A$AP Rocky - Sundress

November 20, 2018 - A$AP Worldwide/Polo Grounds Music/SME

‘Sundress,’ A$AP Rocky’s newest release, is a great song that has little to do with A$AP Rocky. With bars infamous for their lack of continuity, Danger Mouse and A$AP corroborate to nest Rocky’s lyrics deep in the warm groove. Excellent production and a smart sample borrowed from Tame Impala’s ‘Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind’ pay homage and update classic house rock, as Trevor Parker (of Tame Impala) is often inclined to do.

With a single stanza to his name, A$AP opens his mouth about being rich and makes sure to enunciate ‘Crip’ to distract from his inattention to the world around him. If a listener hears “Bloods” or “Crips” and isn’t one and has grown up in a relatively gentrified environment or even one above the poverty line, ears perk up. It’s a chance to feel “in on it.” But it’s a juke to the left. There’s nothing at the heart of the matter. Except making fun of a girl that wants to be with a guy still. And that she used to date a Crip—that's key.

A$AP, despite having nothing to say, loses his footing midway through his only flow. Switching subjects without grace, Mr. Rocky flops with political tenacity between rebuilding an old relationship and then ad hominem-ing the girl who could’ve been “Walking ‘round like [she] lost feelings.” 

Really a wonderful song. Reverbed falsetto doubles up with the straight forward percussion to create some syncopation. Restrained use of organ builds a doleful room of sound. The only problem is A$AP. ⛰️