Up-and-coming Harlem rapper ASAP Rocky is a self-professed “pretty motherfucker” whose tracks are languorous drug anthems. The backing beat on “Get High,” which features fellow Harlem denizen Dee Ferg, sounds like the musical equivalent of a pretty drunk girl slurring that she, like, looooves you. That seems to be the general tone of most of his tracks, as on the Clams Casino-produced “Wassup.” Although not a lot is known about this guy, if he’s got Clams Casino on his side, who also produces similarly dreamy beats for the likes of Soulja Boy, Havoc from Mobb Deep, and, most famously, Lil B, he’ll be snapped up by the conceptual-rap-loving set in no time.

ASAP Rocky’s new EP-length mixtape, Deep Purple, is definitely worth a listen or eight. He’s like a less romantic Frank Ocean at times, like when he says “I don’t care about your nails, your new hairdo, your lipstick.” Harsh! The musicality of this mixtape, including how his smooth, gruff vocals interact with the lava-lamp-and-bongs tone of the beats, is more important here than his lyrics. This jury’s still out on ASAP Rocky until I find out a little bit more about him (there’s virtually no information about this guy out there except where he’s from) and hear some more of his work. A not-so-secret part of me is hoping rap’s new namesake of a certain famous boxer finds some way to include his heritage in at least one track – a chopped and screwed sample of Rocky braying “Aaaadriaaaaan,” perhaps?

- Pukelear Reactor