[rating=8.00]
While most of the hip-hop world’s focus centers around the Pusha T-Drake beef, in case you missed it A$AP Rocky released a very personal and groundbreaking album Testing on 5/26. Testing is Rocky’s third studio album, but this one’s significance may be greater than either of his previous releases. This is the first album release since one of his close friends and group member A$AP Yams’ tragic death. Still channeling the emotions from that, Rocky expressed in some of his emotions on this album.
Although the album has received a greater share of criticism thus far we can all agree that the timing of the release is probably what’s hurting it’s perception the most. But, it’s obviously out of anyone’s control when an unprecedented rap beef between two top MC’s will take place. If you can put that aside, and actually take in “Testing,” you may actually be slightly impressed.
Rocky explored deep into what he wanted to accomplish with his new album in terms of sound and trying new things. He proclaimed that perhaps too many artists in today’s music maintain their sound because there is no risk of that: it’s the easy thing to do. Knowing that prior to listening to this album is more than significant before making premature judgment.
There are a few tracks that resonated with us whether good or bad, but it wouldn’t be fair not to begin with the track “A$AP Forever.” Approaching the release of Testing, this is the main single everyone knew would be on it. Incorporating a Moby sample instilled a nostalgic vibe to it and helps add to the quality of the track itself.
https://youtu.be/BNzc6hG3yN4
Not that it’s eerie to hear a distinct rock sound on a Rocky track, but “Kids Turned Out Fine,” elevated Rocky’s attempt for a different sound to a new level. In comparison to Frank Ocean’s attempt with “Ivy” from his 2016 album Blonde, it almost sounds like an alternative rock song. Coincidentally, Ocean is featured later on the album. Anyway, the chorus for “Kids Turned Out Fine” begins with what is seemingly a homage to Cyndi Lauper. “The girls just want fun, the boys, we make noise, the girls kiss the girls, I, thank God, ahh, the kids will be alright, just fine.” In hindsight, it means letting kids be kids. They want to fool around and have fun. There may be some rough patches along the way, but they’ll be alright.
One of the most talked-about tracks on the project is “Purity,” which as mentioned earlier features Frank Ocean. It’s always a joy to hear Ocean rap. On his previous album, you seemed to really experiment with that and seems to enjoy it on this collaboration with Rocky as well. “Spendin’ time spinnin’ out toward, a desire that wasn’t pure.” Always good to hear Ocean reminiscing on a track at a time when he felt he was wasting time. “Brain on drugs, I still ain’t got no piece of mind.” Which is one of the main lyrics that fails to escape my mind from this song. We all know people who use drugs/alcohol to escape from their troubles, yet can’t seem to reach peace. It’s not always the cure. Ocean delivers again with painting the picture with his lyrics.
Then, you add a Lauren Hill sample from “I Gotta Find Peace of Mind,” and you have a masterpiece. What you get now, is a combination of Hill’s uneasiness, Ocean’s skepticism, and Rocky’s grief and you’ve got a song addressing issues either within’ themselves or in the world we live in.
Nonetheless, out of the 15 tracks on the album, there is only one skippable track: “Tony Tone” is just kind of a dull song with not much of a beat to it, not much of a message. On top of that, it’s only a little over three minutes. Other than that, you’ve gotta love the 90’s hip-hop sound Rocky integrated on “Hun43rd,” and the creative production on “Changes.”
Typical hip-hop fans will all agree that “Live.Love.A$AP ” is still the most prolific and quality album the MOB has released to date, but Testing showcases the creative and the technical lyricism Rocky has the potential to show from time to time. It may not be the best album out, but it can’t be overlooked since it’s still a superior album overall.
