsetting event, this also shows how the artist did not give up on his music or his album, but used it to tribute him, and finish what his dear friend and him had started.

A.L.LA. is a follow up to Mayer’s first album sold, “Long. Live. ASAP.” Even though this is a follow up, every song on it is different in its own way. Mayers uses a contrast of sounds and shows off his talent for writing poetry and turning it into music. In an interview Mayers said, “When Yams died, psychedelic music healed me.” His hazy, and laid back aesthetic is shown lucidly in a couple of his songs. His songs are him, and this is what makes the album so great. The single “Everyday” exploits this style. Another interesting factor in Mayers music is women. Mayers openingly tells that he is inspired by women while writing his music. He said, “I’m passionate about women. I look for ways to manifest that into my music. If they don’t get the message, then I’ll make something special for them.” Mayers is definitely a charmer, romantically and musically.  

Along with a ‘chill’ feel to the album, also comes an energetic one. The single “Electric Body” is the number one sold song on iTunes from A.L.L.A. This song makes your body feel electric by using great instrumentals and lyrics that literally tell you to get up and dance. Teens in today’s society love nothing more than music that is going to make them dance and get their adrenaline going. That is what Mayers gave them in this song.

Rakim Mayers, or ASAP Rocky’s new album, “At. Long. Last. ASAP,” is a must to listen to. With the contrast of sound and different collaborations of vocals, A.L.L.A is a representation of the artist, that is both poetic and intriguing.