What to make of Asher Roth? The preppy white Pennsylvanian rapper has always seemed so easy to dismiss. So similar in style and content to a young Eminem, so comfortable with his marketing, so enthusiastic in his wearing of Docksides. But here, in the song “Toni Braxton,” from his mixtape, Seared Foie Gras With Quince and Cranberry, he’s found a beat that fits him just right-the bit of Willie Mitchell’s “Groovin’” that RZA looped up to make GZA’s “Liquid Swords” way back in, Jesus, 1995-and he does his thing very well. The cartoon video’s fun to watch, too. Is there a future here?
Writer for
I grew up in New Jersey. I live in New York. I write for the Awl, and also a book called Public Apology, for Grand Central Publishing.