Same Problems? by A$AP Rocky | Track Review

Previewing the presumed lead single to Rocky’s follow up to Testing

It’s been five years since A$AP Rocky’s last album Testing. That seems absurd — five years ago now. Has his moment passed since taking the early 2010’s by storm, or is he right on time with the presumed release of his next album? Much like his love interest Rihanna, we’re chomping at the bit for new music and that wish seems to be finally granted with “Same Problems?”

The songs features a subtle jazz influence with a quiet yet funky bass line. As revealed through the credits, this likely comes from Thundercat’s influence. Tyler, The Creator, Lil’ Yachty, and Miguel also have production credits on this track. This is quite the collection of production credits and excites me for the potential album as it doesn’t feel like a one off type of production. Perhaps the most surprising element of the song is its style.

Speaking with Paul K. Barnes, he mentioned a maturity of style and I have to agree. The glitz and glamour of the braggadocious New York rap that was so successful in the early 2010’s seems to have left the spotlight, its only pulse in the mainstream being the emergence of Ice Spice (if you aren’t put off by the likes of Joey Bada$$ & more). That music, while it has a special place in my heart since that was one of the first rappers and styles I fell in love with, seems to have had its moment. What does the new A$AP Rocky hold?

We could speculate, but why should we? Rocky has talked about the pressure, and ultimately the disappointment of releasing an album that wasn’t always well received in Testing. Placing the lofty expectations on unreleased art can often lead them to be unfulfilled. We should do Rocky a favor and just wait for him to release the music and enjoy it as such. It’s been a long time, it’ll be worth it.