A$AP Rocky talks Harlem roots and New Album with XXL

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

New York City is enjoying a renaissance on many levels, with the New York Knicks home to several all-stars and up-and-coming rappers from New York City rising to fame. Aside from those newcomers from hip hop’s birthplace, The Bronx, French Montana and Fred the Godson, Harlem has proven to be the breeding group for New York City’s up-and-comers.

Harlem is producing many of the hottest newcomers in the game, with Azealia Banks, 9 Milly, and A$AP Rocky, the leader of the A$AP Mob. Rocky has had hip hop in his DNA since day one, as his mother named him after Rakim. Out of all the buzzing rappers in New York City, A$AP Rocky is on top, with the exception of French Montana.

XXL caught up with A$AP Rocky, catching up with him before he took the stage at Coachella 2012, in Los Angeles. During their conversation, A$AP Rocky discussed the influence of Dipset and Ma$e on his own career, saying he inspired the “$” in his name. Rocky also credited Jim Jones to helping him get established, bringing him out to Best Buy Theater back in September.

But, when A$AP Rocky was asked about his LongLiveA$AP debut album, he was scarce about the details.