A$AP Rocky
Swagtastic newcomer/reformed homophobe and hip-hop’s one and only “pretty motherfucker”, A$AP Rocky burst onto the scene alongside the rest of his Harlem-based crew after generating heavy internet buzz for YouTube hits “Peso” and “Purple Swag.” And the October release of his debut mixtape, coupled with a $3 million RCA/Polo Grounds record deal, meant his buzz only continued to grow. Lauded for his ability to flow effortlessly over trippy, experimental beats, Rocky absolutely killed it on his first release, LiveLoveA$AP, coming in high on many year-end “best of” lists. The accolades continue to roll in as smoothly as his lyrical style with a nomination for BBC’s “Sound of 2012” poll and additional praise for his collaborations with fellow Pitchfork performers Clams Casino and AraabMuzik. So what’s next? A new record LongLiveA$AP (which already ranks as one of our most anticipated releases of the summer), opening gigs for Drake’s Club Paradise tour and, of course, an appearance at Pitchfork Music Festival. Trill. (Friday, 5:30-6:25, Red Stage) –text: Christi Warren
