As we all know by now, A$AP Rocky is prepping the release his second studio album. With a the date quickly approaching, he becomes the latest cover slot of Complex’s April/May issue. During the sit-down, he shares his thoughts on being in the spotlight, rushing his debut LP, being inspired by Danger Mouse and much more.
You’ve been away from the spotlight a little bit. Was that a conscious decision?
Yeah. I needed time to master my craft. You don’t rush art, and I don’t think you quickly produce fine art. You take your time. That’s not an excuse, or me trying to justify [any delays], that’s truly what I believe. I took time off and learned how to act, learned how to make beats and do production.
How has the making of the music changed, then?
This is more free than I’ve ever been. I’ve never been this free making music, ever. I’m experimenting, listening, and looking for different sounds.
Looking back at Long Live A$AP, are there any regrets?
Yeah. I’ve got that cliché thing where I hate my biggest songs.
I remember Yams saying he didn’t like “Wild for the Night.” Would you ever make another song like that?
There’s no need to.
No? What other flaws did you see in the last album?
That album was rushed.
By whom?
Me.
Why?
I felt like I had to prove certain things that don’t matter. [That] I was capable of hit singles and platinum records. That’s not what I was ever after. That’s something that you just hope for.
In the three years since we last spoke, what has changed most about you?
I’ve matured. I’m 26. I view life way different. [Pauses.] A little more different. And I don’t give a fuck, still.
How do you view life differently?
I don’t take people for granted no more. Nobody’s promised tomorrow. I cherish everybody while they’re here right now.
Is that something that you didn’t do before?
Sometimes. I was oblivious. I did that by default. I was always away and getting caught up in my own life.
One of the new songs starts out: “Gentrification split the nation I was raised in.” It’s one of the more politically conscious things you’ve written. What do you see when you look at the state of America right now?
It’s fucked up. That’s all it is. Cops killing people, people killing cops. It’s all fucked up. I think it’ll all change soon. I think people with a badge—or not—are gonna stop abusing authority across the world, and learn to appreciate one another. For real. [Smiles.] All they need is weed, some love, some good sex, some good-ass music. I’m talking about a night with something exotic. I’m talking a night with like an African-Moroccan-half-Swedish-quarter-Italian-part-French-Parisian. Mhmm. But she got the African booty, though! She got caramel skin, but you can tell that like, she got a little bit of vanilla in her, though. You feel me? [Laughs.]
Read the entire cover story here.
