TESTING, the album released by A$AP Rocky in 2018 contains what the name implies, experimental and personal songs compiled during a particularly decisive moment in Rocky’s career.
Having not released a studio album since 2015’s critically acclaimed “AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP”. Rocky’s name had since fallen out of the shine at top of the “Who is who” list in Hip-Hop. The world eagerly awaited the next release from the Harlem native who had garnered initial underground success in the late 2000s and early 2010’s, but had turned it commercial with major collaborations with some of the games best (Drake, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar).
TESTING did not receive the same level of critical acclaim that Rocky’s last 2 projects had, but it did prove that he was still capable of releasing hit songs, which is what the first third of the album is clearly catered towards. In particular, “Praise The Lord (Da Shine)” did quite well commercially. It featured U.K. artist Skepta, who helped bolster the over-seas numbers for a primarily American artist.
The song debuted at 45 in the US Billboard, while it peaked at 19 in the U.K. Singles chart.
It is key to mention the lack of songs slated for numbers in the back 2/3s of the album. It is evident that this batch of songs were the true experiments, as they were not in the same genre as the first third of the album. Sure, there are elements of hip-hop and plenty of rapping on these experimental songs. But it moves away from what is typically expected out of the trap sound that Rocky had made waves with initially.
One particular standout for me on the second grouping of songs is Brotha Man.
This song was actually one of my LEAST favorites when the album released in 2018, but has since turned into one of my favorites. It is a far-cry from what you would associate with Rocky’s “genre” over his career.
Rocky has 4 or 5 different voices in this song which is interesting, pitched up and down singing, quick rapping, ballad notes. It is an interesting song that hits a nostalgic note for me. This album has grown on me over time, in particular this song.
The final third of the album contains more experimental sounds that deviate away from trap, albeit at a slightly slower pace.
On “Changes” Rocky battles with the constant flow of life, relationships that he felt he did a proper job of concluding(Whether right or not), and being accepting of what is coming.
Rocky has dealt with loss constantly throughout his album rollouts, his sister died during the rollout of TESTING, he lost A$AP Mob founder A$AP Yams during the release of “AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP”. And finally, his father right before the release of his debut mixtape “Live.Love.A$AP”.
“Purity” address’ these topics, talking about gaining a clear headspace while referencing not speaking with his sister in weeks in the back half of the song.
This song was written before the death of his sister, so his words ring out almost hopeless as he tries to collect what he has lost before he even knows it.
“….I lose someone every release…I share with you my peace…” hits even harder at the tail end of his final verse, as he accepts that this could be his curse.
Overall, this album has grown on me heavily since my Senior year of high school when it released, and would suggest listening to it again if you didn’t like it the first time around. In particular, the back 2/3rds of the album with the songs moving away from trap are particular standouts. “Changes” and “Purity” are songs that are particularly touching in moments in which you are going through change yourself.