Flamboyance is a Harlem tradition, particularly in the world of Cam’ron (and his crew, the Diplomats), who ASAP Rocky grew up admiring. Born Rakim Mayers — named after the iconic rapper of the late 1980s — ASAP Rocky grew up primarily in Harlem. When he was 12 his father went to jail in connection with selling drugs. A year later an older brother he looked up to was killed in Harlem. For a time he lived in a shelter with his mother. A couple of years ago he moved both of them to Elmwood Park, N.J. “I needed peace of mind to be creative, I needed peace of mind because I was getting street money and I didn’t want anybody trying to stick my family up,” he said.
He still returns to Harlem regularly, though, and he is still a New York rapper, albeit a new breed. Classic New York formalism, the style practically invented by ASAP Rocky’s namesake, is a dying language, on the verge of extinction. Given that, it makes sense that the next New York rapper to experience widespread success would leave that sound behind.
This is true despite the fact that it is the best time in years to be a young New York rapper. Talent is abundant, from Fred the Godson to French Montana to Action Bronson to eXquire. But each of these rappers is immediately identifiable as part of the New York rap lineage. Only ASAP Rocky can’t be placed.
It’s worth remembering that great New York rappers have borrowed from the South (and elsewhere) for years, whether it was Biggie Smalls’s bouncier flows, Jay-Z lifting lines from Bun B of UGK, Cam’ron remaking the New Orleans anthem’s “I’m Bout It, Bout It,” or more. Now comes ASAP Rocky, mindful of that past, and also moving beyond it, and slowly showing New York its future.
He’s made a mark at a handful of small New York shows in recent months: at the Alife Rivington store, at a party for the label Fool’s Gold, at a Diplomats concert where he emerged to perform “Peso.”
“It bring a tear to my eye to see native New York people give me my props because New York is stubborn and arrogant,” ASAP Rocky said.
On Saturday he will perform at the Creators Project, an event sponsored by Vice, alongside Clams Casino, who’s produced several of his best songs; next week he’ll perform as part of the annual CMJ festival.
Last month ASAP Rocky made a surprise appearance at the Versace party during Fashion Week. He was brought out by the superstar Drake, who was DJing the party, and who will take ASAP Rocky on tour with him this fall. Later that night Drake was in a small V.I.P. area at the rear of Santos Party House near Chinatown, looking on intently as ASAP Rocky, several ASAP members and dozens of friends of friends crowded the small stage.
It was rowdy and ASAP Rocky was clearly irked, but managed to remain calm, at one point spilling Cristal onto the crowd and telling them, “That’s Jesus juice.”
After about 10 minutes he asked for the crowd’s attention: “If you a pretty girl with heels on, you might want to get to the back for this one.” The light, airy intro to “Peso” boomed through the speakers, and within seconds the room was mayhem. It was an undeniably New York moment.
He still returns to Harlem regularly, though, and he is still a New York rapper, albeit a new breed. Classic New York formalism, the style practically invented by ASAP Rocky’s namesake, is a dying language, on the verge of extinction. Given that, it makes sense that the next New York rapper to experience widespread success would leave that sound behind.
This is true despite the fact that it is the best time in years to be a young New York rapper. Talent is abundant, from Fred the Godson to French Montana to Action Bronson to eXquire. But each of these rappers is immediately identifiable as part of the New York rap lineage. Only ASAP Rocky can’t be placed.
It’s worth remembering that great New York rappers have borrowed from the South (and elsewhere) for years, whether it was Biggie Smalls’s bouncier flows, Jay-Z lifting lines from Bun B of UGK, Cam’ron remaking the New Orleans anthem’s “I’m Bout It, Bout It,” or more. Now comes ASAP Rocky, mindful of that past, and also moving beyond it, and slowly showing New York its future.
He’s made a mark at a handful of small New York shows in recent months: at the Alife Rivington store, at a party for the label Fool’s Gold, at a Diplomats concert where he emerged to perform “Peso.”
“It bring a tear to my eye to see native New York people give me my props because New York is stubborn and arrogant,” ASAP Rocky said.
On Saturday he will perform at the Creators Project, an event sponsored by Vice, alongside Clams Casino, who’s produced several of his best songs; next week he’ll perform as part of the annual CMJ festival.
Last month ASAP Rocky made a surprise appearance at the Versace party during Fashion Week. He was brought out by the superstar Drake, who was DJing the party, and who will take ASAP Rocky on tour with him this fall. Later that night Drake was in a small V.I.P. area at the rear of Santos Party House near Chinatown, looking on intently as ASAP Rocky, several ASAP members and dozens of friends of friends crowded the small stage.
It was rowdy and ASAP Rocky was clearly irked, but managed to remain calm, at one point spilling Cristal onto the crowd and telling them, “That’s Jesus juice.”
After about 10 minutes he asked for the crowd’s attention: “If you a pretty girl with heels on, you might want to get to the back for this one.” The light, airy intro to “Peso” boomed through the speakers, and within seconds the room was mayhem. It was an undeniably New York moment.
Last edited:
